Google Gemini 2.0 with agents

AI Innovations: Google Gemini 2.0, AI Hygiene Tech, Apple & Broadcom Chip, Pentagon’s Autonomous Weapons

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DZ Team
December 12, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

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Welcome back to Daily Zaps, your regularly-scheduled dose of AI news ⚡️ 

Here’s what we got for ya today:

  • 🤖 Google Gemini 2.0 with agents

  • 🧼 AI powered human washing machine

  • 💻 Apple working AI chip with Broadcom

  • 🪖 Pentagon looks to deploy autonomous weapons

Let’s get right into it!

BIG TECH

Google Gemini 2.0 with agents

Google has unveiled Gemini 2.0, a major leap in AI development that introduces new features like autonomous task execution, image generation, and multilingual audio capabilities. This upgrade directly challenges competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic.

Gemini 2.0 agents can understand context, plan ahead, and take actions using tools like Google Search. Key projects include Astra, a multilingual assistant with memory of past interactions, and Mariner, which excels at navigating the web for complex tasks.

TECH

AI powered human washing machine

Japan has introduced the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, or “Human Washing Machine,” an AI-powered device by Osaka-based Science Co. that revolutionizes personal hygiene and relaxation. This futuristic pod uses advanced AI features, including sensors that monitor biological signals to adjust water temperature and pressure, and interpret emotional states to project personalized calming visuals. In just 15 minutes, it promises to cleanse the body with microscopic air bubbles and promote mental well-being.

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BIG TECH

Apple working AI chip with Broadcom

Apple is positioning itself for the future of AI by partnering with Broadcom to develop an advanced AI server chip, codenamed Baltra, expected to launch by 2026. The chip, manufactured using TSMC's enhanced 3nm process, aligns with Apple's Project ACDC, an initiative to build cloud infrastructure for its Apple Intelligence features.

While Apple has historically focused on on-device AI processing, the growing complexity of AI demands cloud support, which Baltra could provide. The collaboration builds on Apple's long-standing relationship with Broadcom, which also includes work on 5G RF filters and Wi-Fi chips.

GOVERNMENT

Pentagon looks to deploy autonomous weapons

The Defense Department has launched the Artificial Intelligence Rapid Capabilities Cell (AI RCC) to accelerate the adoption of AI in military operations, focusing on tools like generative AI and autonomous drones. Overseen by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit, the AI RCC aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities, particularly against adversaries like China.

The goal is to ensure AI delivers high-impact improvements in military lethality and efficiency, while also addressing the growing AI adoption by rival nations.

In case you’re interested — we’ve got hundreds of cool AI tools listed over at the Daily Zaps Tool Hub. 

If you have any cool tools to share, feel free to submit them or get in touch with us by replying to this email.

🕸 Tech tidbits from around the web

Nearly half of US teens are online almost constantly, Pew study finds

Nearly half of teens in the U.S. are online almost constantly, and the platform they’re using the most is YouTube.

Google’s Trillium TPU

Google takes on Nvidia Blackwell GPUs with the new Trillium TPUs. Google started developing custom AI accelerators in the name of Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) a decade ago.

Google told FTC Microsoft’s OpenAI deal is killing AI competition

Google reportedly wants the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to end Microsoft's exclusive cloud deal with OpenAI that requires anyone wanting access to OpenAI's models to go through Microsoft's servers.

Texas revenge porn bill with AI focus gains momentum after Senate approval

Senator Ted Cruz is advocating for the House to pass the "Take It Down Act," a bill aimed at tackling revenge porn and AI-generated explicit material, following its unanimous approval in the Senate.

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