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

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• ✨ Gemini Live

• 🎶 Meta licenses music from UMG

• 🤺 Huawei vs Nvidia

• 🎭 SAG-AFTRA agreement on AI voice advertising

Let’s get right into it!

Sign Up | Advertise| Tools

BIG TECH

Gemini Live

During the launch of Google's Pixel phone, a live demo of the new AI assistant, Gemini, encountered technical glitches, highlighting both the challenges and advancements in AI integration. Despite the initial failure, Google successfully demonstrated Gemini's ability to handle tasks like checking calendars and interacting with photos, emphasizing that these features are now shipping for testing.

This marks a significant step for Google in the AI race, as rivals like Apple and OpenAI are still in the testing phase with fewer available features. Google's push to integrate AI into smartphones underscores its competitive edge, with Gemini offering capabilities that set it apart from upcoming Apple features.

BIG TECH

Meta licenses music from UMG

Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) have expanded their music licensing agreement, allowing users to share UMG’s songs across Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, without copyright issues. The new deal also addresses concerns about "unauthorized AI-generated content," which involves AI systems using artists' work without consent.

Meta claims it uses only licensed music for its AI models, but acknowledges the potential misuse of its technology for creating deepfakes. The agreement also marks the first time WhatsApp users can share UMG-licensed music.

BIG TECH

Huawei vs Nvidia

Huawei is close to launching a new AI chip, the Ascend 910C, which could rival Nvidia's H100 in the Chinese market, despite U.S. sanctions. Chinese companies like ByteDance and Baidu are already testing the chip, with potential orders surpassing 70,000 units.

Huawei's advancements in chip technology demonstrate its ability to overcome U.S.-imposed obstacles and develop alternatives to American products, aided by significant state support. However, production delays and potential further U.S. restrictions pose challenges. As Nvidia's most advanced chips remain restricted in China, Huawei's new chip could rapidly gain market share if successfully produced.

ENTERTAINMENT

SAG-AFTRA agreement on AI voice advertising

SAG-AFTRA has reached an agreement with AI startup Narrativ for use of AI in digital advertising. The agreement emphasizes informed consent, fair compensation, and transparency, allowing performers full control over their digital voice use. This deal is seen as a significant step in establishing ethical AI practices in the creative industry.

The deal allows the union's 160,000 members to be added to a database connecting voice talent with advertisers. Members can negotiate fees for using their voice replicas, with a guarantee that fees meet or exceed SAG-AFTRA's minimum rates.