Author: VujaDE

Staying updated in the rapidly evolving AI industry can be challenging. To help you stay informed, here is a summary of recent developments in the field of machine learning. SpeedyBrand, a company utilizing generative AI for SEO-optimized content creation, recently emerged and received backing from Y Combinator. However, the rise of generative AI has also led to an increase in low-quality content and misinformation. Newsguard uncovered numerous ad-supported sites using generative AI to create misleading content, causing concerns for advertisers. The scalability of generative AI makes it difficult for search engines and ad platforms to effectively combat this problem. While spammy content is not new, the low barrier to entry and cost involved in generative AI exacerbates the issue. OpenAI launched GPT-4, an advanced text-generating model that outperforms its predecessor, GPT-3.5, by accepting image and text inputs. OpenAI also created a team to develop methods for guiding and controlling “superintelligent” AI systems. New York City implemented a law requiring employers to submit algorithms used in hiring and promotion for an independent audit. Valve clarified its policy on AI-generated assets in games distributed on its Steam platform. Humane unveiled its first product, the Ai Pin, a wearable gadget with AI capabilities. European tech leaders signed an open letter warning against EU laws that could hamper generative AI innovation. Additionally, deepfake scams, AI-generated sex toys, and other machine learning projects were highlighted. Notable projects include a smart intubation device, ETH Zurich researchers’ contribution to animating smoke and fire for a Pixar movie, and the use of AI in archaeology to discover new Nasca lines in Peru. AI is also being employed to predict natural disasters such as wildfires and landslides. Finally, Google is researching “machine unlearning” to prevent ML systems from propagating dangerous or harmful knowledge.

Meta’s Threads app, which is meant to be a rival to Twitter, is not living up to expectations. The company seems uninterested in cultivating the app into a useful platform for breaking news and world events. In response to a question, Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated that Meta’s goal is not to replace Twitter, but rather to create a space on Instagram for communities that are not interested in the angry conversations that often occur on Twitter. Mosseri’s comments are concerning because they mirror Facebook’s claims of being a neutral platform while incentivizing certain types of content and behaviors that contribute to polarization and extremism. Despite Meta’s attempts to distance itself from politics and hard news, it is inevitable that these topics will find their way onto Threads. Without proper countermeasures in place, misinformation and extremism could outweigh legitimate news sources on the app. Meta’s lack of interest in supporting journalism is evident in their actions, such as blocking access to news in Canada to protest a law requiring compensation for publishers. Mosseri’s views on the public square are misguided and disregard the historical importance of public spaces for political discourse and cultural exchange. Meta’s focus on commodifying public life and inundating the app with advertisements aligns with their narrow vision but is disappointing for a platform that had the potential to be a successful alternative to Twitter.

A group of safe streets activists in San Francisco have found a way to disable Cruise and Waymo robotaxis by placing traffic cones on the vehicles’ hoods. They have named this prank the “Week of Cone” and are encouraging others to join in as a form of protest against the proliferation of robotaxi services in the city. This protest comes ahead of a hearing that will likely lead to the expansion of Waymo and Cruise’s robotaxi services in San Francisco. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is set to approve the expansion, which would allow these companies to charge passengers for their services. However, there has been opposition to this expansion, with concerns about the impact on traffic, public transit, and emergency responders. The Safe Street Rebel group is using the cone campaign to raise awareness and gather public comments to be submitted to the CPUC before the hearing. They argue that these companies promise to reduce traffic, but instead, their vehicles block roads and cause inconvenience. While there have been instances of accidents involving autonomous vehicles, such as the recent incident where a Waymo vehicle hit and killed a dog, there is no evidence to support claims that these companies are working with law enforcement to record everyone all the time. The group raises a common concern about the lack of public input in the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads. State departments of transportation and departments of motor vehicles are responsible for most regulation in this area, as congressional efforts have been slow. Waymo has criticized the cone hack as vandalism, but it is unlikely that it will result in any legal consequences. Despite the protests, it is expected that the CPUC will approve the expansion of these robotaxi services, as there is support from other stakeholders. The agency deems the proposed services to have minimal safety risks.

India’s space agency, ISRO, has announced that it will launch the Chandrayaan-3 mission on July 14. This mission is a follow-up to its previous iteration, which crashed in 2019. The mission aims to land a rover safely on the lunar surface and conduct scientific experiments. If successful, India will become the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. The Chandrayaan-3 mission incorporates findings from the previous mission’s failure and includes new technologies such as laser and RF-based altimeters. ISRO is also working on the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send three people to low-Earth orbit in 2024. Additionally, India has recently signed NASA’s Artemis Accords for collaboration in space exploration.

India, known for its reliance on two-wheelers as the primary mode of transportation, has been experiencing a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). While fossil fuels still dominate the automotive industry, the country has sold over 1.3 million electric two-wheelers to date, putting it on track to achieve its goal of 80% electric two- and three-wheelers in the next seven years. However, recent reductions in government subsidies have resulted in a decline in electric scooter sales, potentially leading to market consolidation and exits of some players. The government revised its incentive scheme in May, reducing subsidies for electric two-wheelers. This sudden disruption caused a significant decline in electric scooter sales in June, dropping more than 56% compared to the previous month. The updated scheme applies to most electric two-wheelers in India, except for those priced above $1,800. The reduction in subsidies has prompted manufacturers to increase prices, impacting sales. The Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) has urged the government to revise its approach, stating that the updated incentives hinder local electric two-wheeler development. Despite the challenges, some market watchers believe that manufacturers need to find ways to keep prices competitive against traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to remain relevant. While the decrease in subsidies may initially decrease the uptake of EVs, it is recommended that some form of subsidy remains in place until at least 2027 to ensure the achievement of India’s ambitious EV targets. The decline in sales and price hikes are expected to bring about changes within the electric two-wheeler market, such as a shift in customer focus towards low-speed vehicles and the potential for market share to shift towards legacy brands and full-stack manufacturers. Manufacturers are also expected to innovate their pricing strategies and explore new models to drive EV adoption.

[ad_1]

Kushki, an Ecuadorian paytech company, has received approval from the Chilean regulator to enter the acquiring business. This milestone allows Kushki to participate in the payments network in five Latin American markets. Prior to this, the company had already obtained permits to operate as a non-bank acquirer in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. This regional consolidation process enables companies to receive money in their bank accounts across different countries, facilitating business growth beyond geographical borders. Kushki’s technological innovations, such as a 3DS system for more secure and faster transactions, aim to increase its market share in Chile. The company has experienced significant growth, with a 100% increase in Latin America and an 80% increase in Chile in 2022. Kushki’s local team is targeting double-digit growth in Chile this year.

Source: Diario Financiero.

[ad_2]

Source link

Threads, the upcoming app from Meta (formerly Facebook), is facing privacy concerns even before its release. Mandatory disclosures on iOS reveal that the app may collect sensitive user information, such as health and financial data, precise location, browsing history, contacts, and search history. This raises questions about whether Threads will be able to launch in the European Union (EU), as Meta’s previous legal basis for processing personal data was deemed unlawful. The EU also requires explicit consent for the processing of sensitive information, and upcoming regulations place even stricter limits on the use of such data for advertising. Additionally, Meta recently faced an order to stop sending EU user data to the US and was fined for breaching the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Bringing Meta’s advertising business in line with EU law will require significant changes. It remains uncertain whether Threads will launch in the EU, as legal risks are a concern for Meta. The app is set to launch in the UK, which has different regulatory requirements. While Meta has been fined for GDPR breaches in the past, the UK’s data protection watchdog has been relatively inactive in addressing surveillance advertising industry breaches. Meta was fined over $410 million in January for running behavioral ads on Facebook and Instagram without a valid legal basis. Under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), penalties could reach up to 10% of global annual turnover, which is higher than penalties under the GDPR. However, previous fines under the GDPR have remained below the maximum limit.

The first national license for self-driving vehicles in the United Arab Emirates has been granted to Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide. This license permits WeRide to test its Level 4 autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the country. Level 4 autonomy means that the vehicle can handle all aspects of driving in certain conditions without human intervention. The license is a step towards UAE ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s goal of making 25% of the country’s transportation fully autonomous by 2030.

In addition to granting WeRide’s permit, UAE’s Council of Ministers approved a national policy for electric vehicles on Monday. This policy includes the development of a national charging network, regulation of the EV market, and support for related industries such as autonomous vehicles (AVs) that aim to reduce emissions and maintain road quality.

Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, has been a hub for various driverless vehicle trials. The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set a goal of limiting the number of vehicles on Dubai’s roads and scaling up robotaxi operations to 4,000 vehicles by 2030. Companies like Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, have been testing and developing robotaxis in Dubai. WeRide plans to test various types of self-driving vehicles in the UAE and aims to commercialize its technology for robotaxis, robobuses, robovans, and autonomous street sweepers.

WeRide has also set its sights on Saudi Arabia, announcing plans to work with the Saudi Artificial Intelligence Company to launch a robobus route in the country.

The regulatory requirements for testing, deploying, and commercializing autonomous vehicles in the UAE are not yet clear. Testing will be carried out by the RegLab, an initiative by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, but further information has not been provided. In the US and China, where most self-driving vehicle testing occurs, regulations are more decentralized and led by local governments. For example, in California, companies must obtain permits from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission to test and deploy autonomous vehicles. In Arizona, companies only need to self-certify that their vehicles can safely stop in the event of a system malfunction.

If you haven’t been taking a break from technology, you’ve probably noticed the surge of AI hype that has been dominating headlines. But amidst all the buzz, Konux, an AI scale-up based in Munich, has been quietly working on applying machine learning to revolutionize transportation on railways. By utilizing proprietary sensing hardware and AI, Konux is building a SaaS business focused on predictive maintenance software-as-a-service. Its goal is to digitize and transform railway infrastructure using AI and IoT to gather real-time data and add intelligence to fixed rails. With the increasing demand for train travel and the push for sustainable transportation options, governments and railway operators are looking to digitize networks with the help of new technologies. This creates opportunities for startups like Konux to make an impact. However, Konux emphasizes that its AI business tackles a “dirty” problem, involving not just clean digital solutions, but also the challenges of sensor deployment, data extraction, and organizational change. Konux’s deep tech methods and stress-tested connected hardware allow it to measure vibration on railway tracks, detecting anomalies that may indicate potential failures. The company then provides predictive maintenance insights to railway operators through an accessible software interface. This application of AI aims to reduce service downtime and delays for passengers. Konux also supports rail operators with business intelligence on network traffic, usage monitoring, inspection planning, and scheduling. The ultimate promise of Konux’s AI and IoT-enabled technology is to unlock the potential for increased rail capacity without the need for physical expansion. By running twice as much capacity on existing train tracks, rail operators can optimize operations and address the climate challenge. Konux acknowledges that there is still work to be done in fully digitizing rail networks, but it believes that its technology can provide visibility and improve dynamic traffic management. With greater insights into network operations, operators can anticipate disruptions more effectively, minimize delays, and optimize train routing. Konux’s mission aligns with the need to double rail capacity to meet global climate commitments. The company aims to contribute to the revolution in the operations and maintenance of rail networks to unlock the missing capacity required for sustainable transportation.

Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla teamed up for their first YouTube video together in seven years, summoning a demon to get Taylor Swift tickets. The sketch was delightfully absurd, packed with pop culture references, and, above all, incredibly silly – all hallmarks of classic Smosh comedy. In an interview with TechCrunch at VidCon, Padilla described the video as reminiscent of Smosh’s early days, filled with excitement and a desire to make each other laugh. Padilla spoke with admiration for Smosh’s early videos, appreciating their unabashed playfulness and the joy they brought to viewers. This sketch marks a new era for Smosh, one of the oldest brands on YouTube. Hecox and Padilla recently acquired Smosh, more than a decade after they sold it for the first time, and are now setting an example for creators to truly own and define their content’s legacy. Although Mythical Entertainment, the former parent company, will still hold a minority stake in the brand, Smosh will regain its independence for the first time in years. This is a rare victory for creators in the ever-changing landscape of social media. Hecox expressed gratitude for having control over Smosh, highlighting the importance of owning one’s art and image. Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, childhood friends who started posting videos together in 2005, played a significant role in shaping YouTube’s early days with comedy sketches and vlogs. Smosh, along with its spin-off channels, became incredibly popular, and the duo continued to produce content after selling the brand to Defy Media in 2011. Smosh held the title of the most-subscribed channel on YouTube three times between 2005 and 2013, making it a content powerhouse. However, the constant output became unsustainable, and the pressure to launch apps, sitcoms, and countless sketches took a toll on Hecox and Padilla’s friendship – the core of Smosh’s brand. Living and working together left no escape from the stresses of their business partnership. They operated out of fear, avoiding conflict and letting their friendship deteriorate. Padilla admitted that they grew apart and rarely discussed anything besides Smosh and the company. Eventually, their friendship reached a point where there wasn’t much left. Padilla had been discontent for years leading up to his departure from Smosh in 2017. The split not only affected Smosh fans but also shook viewers who associated the brand with the close bond between Hecox and Padilla. The brand continued producing content without Padilla, but a year later, when Defy Media collapsed, Smosh was left without a home. Hecox found it unsettling that many bidders were only interested in Smosh’s content library. Finally, YouTubers Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal acquired Smosh early last year. Hecox trusted them because they built Mythical Entertainment as friends creating content together. He believes that if any other company had acquired Smosh, it would now be reduced to just a content library. This acquisition by fellow creators allowed Smosh to thrive once again. McLaughlin and Neal didn’t interfere too much, letting the brand redefine its identity and avoiding the pressure to churn out content endlessly. In the years since leaving Smosh, Padilla reinvented himself as a modern talk show host. His interview series “I spent a day with” tackled taboo topics with directness, empathy, and grace. Viewers praised his style, which discussed sensitive subjects without voyeurism. While Padilla found fulfillment in the serious side of his work, he missed the creative joy that comedy writing brought him. A year ago, he stumbled upon old Smosh videos gaining popularity on TikTok, rewatched them, and felt the magic of those early years. Padilla and Hecox reconnected through mutual friends and spent time together without creating content, something they hadn’t done since their teenage years. Their friendship was rekindled thanks to personal growth and therapy. Padilla let go of the resentment that had built up before his departure, and it wasn’t long before he began dreaming of reclaiming Smosh with Hecox. He quietly devised business plans, never imagining it could become a reality. While Smosh’s other channels continued to thrive under Mythical Entertainment, Hecox felt that the main channel was struggling to find its voice. Without Padilla, the videos felt broad and disconnected from the audience. Hecox envisioned bringing the channel back to its roots with sketch comedy, but he knew it would only be possible with Padilla by his side. He shared his thoughts with Padilla in December, and they decided to test their chemistry to see if it was still there. Hecox admitted to being skeptical, but to his surprise, they fell right back into it, laughing and pitching crazy ideas. Both creators have honed their writing skills during their time apart, and their collaboration proved that they can play off each other’s strengths better than ever before. Their reunion feels like a return to form, and they are excited about the future of Smosh.