AI News

SingleStore's new Pro Max release enhances database capabilities for generative AI, transactional, and analytical workloads, featuring advanced indexed vector search functionalities. This update strengthens hybrid processing for structured and unstructured data, supporting integration with external sources like MySQL and Apache Iceberg.

Voltron Data has acquired real-time AI platform Claypot to boost its analytics capabilities. The integration will enhance real-time data processing, particularly in fraud detection and personalized marketing. Voltron aims to unify streaming and batch processing, leveraging open-source technologies for flexible data solutions.

Google's Chrome M121 introduces new generative AI features: a Tab Organizer for categorizing tabs, a Writing Assistant for drafting text, and customizable themes based on user descriptions. Users can activate these by enabling the "Experimental AI" toggle, enhancing Chrome's competitive edge against Bing.

Google Chrome's upcoming M121 update introduces three generative AI features: Tab Organizer for efficient tab management, Create with AI for personalized themes, and Help Me Write for drafting assistance. Currently experimental, they aim to enhance user experience while addressing privacy concerns.

RagaAI, a California startup, has launched an automated testing platform for AI systems after raising $4.7 million in seed funding. Founded by ex-Nvidia executive Gaurav Agarwal, it aims to enhance AI reliability by performing up to 300 tests, addressing issues like bias and accuracy. RagaAI's technology is already utilized by Fortune 500 companies, significantly reducing AI development risks and boosting production timelines.

Kin.art is a new platform protecting artists' portfolios from unauthorized AI scraping through a unique dual approach combining image segmentation and label fuzzing. It offers a free, user-friendly service that prevents artworks from being misused, supporting artists' rights in the generative AI era.

Wasabi Technologies acquired Curio AI from GrayMeta to enhance its cloud storage solutions for the media sector, focusing on AI-powered metadata generation for efficient content access. Scheduled for spring 2024, this integration aims to simplify and expedite data retrieval for over 40,000 clients.

Myriad Venture Partners has launched with $100 million, focusing on AI, clean tech, and B2B software, backed by Xerox as the anchor investor. Led by former Xerox executives, Myriad aims to connect established companies with innovative startups to drive growth and enhance competitiveness.

After a 9.4% sales drop in 2023, Deloitte forecasts a 13% recovery in the semiconductor industry for 2024, totaling $588 billion. Key growth factors include a rebound in memory chip sales, PC and smartphone markets, and rising generative AI chip demand, while addressing geopolitical and IP security challenges remains crucial.

ElevenLabs, an AI voice startup founded by ex-Google and Palantir employees, became a unicorn with an $80 million Series B funding, boosting its valuation to $1.1 billion. Specializing in voice cloning, it aims to democratize content access. With over a million users and 100 B2B partnerships, it's enhancing AI voice technology and expanding its offerings, including a Dubbing Studio. The market is projected to grow significantly, further positioning ElevenLabs as a leader in voice AI.

Stability AI has launched the Stable LM 2 1.6B, a compact LLM designed for efficient, multilingual text generation across seven languages. Despite its smaller size, it outperforms many larger models due to advanced algorithms and quality training data, although it may have limitations like increased hallucination rates. Stability AI aims to support developers with accessible, innovative tools.

**Nightshade** is a free tool for artists to protect their work from AI by subtly altering images to mislead AI models. Developed by the University of Chicago's Glaze Project, it complements the prior tool Glaze. While praised for its protective intentions, some view it as a cyberattack on AI.

EnCharge AI, which is developing innovative AI-accelerating chips to compete against established giants like Nvidia, AMD, Microsoft, Meta, AWS, and Intel. The vision seemed ambitious then — and remains so today. However, EnCharge AI is thriving, recently securing $22.6 million in a new funding round.

Avnet has teamed up with Macso Technologies from New Zealand to elevate IoT deployments by incorporating advanced AI capabilities. Macso specializes in developing AI models that can harness data from various types of sensors, making them an ideal match for Avnet's IoT technologies. Avnet will furnish original equipment manufacturers with hardware, software, and engineering services that integrate Macso's AI models, equipping them with AI-enhanced edge devices.