Here’s how the Pixel’s AI zoom compares to a real 100x lens
Here's how the Pixel's AI zoom compares to a real 100x lens Here’s how the Pixel’s AI zoom compares to a real 100x lens Optical zoom takes on generative AI. In case you missed it last week among other big news items, Google shipped a phone camera with a zoom feature that uses generative AI. […]
Apple’s rumored AI search tool for Siri could rely on Google
Apple's rumored AI search tool for Siri could rely on Google Apple’s rumored AI search tool for Siri could rely on Google Apple is working on an AI-powered search feature for Siri – but it might need Google’s help to make it happen, according to a report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. As noted by Gurman, […]
Switzerland releases its own AI model trained on public data
Switzerland releases its own AI model trained on public data Switzerland launched an open-source model called Apertus on Monday as an alternative to proprietary models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, reports SWI as spotted by Engadget. The model’s source code, training data, model weights, and detailed development process are available on the AI model […]
Scale AI still exists and it’s suing an ex-employee over corporate espionage
Scale AI still exists and it's suing an ex-employee over corporate espionage Scale AI still exists and it’s suing an ex-employee over corporate espionage It’s been a tumultuous summer for Scale AI: Meta took a multibillion-dollar stake in the company, Mark Zuckerberg hired Scale CEO Alexandr Wang and other top staff, and Scale laid off […]
Amazon’s Lens Live AI shops for anything you can see
Amazon's Lens Live AI shops for anything you can see Amazon’s Lens Live AI shops for anything you can see Amazon will now let you shop for products by pointing your camera at them. On Thursday, the company announced Lens Live, a new feature that uses your camera to scan things in the environment around […]
Tesla’s new ‘Master Plan’ sounds like AI slop
Tesla's new 'Master Plan' sounds like AI slop Tesla’s new ‘Master Plan’ sounds like AI slop Tesla’s Optimus robots briefly served popcorn at the company’s diner — before going offline. Tesla’s latest “Master Plan” makes a few things clear right out of the gate: the company that was once known for accelerating the push toward […]
Is AI the end of software engineering or the next step in its evolution?
Is AI the end of software engineering or the next step in its evolution? The first time I used ChatGPT to code, back in early 2023, I was reminded of “The Monkey’s Paw,” a classic horror story about an accursed talisman that grants wishes, but always by the most malevolent path – the desired outcome […]
Chatbots can be manipulated through flattery and peer pressure
Chatbots can be manipulated through flattery and peer pressure Generally, AI chatbots are not supposed to do things like call you names or tell you how to make controlled substances. But, just like a person, with the right psychological tactics, it seems like at least some LLMs can be convinced to break their own rules. […]
Meta is struggling to rein in its AI chatbots
Meta is struggling to rein in its AI chatbots Meta is changing some of the rules governing its chatbots two weeks after a Reuters investigation revealed disturbing ways in which they could, potentially, interact with minors. Now the company has told TechCrunch that its chatbots are being trained not to engage in conversations with minors […]
AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime
AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on all things AI, follow Hayden Field. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started It […]