Empowering Everyone Through Tech: Apple’s Short Film & NASCAR’s AI Uses
Emerging Tech Roundup — August 16
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: AI copyright infringement case moves forward in support of artists, Gemini Live launches, Google feature uses Pixar characters to get kids to smile for the camera, OpenAI updates ChatGPT to new GPT-4o model based on user feedback, Pixel Screenshots app uses AI to scour screenshots, NASCAR pit crews are using AI for the perfect pit stop, and Apple releases newest short film.
Artists Celebrate as Copyright Infringement Case Against AI Image Generators Moves Forward
(Venture Beat, August 12)
A group of visual artists is celebrating a significant legal victory after a judge ruled that their copyright infringement case against AI image and video generation companies can proceed to the discovery phase. The artists allege that companies like Midjourney and Stability AI infringed on their copyrights by using their works to train AI models without permission. The judge’s decision allows the artists’ legal team to access internal documents from these companies, sparking conversations about AI protections and regulations for artists.
Gemini Live, Google’s Answer to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, Launches
(Tech Crunch, August 13)
Google’s Gemini Live, a voice interaction feature for its AI-powered chatbot, is now rolling out after being announced at the Google I/O 2024 conference. It allows users to have natural, multi-turn conversations with Gemini on their smartphones, including the ability to interrupt and ask follow-up questions in real time. Gemini Live offers hands-free operation and can be used for various tasks — such as practicing for job interviews — with Google providing tips and suggestions during the conversation.
Google’s Made You Look Uses Pixar Characters to Trick Kids into Smiling for the Camera
(Tech Crunch, August 13)
Google’s new Pixel feature, “Made You Look,” introduced at the Made by Google 2024 event, uses playful cartoon characters on the phone’s outer screen to capture smiles from children during photo sessions. Unlike other AI-driven post-processing features, this tool harks back to traditional methods of engaging kids, like waving toys, but with a tech twist. Initially available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the feature will also include licensed characters, starting with Joy from Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
OpenAI Updates ChatGPT to New GPT-4o Model Based on User Feedback
(Venture Beat, August 13)
OpenAI recently introduced the GPT-4o model in ChatGPT, an update driven by user feedback. While the company didn’t initially provide extensive details, they later clarified that the update focuses on improvements users tend to prefer, though it’s not a fundamentally new model. Despite user speculation about enhanced reasoning capabilities, OpenAI confirmed that the observed changes in ChatGPT’s responses are not due to a new reasoning process but rather how the model interacts with specific prompts.
The Pixel Screenshots App Uses AI to Scour the Screengrabs I Can’t Remember Why I Saved
(Engadget, August 13)
Google’s new Pixel Screenshots app, introduced alongside the Pixel 9 series, uses Gemini AI to help users easily locate and manage screenshots by identifying their contents and organizing them into collections. The app offers AI-generated titles, summaries, and actionable buttons based on the content of each screenshot — enhancing the user’s ability to find and use relevant information quickly. While the AI-driven organization is a powerful feature, privacy concerns remain. Google emphasizes that processing occurs locally on the device using the Gemini Nano AI model, ensuring that screenshots are not shared beyond the user’s existing Google Photos backups.
NASCAR Pit Crews Are Using AI for the Perfect Pit Stop
(Wired, August 14)
NASCAR is leveraging AI technology to enhance pit stop efficiency, particularly focusing on real-time insights into refueling strategies, a critical aspect of the race. NASCAR’s approach resonates with American audiences, helping it maintain strong TV viewership even as other racing series like Formula One face slight declines. By partnering with Lenovo and utilizing AI, teams like Richard Childress Racing aim to optimize every pit stop, recognizing that fuel management is both a strategic challenge and a source of race-day drama.
Apple’s Newest Short Film ‘The Relay’ Is A Microcosm Of Its Ethos On Empowering Everyone Through Tech
(Forbes, August 14)
Apple has released a new short film called The Relay. The film highlights adaptive athletes with disabilities, showcasing their competition and resilience while emphasizing the accessibility features of Apple’s products like iPhone’s Magnifier app and Apple Watch’s AssistiveTouch. While some view Apple’s short films as marketing tools, the core message is a powerful statement on inclusivity, aligning with the upcoming Paralympics in Paris.
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