You are currently viewing Tech and AI News for the Week of October 20th, 2024

Tech and AI News for the Week of October 20th, 2024

Welcome to this week’s TekTonic newsletter. This week, we explore stories such as significant regulatory developments with rising state AI legislation. Business sectors are evolving with AI-driven onboarding and reduced middle management role predictions. Innovations in robotics, like grain-sized drug-delivery robots and amphibious rescue bots, highlight technological versatility. Meanwhile, debates around AI’s societal impact are intensifying, evidenced by calls for stricter regulations and copyright concerns. Additionally, developments in healthcare, such as AI-designed DNA switches and new medical tools, showcase AI’s potential.

We begin with Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, who has recently denied rumors about the launch of a new AI model slated for December despite the moves by rival Anthropic releasing its latest advancements. The company has introduced new features for its Claude chatbot, enabling it to write and execute JavaScript code.

In a surprising move, OpenAI has disbanded its “AGI Readiness” safety team, raising questions about its approach to managing the potential risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems.

On the consumer front, Apple has unveiled the first developer beta of iOS 18.2, integrating ChatGPT with Siri and introducing Visual Intelligence features.

Looking ahead, Qualcomm‘s CEO, Cristiano Amon, has predicted that AI-powered smartphones will become ubiquitous within the next five years. This forecast comes as Qualcomm recently launched its new Dimensity 9400 chipset, designed to enhance AI performance on mobile devices, signaling a significant shift in how we interact with smartphones.

In creative AI, Stability AI has released the next-generation Stable Diffusion 3.5, an open-source text-to-image model that promises enhanced image generation capabilities. This release is expected to drive innovation in various fields, from digital art to marketing.

Amidst these advancements, concerns about AI’s societal impact remain prominent. Gary Marcus, a renowned NYU AI researcher, has proposed a generative AI boycott to advocate for stricter regulations and address issues like intellectual property theft.

On the regulatory front, an op-ed has highlighted the infiltration of unregulated AI into U.S. nuclear plants, raising alarms about potential security risks in one of the nation’s most critical industries.

In cybersecurity news, a Forbes report has revealed that 55% of employees utilizing AI at work lack training on its associated risks. This gap in knowledge poses significant threats, especially during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which emphasizes the critical need for improved education and awareness programs.

Shifting to technological innovations, MIT has developed a zero-waste design tool to promote more sustainable fashion practices. This tool leverages AI to optimize fabric usage, significantly reducing waste and supporting environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

In other news, Gartner has published its list of the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2025, offering valuable insights for organizations looking to navigate the future tech landscape.

Shifting to Politics and Government, a new report highlights a surge in state AI legislation, potentially mirroring the comprehensive consumer data privacy laws seen in recent years. A US national security memorandum on AI underscores the government’s commitment to regulating this rapidly evolving technology. However, an analysis reveals that none of the major AI models fully meet the EU’s stringent regulatory standards, signaling the need for further compliance efforts.

In the Business sector, generative AI is revolutionizing employee onboarding processes. According to a CNBC report, AI-driven onboarding can efficiently handle hundreds of new hires, streamlining talent acquisition. Furthermore, Gartner predicts that by 2026, 20% of organizations will utilize AI to eliminate half of their middle management positions, indicating a significant shift in organizational structures.

Amidst these trends, there’s the buzz surrounding Elon Musk and his ventures. A viral video claims that Musk and SpaceX are developing a “UFO fighter jet.” While the source remains dubious, the speculation underscores Musk’s influence and the public’s fascination with his projects.

Innovative developments are underway in robotics, with the creation of grain-sized soft robots capable of delivering drugs to the human body. Additionally, MAB Robotic has introduced an amphibious Honey Badger robot dog designed for land and water rescue missions, showcasing modern robotics’s versatility and potentially life-saving applications.

Turning to Media and Entertainment, the rise of synthetic reality is transforming digital media, offering new ways to create and consume content. Meanwhile, a former OpenAI researcher has accused the company of violating copyright laws, sparking debates about intellectual property in AI training. In response to growing concerns, thousands of Hollywood celebrities have signed a petition warning against the unlicensed use of their work to train AI models.

In the healthcare and biotech sector, we learned of new AI-related advancements. Researchers are exploring whether AI can elevate microscopy techniques, while another breakthrough allows AI to design a DNA ‘switch’ that can turn specific genes on and off. Amazon One Medical has also launched AI tools to help doctors focus more on patient care by reducing administrative burdens. The FDA has also released its stance on regulating AI in healthcare, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the challenges in oversight. Complementing these efforts, GE HealthCare has launched an AI Innovation Lab to accelerate advancements in healthcare through artificial intelligence.

In the world of Startups, Mira Murati, a former OpenAI executive, is stepping into the competitive AI landscape with her ventures, attracting significant investment interest. Additionally, Perplexity, an AI search startup, is in talks for a staggering $9 billion valuation, highlighting the robust investor confidence in AI-driven search technologies.

In the New Products arena, Relm has launched an AI-powered home search engine in New York City, changing the real estate market by providing more accurate and personalized property recommendations.

Lastly, in Crypto and Blockchain, Samsung is integrating blockchain technology to enhance the security of its AI-powered home appliances, ensuring data integrity and protection against cyber threats.

That is it. Stay tuned for more news next week. I APPRECIATE ALL THE READERS. Help spread the word. I put these newsletters together so productive humans like you can stay on top of the latest AI stories shaping our world.

If you like these weekly tech news reports, subscribe to get notified of new editions and updates. For daily updates, check out our news page. For a more in-depth analysis of the week’s news, sign up for our free weekly newsletter to the right of the daily news, or follow me on Twitter or YouTube

Welcome to this week’s TekTonic newsletter. This week, we explore stories such as significant regulatory developments with rising state AI legislation. Business sectors are evolving with AI-driven onboarding and reduced middle management role predictions. Innovations in robotics, like grain-sized drug-delivery robots and amphibious rescue bots, highlight technological versatility. Meanwhile, debates around AI’s societal impact are intensifying, evidenced by calls for stricter regulations and copyright concerns. Additionally, developments in healthcare, such as AI-designed DNA switches and new medical tools, showcase AI’s potential.

We begin with Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, who has recently denied rumors about the launch of a new AI model slated for December despite the moves by rival Anthropic releasing its latest advancements. The company has introduced new features for its Claude chatbot, enabling it to write and execute JavaScript code.

In a surprising move, OpenAI has disbanded its “AGI Readiness” safety team, raising questions about its approach to managing the potential risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems.

On the consumer front, Apple has unveiled the first developer beta of iOS 18.2, integrating ChatGPT with Siri and introducing Visual Intelligence features.

Looking ahead, Qualcomm‘s CEO, Cristiano Amon, has predicted that AI-powered smartphones will become ubiquitous within the next five years. This forecast comes as Qualcomm recently launched its new Dimensity 9400 chipset, designed to enhance AI performance on mobile devices, signaling a significant shift in how we interact with smartphones.

In creative AI, Stability AI has released the next-generation Stable Diffusion 3.5, an open-source text-to-image model that promises enhanced image generation capabilities. This release is expected to drive innovation in various fields, from digital art to marketing.

Amidst these advancements, concerns about AI’s societal impact remain prominent. Gary Marcus, a renowned NYU AI researcher, has proposed a generative AI boycott to advocate for stricter regulations and address issues like intellectual property theft.

On the regulatory front, an op-ed has highlighted the infiltration of unregulated AI into U.S. nuclear plants, raising alarms about potential security risks in one of the nation’s most critical industries.

In cybersecurity news, a Forbes report has revealed that 55% of employees utilizing AI at work lack training on its associated risks. This gap in knowledge poses significant threats, especially during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which emphasizes the critical need for improved education and awareness programs.

Shifting to technological innovations, MIT has developed a zero-waste design tool to promote more sustainable fashion practices. This tool leverages AI to optimize fabric usage, significantly reducing waste and supporting environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

In other news, Gartner has published its list of the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2025, offering valuable insights for organizations looking to navigate the future tech landscape.

Shifting to Politics and Government, a new report highlights a surge in state AI legislation, potentially mirroring the comprehensive consumer data privacy laws seen in recent years. A US national security memorandum on AI underscores the government’s commitment to regulating this rapidly evolving technology. However, an analysis reveals that none of the major AI models fully meet the EU’s stringent regulatory standards, signaling the need for further compliance efforts.

In the Business sector, generative AI is revolutionizing employee onboarding processes. According to a CNBC report, AI-driven onboarding can efficiently handle hundreds of new hires, streamlining talent acquisition. Furthermore, Gartner predicts that by 2026, 20% of organizations will utilize AI to eliminate half of their middle management positions, indicating a significant shift in organizational structures.

Amidst these trends, there’s the buzz surrounding Elon Musk and his ventures. A viral video claims that Musk and SpaceX are developing a “UFO fighter jet.” While the source remains dubious, the speculation underscores Musk’s influence and the public’s fascination with his projects.

Innovative developments are underway in robotics, with the creation of grain-sized soft robots capable of delivering drugs to the human body. Additionally, MAB Robotic has introduced an amphibious Honey Badger robot dog designed for land and water rescue missions, showcasing modern robotics’s versatility and potentially life-saving applications.

Turning to Media and Entertainment, the rise of synthetic reality is transforming digital media, offering new ways to create and consume content. Meanwhile, a former OpenAI researcher has accused the company of violating copyright laws, sparking debates about intellectual property in AI training. In response to growing concerns, thousands of Hollywood celebrities have signed a petition warning against the unlicensed use of their work to train AI models.

In the healthcare and biotech sector, we learned of new AI-related advancements. Researchers are exploring whether AI can elevate microscopy techniques, while another breakthrough allows AI to design a DNA ‘switch’ that can turn specific genes on and off. Amazon One Medical has also launched AI tools to help doctors focus more on patient care by reducing administrative burdens. The FDA has also released its stance on regulating AI in healthcare, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the challenges in oversight. Complementing these efforts, GE HealthCare has launched an AI Innovation Lab to accelerate advancements in healthcare through artificial intelligence.

In the world of Startups, Mira Murati, a former OpenAI executive, is stepping into the competitive AI landscape with her ventures, attracting significant investment interest. Additionally, Perplexity, an AI search startup, is in talks for a staggering $9 billion valuation, highlighting the robust investor confidence in AI-driven search technologies.

In the New Products arena, Relm has launched an AI-powered home search engine in New York City, changing the real estate market by providing more accurate and personalized property recommendations.

Lastly, in Crypto and Blockchain, Samsung is integrating blockchain technology to enhance the security of its AI-powered home appliances, ensuring data integrity and protection against cyber threats.

That is it. Stay tuned for more news next week. I APPRECIATE ALL THE READERS. Help spread the word. I put these newsletters together so productive humans like you can stay on top of the latest AI stories shaping our world.

If you like these weekly tech news reports, subscribe to get notified of new editions and updates. For daily updates, check out our news page. For a more in-depth analysis of the week’s news, sign up for our free weekly newsletter to the right of the daily news, or follow me on Twitter or YouTube