News/New Launches
H2O.ai launches 2 vision AI models for better document analysis
AI innovation in document analysis: H2O.ai, an open-source AI platform provider, has introduced two new vision-language models that challenge larger models from tech giants in document analysis and optical character recognition (OCR) tasks. H2O.ai's new models, H2OVL Mississippi-2B and H2OVL-Mississippi-0.8B, demonstrate competitive performance against much larger models from major tech companies. The H2OVL Mississippi-0.8B model, with only 800 million parameters, outperformed all other models on the OCRBench Text Recognition task. The 2-billion parameter H2OVL Mississippi-2B model showed strong general performance across various vision-language benchmarks. Efficiency and accessibility: H2O.ai's approach focuses on creating smaller, specialized models that offer high performance while...
read Oct 18, 2024Clearbot’s AI-powered boats autonomously clean waterways
Innovative water cleaning technology: Clearbot, a startup founded by University of Hong Kong graduates Sidhant Gupta and Utkarsh Goel, has developed AI-driven autonomous boats that efficiently clean waterways and collect valuable environmental data. The company's origins trace back to a university project aimed at cleaning Bali's beaches, which evolved into a sophisticated trash collection system powered by NVIDIA Jetson technology. Clearbot's boats, ranging from 10 to 16 feet in length, utilize two cameras for navigation and waste identification, with AI models trained on cloud and desktop NVIDIA GPUs. The energy-efficient Jetson Xavier NX enables the electric-powered boats to operate for...
read Oct 18, 2024The ChatGPT Windows app has arrived — here’s how to access it
ChatGPT expands to Windows platform: OpenAI has launched a beta version of its ChatGPT app for Windows, expanding its reach beyond web browsers and mobile devices. The Windows app release comes five months after the macOS version debuted, signaling OpenAI's commitment to providing platform-specific experiences. The new app closely resembles the web interface, ensuring a familiar experience for existing users while offering desktop-specific features. Accessibility and availability: The ChatGPT Windows app is currently restricted to paying customers, with plans to potentially expand access in the future. Users on Teams, Plus, or Enterprise plans, paying at least $20 per month, can...
read Oct 18, 2024Perplexity now lets you search files and web in one tool
Perplexity's new enterprise search capabilities: Perplexity has introduced Internal Knowledge Search and Spaces, offering enhanced search functionality for enterprise users to combine internal and external information sources. Internal Knowledge Search allows Perplexity Pro and Enterprise Pro users to search across both their internal files and the web within a single platform. The feature is limited to specific files uploaded by users, rather than searching entire internal databases, focusing on the most valuable and important data. Users have a file upload limit (500 for Enterprise Pro users), which may be expanded in the future. Supported file formats include Excel sheets, Word...
read Oct 17, 2024Anthropic just announced a big update to Claude — here’s what’s inside
Major Claude AI update introduces new features and iPad app: Anthropic has released a significant update to its Claude AI mobile applications, enhancing functionality and debuting its first-ever iPad app. The update includes improvements for both iOS and Android platforms, focusing on user experience enhancements and increased personalization options. A new iPad app has been introduced, expanding Claude AI's accessibility across devices and optimizing the interface for tablet users. The update marks another milestone in Claude AI's evolving capabilities, with more developments likely in the pipeline. Enhanced customization and productivity: The latest update introduces features that allow users to tailor...
read Oct 17, 2024Google enhances NotebookLM with customizable AI podcasts
Google's NotebookLM evolves with customizable AI podcasts: Google has introduced a new customization feature for AI-generated podcasts in its NotebookLM software, allowing users to tailor the content and focus of these synthetic audio discussions. Key features and updates: NotebookLM, initially launched in 2023 as an experimental AI writing tool, has gained popularity since introducing AI-generated podcast conversations in September. The new customization tool allows users to provide prompts and specify areas of focus for the AI-generated audio content. Google has removed the "experimental" tag from NotebookLM, signaling increased stability and meeting internal quality standards. How the customization works: Users can...
read Oct 17, 2024Pollo AI joins the ranks of free AI video generators
AI-powered video creation made accessible: Pollo AI is a user-friendly option in the rapidly expanding field of AI video generators, offering both text-to-video and image-to-video capabilities for free. Developed by Hix.AI, Pollo AI joins the company's suite of generative AI tools, including the synthetic music platform Tad.ai. The platform allows users to create high-quality videos from text prompts or still images without requiring extensive technical knowledge or filmmaking experience. Pollo AI can generate fully realized productions, complete with animations and transitions, from simple text descriptions. Key features and functionality: Pollo AI's intuitive interface and diverse capabilities cater to a wide...
read Oct 17, 2024Illuminate is Google’s new AI podcasting tool — here’s how it works
Google's latest AI innovation in podcasting: Google Illuminate is a cutting-edge AI tool designed to revolutionize the podcasting landscape by generating conversational content from diverse sources. Illuminate leverages Google's advanced Gemini AI model, boasting a 2 million token context window, which is twice the capacity of competing systems. The tool can process and synthesize information from text, video, and audio inputs to create AI-generated podcasts. Currently, Illuminate's focus is exclusively on scientific research available on arxiv.org, a free science portal maintained by Cornell University. How Illuminate works: Users can generate AI-powered podcasts through a straightforward process that involves searching for...
read Oct 17, 2024Pika Labs just released even more AI video effects
AI-powered video effects expand with Pika 1.5: Pika Labs, a Palo Alto-based startup, has introduced new AI-driven special effects to its video generation platform, enhancing creative possibilities for users. Pika 1.5, the company's latest AI video model, now includes effects such as crumble, dissolve, deflate, and "ta-da" (making subjects disappear behind a cloth). Users can access these effects, dubbed "Pikaffects," by uploading an image to the web-based platform and selecting the desired animation. The new effects join previously released options like explode, squish, melt, crush, inflate, and "cake-ify." Platform features and accessibility: Pika's approach to AI-driven video manipulation sets it...
read Oct 17, 2024The official NBA app is getting a suite of new AI features
NBA App Unveils Major Upgrades for 2024-2025 Season: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced significant enhancements to its official app, introducing a range of new features designed to elevate the fan experience for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Multiview Functionality: The NBA app now offers a groundbreaking multiview feature, allowing fans to watch up to four games simultaneously on NBA League Pass. This feature is available on connected devices, providing subscribers with an unprecedented level of control over their viewing experience. The multiview capability is expected to be particularly popular among fantasy basketball players and die-hard fans who want to...
read Oct 17, 2024AI startup FullyRamped automates onboarding and training of sales reps
AI-powered sales training startup secures funding: FullyRamped, a California-based startup, has raised $2.3 million to develop its artificial intelligence solution for training new sales representatives more efficiently. The problem FullyRamped aims to solve: The company addresses the challenge of ramping up new sales hires quickly and effectively without risking customer relationships or overburdening managers. CEO and founder Aaron Marks identified this issue while working as a growth manager at a fast-growing scale-up. New sales representatives typically require time to develop phone skills, familiarize themselves with target customers, and practice go-to-market tactics. This "unprofitable ramping period" can be a significant hurdle...
read Oct 17, 2024This AI coach aims to boost esports teams’ championship odds
AI coaching revolutionizes esports training: PlayVS and Omnic.AI have partnered to provide AI-powered game analytics to high school students in scholastic esports leagues, potentially transforming how young gamers improve their skills and prepare for competitions. The big picture: This collaboration marks a significant shift in esports coaching, leveraging artificial intelligence to offer professional-level insights to young players at a fraction of the cost of human coaches. PlayVS, an esports platform, is teaming up with Omnic.AI, a provider of AI-powered game analytics, to enhance the training experience for high school students in competitive gaming leagues. The partnership focuses on popular esports...
read Oct 17, 2024‘Arch-Function’ AI models are purpose-built for lightning fast agentic AI
Revolutionizing enterprise AI with Arch-Function LLMs: Katanemo's open-source release of Arch-Function large language models (LLMs) promises to significantly accelerate agentic AI applications for complex enterprise workflows. The big picture: Arch-Function LLMs, built on Qwen 2.5 with 3B and 7B parameters, offer ultra-fast speeds for function-calling tasks critical to agentic workflows, potentially outperforming industry leaders like OpenAI's GPT-4 and Anthropic's models. Katanemo claims Arch-Function models are nearly 12 times faster than GPT-4 while delivering significant cost savings. The open-source release aims to enable super-responsive agents capable of handling domain-specific use cases without excessive costs for businesses. Gartner predicts that by 2028,...
read Oct 17, 2024Google Shopping’s AI now tempts you to spend more
AI-powered enhancements revolutionize Google Shopping: Google has unveiled a significant update to its Shopping platform, integrating advanced artificial intelligence features to transform the online shopping experience for users. Key AI-driven features: The update introduces several intelligent tools designed to streamline product research and decision-making for consumers. An AI-powered brief now provides a concise summary of key considerations for user searches, offering a quick overview of important factors to consider. The platform now categorizes search results into relevant groupings, making it easier for users to navigate through options. Intelligent product recommendations aim to simplify the research process, potentially reducing the time...
read Oct 17, 2024YouTube just got a big update — here’s what’s inside
YouTube's Major Platform Update: YouTube has unveiled a comprehensive set of over two dozen new features and improvements across its web, mobile, and TV platforms, aiming to enhance user experience and content creation capabilities. Key Features for Users: The update introduces several highly-requested functionalities that significantly expand user control and interaction with the platform. An adjustable miniplayer allows users to resize and reposition a picture-in-picture window while browsing the app, enabling multitasking. Collaborative playlists enable users to create and share playlists that others can modify, fostering community engagement. Customizable playlist thumbnails offer users the option to upload images or use...
read Oct 17, 2024Motorola reveals ambitious AI features for its new phones
Motorola unveils ambitious AI-powered features: The smartphone manufacturer has announced a suite of upcoming Moto AI features at the Lenovo Tech World 2024 conference, aiming to enhance user interaction and provide personalized assistance. Moto AI, powered by Large Action Models (LAM), is designed to understand the user's environment and enable natural language communication. The new features will be part of an invite-only beta program later this year, with Motorola seeking user feedback for refinement. Key capabilities of Moto AI: The upcoming features promise to simplify daily tasks and enhance user experience through advanced AI-driven functionalities. Users will be able to...
read Oct 16, 2024Motorola embraces AI with new large action model
Motorola introduces innovative AI-powered 'action model': The company showcased a new concept that allows users to perform complex tasks through simple text prompts, demonstrating its potential on a Razr Plus smartphone. The 'large action model' AI is designed to execute actions on behalf of users, streamlining interactions with various apps and services. During a demonstration, the AI successfully opened the Uber app and called a ride based on a text prompt, highlighting its practical applications in everyday tasks. While this advanced feature is not slated for immediate release, Motorola is developing other AI functionalities that may be available sooner. Practical...
read Oct 16, 2024Dropbox’s ‘Dash’ gives you AI-powered insights into your content
AI-powered universal search for businesses: Dropbox has introduced Dash for Business, a new tool designed to streamline content search and organization across multiple apps and platforms. Dash for Business aims to solve the problem of information fragmentation in modern workplaces by providing a single search interface for content stored across various apps and services. The tool integrates with popular platforms such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Notion, and Asana, as well as email and calendar applications. Dash for Business is powered by artificial intelligence, enabling it to provide real-time answers and content summaries without the need to open individual files. Key...
read Oct 16, 2024Cognizant’s new AI agents let you prototype without code
Cognizant enhances Neuro AI platform with multi-agent functionality: Cognizant has upgraded its Neuro AI platform, introduced last year, to include multi-agent capabilities, allowing organizations to ideate, prototype, and test generative AI applications without coding. Platform evolution and client-driven enhancements: The Neuro AI platform has transformed from a service operated by Cognizant experts to a tool that enterprises can use independently and host in-house. Babak Hodjat, Cognizant's CTO of AI, revealed that client demand drove the decision to make Neuro AI available for self-use by enterprises. The platform's ability to generate ideas for applying generative AI in businesses has made it...
read Oct 16, 2024Android users get free access to Google’s Gemini AI assistant
Gemini Live expands accessibility: Google has made its conversational AI assistant, Gemini Live, freely available to all English-speaking Android users, marking a significant expansion in the accessibility of advanced AI technology. Previously exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers at $20 per month, Gemini Live is now integrated into the Gemini mobile app for Android at no cost. The feature supports six languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Hindi, catering to a diverse global user base. Users can access Gemini Live by updating their Gemini app and looking for the waveform icon at the bottom left of the app screen. Enhanced...
read Oct 16, 2024AI weather reports expand to more Pixel devices
Google expands Pixel Weather app availability: The new Pixel Weather app, initially exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, is now rolling out to older Pixel devices as part of the October 2024 Pixel Feature Drop. Key features of the updated app: A revamped interface with a gradient background that adapts to current weather conditions Customizable layout with repositionable widgets for wind speed, sunrise/sunset times, AQI, and more Redesigned home screen weather widgets for quick forecast checks AI Weather Report powered by Gemini, offering actionable insights for daily planning Weather Map feature showing rain forecasts for select cities in the US,...
read Oct 16, 2024Nvidia enhances AI cyber defense with new container protection app
AI-powered cybersecurity advancement: Nvidia has introduced a new application for container security, NIM Agent Blueprint, designed to enhance AI-powered cybersecurity capabilities for enterprises. The application allows developers to build and deploy customized generative AI applications for rapid vulnerability analysis of software containers. Nvidia claims the application can accelerate the analysis of common vulnerabilities and exposures from days to mere seconds. Global consultancy Deloitte has been announced as one of the first users of this new technology. Key features and components: NIM Agent Blueprint incorporates several Nvidia technologies to provide a comprehensive solution for AI-powered cybersecurity. The application utilizes NIM microservices,...
read Oct 16, 2024Center for Universal Education launches task force to assess AI in education
The AI education dilemma: The Center for Universal Education has launched a task force to proactively assess the potential impacts of generative AI on education, aiming to guide its integration thoughtfully rather than reactively studying its effects after widespread adoption. The initiative seeks to address two crucial questions: identifying potential risks of generative AI to children's education, learning, and development, and exploring ways to harness AI's opportunities while mitigating these risks. This proactive approach draws parallels with the advent of smartphones, highlighting how technological innovations can lead to both positive and unforeseen negative consequences in educational settings. The task force's...
read Oct 16, 2024PCMAG introduces new series to teach you clever and inspiring ways to use AI
AI in everyday life: Despite the widespread buzz surrounding AI, only 18% of US adults have used ChatGPT, indicating a significant disparity between AI's potential and its real-world adoption. PCMAG has launched a new series called 'Try AI' that seeks to bridge this gap by demonstrating how AI can be leveraged to solve everyday challenges, improve quality of life, and increase productivity. Authors Brian Westover and Emily Dreibelbis Forlini bring their expertise in technology journalism and insider knowledge of the tech industry to guide readers through practical AI applications. Beyond basic tasks: Unlocking AI's full potential: The series aims to...
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