Apple has AI FOMO

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Apple has AI FOMO

Apple initially missed the AI revolution, particularly when OpenAI’s ChatGPT gained significant traction. While competitors like Google and Microsoft swiftly incorporated generative AI into their systems, Apple's main AI update was merely an enhanced auto-correct feature in iOS 17. However, Apple is now investing heavily to catch up, with CEO Tim Cook revealing their longstanding work on generative AI technology.

The company has its large language model, Ajax, and is testing an internal chatbot named "Apple GPT." Key executives, including John Giannandrea, Craig Federighi, and Eddy Cue, are leading this AI push, aiming to incorporate AI across Apple's product range, from Siri enhancements to developer tools. A significant discussion within the company revolves around whether to use an on-device or cloud-based AI approach, given the rapid advancements in the AI sector.

IBM’s new AI chip

IBM's new chip, NorthPole, inspired by the human brain, is making waves in the tech world, boasting speeds over 20 times faster and 25 times more energy-efficient than current market leaders for AI tasks. This advancement is pivotal for applications in autonomous vehicles and robotics. NorthPole is engineered to replicate how neurons in the brain both compute and store data, reducing energy and time wastage.

Dharmendra Modha, IBM’s lead scientist for this project, emphasizes that the chip blends the best of brain-inspired computing with conventional silicon computing. The chip is exceptionally efficient for many AI applications, potentially revolutionizing sectors like image analysis, speech recognition, and digital assistance.

Whitehouse announces AI tech hubs

The White House has unveiled its plan to designate 31 technology hubs across the U.S. to enhance the nation's tech sector competitiveness. These hubs, spanning 32 states and Puerto Rico, will be eligible to compete for grants ranging from $40 million to $75 million each. Initiated under the CHIPS and Science Act, signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022, the tech hub program aims to foster innovation in diverse tech fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, clean energy, and biotechnology.

President Biden emphasized the transformative potential of these hubs, envisioning them as catalysts for economic growth, national security, and job creation. The initiative also seeks to decentralize tech growth, which has been predominantly coastal, and spread it across various regions, including rural and historically underserved areas.

FCC and AI robocalls

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking proactive measures against the potential rise of AI-powered robocalls. Given the increasing accessibility of realistic AI-generated writing and synthetic voices, the FCC, led by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, is proposing a Notice of Inquiry to determine how these AI-enhanced robocalls might be governed under the existing Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

While Rosenworcel recognizes the potential of AI in enhancing phone-based interactions and customer service, she also emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to the challenges and risks posed by AI. The inquiry aims to understand how AI technologies align with the FCC's responsibilities, evaluate their impact on current regulations, and consider methods to verify the authenticity of AI-generated content from reliable sources.