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

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• 🐣 OpenAI unveils new model called o1

• 🗣️ Mark Zuckerberg talks about AI

• 🎤 Google’s AI-generated podcasts feature

• 🤖 OpenAI raising $6.5 billion

Let’s get right into it!

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STARTUPS

OpenAI unveils new model called o1

OpenAI has unveiled its latest generative AI model, o1 (code-named Strawberry), which includes two models: o1-preview and o1-mini. These models, available via ChatGPT and OpenAI’s API, can fact-check themselves by spending more time reasoning through tasks, making them well-suited for complex challenges like math and programming.

Despite some limitations, including slower response times and occasional hallucinations, o1 shows significant improvements in reasoning, with notable success in areas such as legal analysis and data science. OpenAI aims to enhance o1's abilities further by experimenting with extended reasoning periods.

BIG TECH

Mark Zuckerberg talks about AI

At a recent live podcast event, Mark Zuckerberg discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse in Meta’s strategy, reflecting on how he has kept his company ahead in Silicon Valley. Speaking to a crowd of over 6,000 tech enthusiasts, Zuckerberg highlighted the challenges of building Meta's empire and its evolution over the past two decades, with AI at the forefront of this transformation.

AI, alongside the metaverse, is central to Meta's future, as it aims to harness these technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the tech industry. Other notable tech figures, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, made appearances, underscoring AI’s significance in today’s tech landscape.

BIG TECH

Google’s AI-generated podcasts feature

Google has introduced an experimental feature in its NotebookLM app that turns research into AI-generated podcasts, featuring two AI "hosts" who summarize and discuss the material. This feature builds on NotebookLM’s existing capabilities, which use Google’s Gemini AI model to help summarize notes and research.

The AI hosts engage in banter, making connections between topics, and provide a more interactive, audio-based way to learn. While the feature adds a fun, conversational tone to research, it's not always comprehensive or accurate and is currently available only in English.

STARTUPS

OpenAI raising $6.5 billion

OpenAI is in discussions to raise $6.5 billion in new funding at a valuation of $150 billion, significantly higher than its previous $86 billion valuation earlier this year, making it one of the world's most valuable startups. In addition to equity funding, OpenAI is negotiating a $5 billion revolving credit facility from banks.

Thrive Capital is expected to lead the round, with participation from major investors like Microsoft, while Apple and Nvidia are also in talks to invest. OpenAI plans to use the funds for computing power and operational costs, with potential employee share sales later this year.