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Singapore aims to build AI talent pool through accelerated masters programme, visiting professorships

Also: Sergey Brin Says “We Definitely Messed up” Over Google Gemini Image Generation Fiasco

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AI KATANA
March 03, 2024

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In recent developments, Singapore intensifies its AI sector growth through a S$7 million investment in an AI Accelerated Masters Programme and visiting professorships, aiming to triple local AI practitioners. Meanwhile, Sergey Brin admits flaws in Google's Gemini AI model after public criticism, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and societal norms. Alibaba introduces EMO, a groundbreaking AI video generator, setting new standards in facial animation technology. Studies suggest caution in using AI for exercise advice, noting ChatGPT's limitations in offering personalized health recommendations. Apple is reallocating resources to catch up in the AI race, signaling a strategic shift from automotive to AI technologies. In legal tech, Thomson Reuters integrates new AI functionalities into its Practical Law tool, enhancing efficiency for legal professionals. Adobe is developing AI-powered audio editing tools, promising significant advancements in music production. Lastly, Raspberry AI raises $4.5 million in seed funding, aiming to transform the fashion industry with its generative AI platform. These developments underscore the dynamic evolution of AI across various sectors, underscoring its growing impact and the ongoing challenges in ethical application and market adaptation.

Sliced:

  • 💻 Singapore aims to build AI talent pool through accelerated masters programme, visiting professorships

  • 🤖 Sergey Brin Says “We Definitely Messed up” Over Google Gemini Image Generation Fiasco

  • 🎤 Alibaba's AI video generator just dunked on Sora by making the Sora lady sing

  • 💪 Why you shouldn’t rely on ChatGPT for exercise suggestions just yet

  • 💵 Apple Is Playing an Expensive Game of AI Catch-Up

Singapore is advancing its AI capabilities by launching an AI Accelerated Masters Programme and visiting professorships, with a commitment of S$7 million in collaboration with local universities, targeting only Singaporeans. This initiative, part of the updated National AI Strategy, aims to cultivate a pool of local AI talent, aiming to triple the number of AI practitioners to 15,000 within five years. Additionally, investments are being made in AI practitioner training and infrastructure to support AI innovation, aiming to strengthen the AI industry and integrate AI solutions in various sectors.

Sergey Brin acknowledged a significant oversight in the image generation capabilities of Google's AI model Gemini, attributing the issue to inadequate testing. This admission followed criticism over the model's "excessively woke" outputs, which led to public backlash. Google temporarily suspended Gemini's image generation feature to address inaccuracies, particularly in historical images, with plans to relaunch it after improvements. The incident highlights the challenges in balancing technological innovation with societal expectations and the importance of thorough testing before public release.

Alibaba's new AI video generator, EMO, has surpassed existing technology by creating highly realistic video animations from still images, capable of expressing complex emotions through facial movements synchronized with audio. Unlike previous technologies that relied on 3D models, EMO utilizes a novel approach, combining reference-attention and audio-attention mechanisms without intermediate 3D steps, showcasing its capabilities through demos like animating the "Sora lady" and Audrey Hepburn. This marks a significant advancement in facial animation technology, hinting at future applications and ethical considerations for the entertainment industry.

A recent study reveals that while ChatGPT's exercise recommendations were mostly accurate, they lacked comprehensiveness and were not tailored well for specific health conditions. The AI's advice often prompted unnecessary medical consultations and was rated difficult to read. This emphasizes the need for careful consideration when using AI for health-related advice, suggesting that human oversight is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of exercise regimens.

💵 Apple Is Playing an Expensive Game of AI Catch-Up

Apple is reallocating resources from its terminated car project, Project Titan, to generative AI, reflecting a shift in strategic focus amidst a competitive tech landscape. Despite its financial strength, Apple faces challenges in catching up with rivals in AI due to lower investments in data centers and R&D relative to its revenue. The transition underlines Apple's need to innovate in AI to maintain its market position, possibly by enhancing devices with AI processors to drive consumer upgrades.

🛠️ AI tools updates

Thomson Reuters has enhanced its Practical Law tool with new AI features to improve legal research and drafting efficiency for professionals. The platform, now with generative AI, offers precise answers and workflow tools, and introduces features like Ask Practical Law AI for optimized content access and Clause Finder integrated with Microsoft Word for drafting. The company is also expanding its AI-powered CoCounsel tool internationally, promoting more accurate, relevant legal assistance while maintaining transparency to build user trust.

Adobe introduces Project Music GenAI Control, an innovative AI audio editing tool allowing users to generate and edit music through text prompts. This tool offers advanced customization options, such as adjusting intensity, tempo, and structure, directly within users' workflow. Currently under development with the University of California, San Diego, it's not yet publicly available, but it represents a significant step towards comprehensive, user-friendly audio production tools.

💵 Venture Capital updates

Raspberry AI, based in New York, secured $4.5 million in seed funding to expand its generative AI platform tailored for fashion designers. The company, led by CEO Cheryl Liu, aims to revolutionize the fashion product development process by enabling brands to quickly understand consumer demand and create highly desired designs. This investment will help Raspberry AI enhance its operations and further its development efforts in the fashion industry.

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