AI News

In early 2023, Apple acquired Canadian AI startup DarwinAI, its 33rd AI acquisition, to enhance local device processing. Co-founder Alexander Wong joined Apple’s AI department post-acquisition. Despite share volatility, Apple outpaces rivals with 32 AI firms acquired. Upcoming features in iOS 18 may include generative AI tools.

In 2024, Apple will advance generative AI with its multimodal large language models (LLMs), highlighted in the paper "MM1." The MM1-30B-Chat model demonstrates exceptional capabilities in image analysis and reasoning. Apple's research emphasizes efficient multimodal training, aiming to enhance AI functionalities while reducing cloud reliance.

The term "new quality productivity" was highlighted in China's 2024 Two Sessions, emphasizing the need for advanced productivity models and a modern industrial system driven by AI. The launch of the Sparky 1 humanoid robot by Daimeng Robotics showcases breakthroughs with multimodal integration and human-like dexterity, promoting effective data collection and learning while enhancing Hong Kong's role in innovation and productivity growth.

OpenAI's Sora, an AI model for generating videos from text, sparked global tech excitement. In China, HiDream.ai, launched in March 2023, rapidly advanced in multi-modal AI, releasing its flagship model with over 10 billion parameters. Their platforms, Pixeling千象 and E象, focus on content creation for designers and e-commerce, promising transformative AI solutions in video and image generation.

OpenAI is hosting promotional events in Hollywood to showcase its new AI text-to-video model, Sora. Aiming at film studios and media executives, this initiative could significantly impact Hollywood's evolution and the global film industry.

Concerns are rising about the future of math education amid AI advancements. The UC system mandates Algebra II for admissions, rejecting data science as a substitute, to ensure students have essential math skills. Industry leaders advocate for a strong math foundation to prepare students for STEM careers, highlighting its importance in AI innovation and addressing educational disparities.

The GTC 2024 conference highlighted NVIDIA's advancements in high-performance AI networks, focusing on GPU efficiency, data center optimization, and innovative solutions like Infiniband and Spectrum-X. OpenAI emphasized integrating AI in businesses and customizing models for enhanced efficiency. Siemens showcased intelligent robotics and the industrial metaverse for personalized manufacturing, promoting collaboration with NVIDIA.

On March 15, a group introduced AIM, China’s first official AI director, debuting her role as an assistant director. A preview of a variety program featuring AIM followed on March 17, showcasing AI's innovative impact on production, according to producer Hong Xiao.

The Hong Kong Institute of Innovation Research launched CARES Copilot 1.0, an AI multimodal model for the medical sector, enhancing surgical data processing. Keynotes emphasized AI's role in empowering healthcare professionals and improving patient safety, especially in neuroscience.

The cultural media sector, driven by gaming and AI innovations, has seen consecutive growth, with gaming stocks soaring due to increased exports and new approvals. Advances in AIGC and VR/AR/XR technologies are streamlining production, while companies explore AI-generated content, enhancing efficiency and market potential.

Sora's "one-sentence video generation" sparks concerns about AI's impact on human creativity and content creation. Experts discuss AIGC's advantages, limitations, and ethical issues, emphasizing its potential to transform industries while cautioning against dependency that may stifle innovation. Education must adapt to these changes.

The Kimi concept has spurred a stock market surge, boosting AI-related companies like Huace Film & TV and Haitaisheng Technology. Moonshot AI's Kimi smart assistant enhances productivity with features like long text summarization and code assistance, positioning it for significant impact in the evolving AI sector.

Meta's Llama 3 is emerging as a strong contender in the AI landscape, primarily due to its open-source nature, massive accessibility, and competitive performance. Unlike proprietary models, Llama 3 is completely free and integrated across Meta's platforms, allowing it to gather extensive user data. It operates efficiently on consumer devices, enhancing accessibility. Despite its current limitations in multimodal capabilities and language support, Llama 3 signals a shift in the AI industry, potentially favoring established companies with vast resources over smaller startups.

Microsoft's upcoming OneNote Copilot feature, currently in beta, can read and analyze handwritten notes, summarize them, and create to-do lists. It converts handwriting to editable text, enhancing organization for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Users report impressive accuracy, but effectiveness with difficult handwriting remains to be seen.