AI News
1. Mistral Large
Mistral AI has launched Mistral Large, a cutting-edge language model with top-tier reasoning capabilities, available through their platform and Azure. It is designed for complex multilingual reasoning tasks, including text understanding, transformation, and code generation, and ranks as the world’s second in its category, next to GPT-4. The company also announced Le Chat, a ChatGPT competitor (Mistral AI).
2. EMO
Alibaba has developed a new AI system called “EMO” that can create realistic talking and singing videos from photos. This system aims to generate high-quality, lifelike video content from static images, enhancing the possibilities in digital media creation (VentureBeat).
3. Genie
Google has introduced Genie, an AI model capable of generating endless 2D platformer games by using predictive analysis and unsupervised learning from 200,000 hours of video game data. This model can also control characters and their movements in these generated games, although it is not yet available to the public (Gadgets360).
4. Photoshop of music
Adobe has unveiled Project Music GenAI Control, a generative AI experiment allowing users to create and customize music through text prompts without professional audio expertise, also providing integrated editing controls for adjustments like tempo and structure (The Verge).
Other Innovations
1. Transparent display
Lenovo announced a groundbreaking ThinkBook with a transparent display concept, showcasing a blend of digital and physical interaction (Lenovo).
2. Optical data storage
The Nature article discusses a new 3D nanoscale optical disk memory technology that significantly increases optical data storage (ODS) capacity to the petabit level. This is achieved by extending the planar recording architecture to three dimensions with hundreds of layers and using a photoresist film doped with a special dye for storage, which can be optically stimulated by femtosecond laser beams for super-resolution scale recording (Nature).
3. Fastest drone
A custom-built, manually piloted drone captured unprecedented first-person-view footage of Verstappen’s complete lap at the Silverstone Grand Prix, showcasing the 2024 Formula 1 car in high-definition. This innovative drone, developed with Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ expertise, demonstrated remarkable speed and agility, closely following the F1 car at speeds exceeding 350 km/h, a feat that impressed Verstappen and promises a new immersive experience for Formula 1 broadcasting (Redbull Content Pool).
4. Epigenetic editing
The study describes a novel “epigenetic” editing approach that reduces the activity of a gene influencing cholesterol levels in mice without altering the DNA sequence. This method, which involves changing chemical tags on DNA, showed sustained effects over 11 months, presenting a potential alternative to traditional genome editing for treating diseases (Nature).
5. Neuralink
Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has achieved a milestone where a person can move a computer cursor with their mind using a brain-monitoring device. However, researchers express concerns about the secrecy surrounding the device’s safety and performance, noting that similar technologies have existed for years. Neuralink’s progress is recognized, but the lack of detailed information on safety and the device’s capabilities remains a significant concern among the scientific community (Nature).
6. Remarkable treatment
Paul Edmonds of California achieved remission from both acute myelogenous leukemia and HIV, making him only the fifth-known person in the world to do so, thanks to a remarkable treatment provided by City of Hope. The treatment involved a stem cell transplant from a donor with a rare genetic mutation conferring resistance to HIV, leading to Edmonds becoming the oldest person at 68 to overcome blood cancer and achieve HIV remission. His case highlights the potential for personalized treatments for older adults with blood cancers, offering hope to those living with HIV (Guardian).
7. High-speed humanoid
Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix is a high-speed autonomous humanoid robot with advanced hydraulic hands, touted as the world’s best in terms of speed, strength, and precision. Unlike other robots, Phoenix operates completely autonomously, demonstrating fluid and natural movements at near-human speeds, marking a significant advancement in the field of humanoid robotics (New Atlas).
Articles
1. How Wi-Fi sensing became usable tech (MIT Tech Review)
The article discusses the evolution of Wi-Fi sensing technology, which has moved from concept to being integrated into millions of homes for various purposes, including tracking movements and health metrics. Despite its potential benefits, this technology also raises significant privacy concerns, as it can be used for monitoring without individuals’ knowledge, necessitating the development of privacy safeguards.
2. Adopting AI at speed and scale (McKinsey)
The McKinsey article discusses the critical juncture at which AI is defining the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), urging manufacturers to adapt by innovating, accelerating, or following rapidly to remain competitive. It highlights how advanced manufacturing, powered by AI and digital technologies, is reinvigorating sectors and pushing companies to scale impact using entire factories, not just isolated pilots. The piece also underscores the importance of building robust data and technology infrastructures to harness AI’s full potential, illustrating the transformative impact on efficiency, sustainability, and workforce inclusivity in manufacturing.
3. A variety of new batteries are coming to power EVs (Economist)
The article emphasizes the diversification in battery technology for electric vehicles, detailing how different chemistries, like lithium-ion, lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), and emerging sodium-based batteries, cater to various market needs from economy to luxury EVs. It highlights innovative developments such as solid-state batteries, which promise enhanced performance and safety, and the exploration of disordered rock salt (DRX) chemistries that could offer high energy density with more abundant materials. Moreover, it mentions advancements in anode technology, particularly silicon-carbon composites, which could significantly increase battery energy density and efficiency.
