Here are this week’s most-read stories in the AI sector:
**Actors Sue AI Voice Generator for Unauthorized Use of Their Voices**
A group of actors has filed a class-action lawsuit against Lovo, an AI voice generator, alleging that their voices were used without proper authorization or compensation. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, includes plaintiffs Linnea Sage, known for her role as Black Cat in the Marvel Snap video game, and Paul Skye Lehrman, who has appeared in “Blue Bloods” and “New Amsterdam.”
The 37-page complaint claims that Lovo fraudulently utilized their voices to produce millions of voiceover projects. Lehrman discovered his voice was being used while researching for a role, while Sage was paid $400 by an individual named “tomlsg” to create test scripts for radio advertisements—later learning that “tomlsg” was actually Tom Lee, a co-founder of Lovo. The lawsuit states, “Lehrman and Sage did not grant Lovo any right to market their voices. The product that customers purchase from Lovo is stolen property; they are voices stolen by Lovo and marketed under false pretenses.”
**Microsoft Launches AI Copilot+ PCs: Fastest, Smartest Windows Devices Yet**
Microsoft has introduced a new line of consumer-focused PCs powered by AI, touting them as the most advanced Windows devices ever created. The Copilot+ PCs feature custom silicon that enhances the performance of AI and machine learning applications.
According to Microsoft, these devices are 20 times more powerful and up to 100 times more efficient at handling AI workloads than their competitors. Highlighted features include the Copilot AI assistant tool, accessible through a newly designed shortcut key—the first such update since the inclusion of the Windows key in 1994. Additionally, Microsoft has integrated OpenAI’s new GPT-4o model to enhance the naturalness of voice interactions with Copilot.
These new PCs will also leverage Microsoft’s Azure Cloud services to efficiently run large language models, as well as utilize small language models like the newly launched Phi-3 mini for on-device AI processing.
**Northrop Grumman Partners with Nvidia to Enhance AI Projects**
Defense contractor Northrop Grumman is advancing its AI initiatives through a new partnership with Nvidia, gaining access to a range of software solutions designed to accelerate project development.
Vern Boyle, Vice President of Northrop Grumman’s microelectronics center, stated, “Nvidia’s AI platforms will help us deliver Northrop Grumman’s advanced capabilities to our customers faster and with greater effect.” With this collaboration, Northrop Grumman can utilize Nvidia’s AI tools, including solutions for optimizing AI model inference, and is working on projects such as an AI assistant for augmented reality headsets aimed at enhancing helicopter pilots' situational awareness and software to detect GPS signal threats.
**Sony Enforces Restrictions on AI Training Using Its Music Catalog**
Sony Music Group is taking a firm stance against unauthorized use of its music catalog for AI training purposes. With a diverse portfolio that includes renowned labels like Columbia Records and RCA, the company seeks to protect its extensive music content amid rising demand for AI training data.
In a public declaration, Sony Music emphasized that any use of its music library for training AI models is strictly prohibited. This ban encompasses a wide range of content, including lyrics, audio recordings, artworks, and other related data. While Sony is enthusiastic about the responsible use of AI as a creative tool for artists, it remains vigilant in safeguarding its intellectual property rights.
**CoreWeave Raises $7.5 Billion for AI Infrastructure**
CoreWeave has successfully secured $7.5 billion in a recent debt financing round aimed at bolstering its capabilities for powering AI and machine learning workloads on its specialized cloud infrastructure. Founded in 2017, this New Jersey-based company provides cloud solutions tailored for AI model training and execution, with facilities also supporting graphics rendering and real-time streaming.
The financing round was led by investment firm Blackstone, with participation from Magnetar, Coatue, and DigitalBridge Credit. CoreWeave intends to use the funds to expand its hardware resources, which currently include access to Nvidia’s H100 GPUs, and plans to double its data center presence worldwide to a total of 28 by the end of 2024.
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