AI News

Google DeepMind has unveiled SIMA, an AI agent capable of performing diverse tasks in various 3D gaming environments based on natural language instructions. Trained using human gameplay data across nine games, SIMA showcases versatility and adaptability, though it requires language input for optimal performance. Further research aims to enhance its capabilities for real-world applications.

Google's AI chatbot Gemini will avoid responding to questions about India's national elections due to caution around sensitive topics. This follows similar restrictions for US elections. In contrast, OpenAI's ChatGPT actively provides election information while combating misinformation.

AI startup Cognition has launched "Devin," a fully autonomous AI software engineer capable of managing entire development projects from coding to debugging. While currently in limited access, Devin automates complex tasks and demonstrates significant advancements over existing coding tools, indicating a transformative future for software development.

Raph Koster’s Playable Worlds is developing an MMO that utilizes Didimo’s AI tool, Popul8, to generate 3D characters. This partnership aims to enhance character diversity without replacing artists, empowering players to craft unique identities. Didimo's technology streamlines character creation, driving innovation in gaming.

Midjourney has introduced the “–cref” tag, allowing users to consistently recreate characters across images by referencing previous outputs. This feature aids in maintaining continuity in storytelling and visual narratives, with adjustable strength settings (“–cw”) for character similarity.

Microsoft is advancing its Copilot AI chatbot with the launch of Copilot GPT Builder for Pro subscribers, allowing users to create customized chatbots without technical skills. It includes features for tailoring responses and integrating internal documents, enhancing information retrieval.

Cohere has launched its advanced language model, Command-R, during a fundraising round aiming for up to $1 billion. Targeted at enterprise users, it offers improved performance in key AI tasks and competitive pricing. With over $500 million raised, Cohere seeks to establish itself against giants like OpenAI while focusing on scalable, practical AI solutions.

Kaedim, a startup optimizing 3D asset creation, raised $15 million in Series A funding led by A16z Games. The funds will enhance its AI-powered marketplace of 10,000 assets and support tools for creators. CEO Konstantina Psoma aims to revolutionize 3D content creation.

Researchers from Stanford and Google DeepMind have developed RT-Sketch, a model using sketches for robot instruction, addressing the limitations of language and images. Sketches effectively convey spatial arrangements, enhancing robots' task performance, particularly in complex manipulations. The study suggests further applications of sketches in robotics.

OpenAI's photorealistic AI video model, Sora, remains internal, while competitor Pika enhances its platform with auto-generated sound effects for AI videos. This feature, available to select users, streamlines content creation and aims to position Pika as a comprehensive video AI tool amid growing competition.

The U.S. State Department's report, "Defense in Depth," outlines strategies to mitigate risks from advanced AI, focusing on weaponization and loss of control. Developed by Gladstone AI, it proposes policy measures for threat assessment, preparedness, safety research, regulation, and international collaboration to ensure responsible AI deployment.

Elon Musk announced that his AI startup, xAI, will open-source its Grok large language model this week, reinforcing his lawsuit against OpenAI for not adhering to its original open-source principles. Grok is designed to offer timely responses using X data but details on its open-source status remain unclear.

Microsoft is boosting its partnership with OpenAI with a multibillion-dollar investment to expand the application of OpenAI's technology and enhance support. This includes improvements to Azure, which will remain OpenAI's exclusive cloud provider. Key developments like ChatGPT integration are anticipated, with competitors like Google responding to the evolving AI landscape.

Toyota Research Institute and Stanford are enhancing Supras with AI for autonomous tandem drifting, focusing on safety. The AI can intervene to prevent loss of control, recalibrating 50 times per second. This collaboration aims to advance safety systems for future vehicles.

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.