A bizarre week for the AI industry
      2023 June Week 3 Vol 21   

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You can now speak to and have a group chat with Bing

What’s new? Microsoft hasn’t let its guards down in the AI race, with its AI-powered search engine, Bing, recently introducing a significant update that enables users to interact with the platform using voice commands. This advancement in natural language processing and speech recognition technology has caught the attention of both tech enthusiasts and industry experts, as it showcases the potential of AI-driven voice commands in revolutionizing search engine interactions. Also, Bing can now be integrated to Skype and you can add Bing directly to conversations (for more information, read this article).


By training the AI model on extensive voice data and optimizing it to comprehend diverse accents and dialects, Bing Chat can now accurately interpret and respond to user voice commands. This innovation marks a significant step toward making voice commands a mainstream method of interacting with search engines.


How does it benefit users? Rather than typing queries, users can now speak them aloud, enhancing the search experience by providing a hands-free and intuitive approach. Whether it involves retrieving the latest news, checking the weather, or searching for specific websites, users can accomplish these tasks simply by speaking into their devices.


Beyond basic search queries, the voice command feature in Bing Chat has expanded to encompass more complex tasks. Users can leverage voice commands to set reminders, create calendar events, and control smart home devices, showcasing the versatility and potential applications of voice commands in personal productivity and home automation.


NB, We aren’t at Utopia yet: It is important to note that while the introduction of voice command functionality in Bing Chat is impressive, the technology is continuously evolving. As with any AI-driven system, occasional errors or limitations in accurately understanding certain queries may arise. However, ongoing updates and refinements are expected to address these limitations over time.


Privacy and data security are also critical considerations in the realm of voice command systems. Users must trust that their voice data is treated securely and confidentially. Microsoft has emphasized its commitment to privacy and data protection, assuring users that their voice data will receive the same level of security as other personal information, and we hope they keep up their end of the bargain.

 

What else is happening in the AI ecosystem? As expected, funding for AI startups has started peaking in 2023 as many companies race to integrate AI into their framework.  According to data compiled by Crunchbase, AI companies have been securing substantial investments in recent funding rounds. These investments highlight the growing interest and confidence in AI as a transformative technology across various industries.


In the first quarter of 2023, AI startups witnessed a surge in funding activity. PitchBook reports that VC deals in the generative AI sector alone reached a staggering $1.2 billion during this period. This figure underscores the significant financial backing AI startups are receiving to develop innovative solutions and further push the boundaries of AI applications.


Where’s the money going? Several notable AI startups have secured substantial funding in recent times. One such company is Bedrock AI, which specializes in generative AI models for data synthesis. Leading investors helped the company raise $100 million in a Series C funding round in Q1 2023. Bedrock AI says this funding will enable it to expand its research and development efforts, accelerate product innovation, and scale its operations to meet growing market demands.


Additionally, startups like OpenAI and Cerebras Systems have also secured substantial funding to advance their AI initiatives. OpenAI, known for its work in natural language processing and reinforcement learning, has received significant backing from prominent investors. The company's success in securing funding has enabled it to drive advancements in AI models, language generation, and robotics.


Cerebras Systems, on the other hand, focuses on developing specialized AI hardware. The company raised $200 million in a Series D funding round, showcasing investor confidence in its hardware solutions for accelerating AI computations. This funding will enable Cerebras Systems to continue refining its hardware technologies, providing AI researchers and enterprises with powerful computing resources to tackle complex AI tasks.

What does this mean? In summary, the remarkable influx of funding into AI startups highlights the widespread acknowledgment of AI's potential to transform industries. The substantial investments secured by companies such as Bedrock AI, OpenAI, and Cerebras Systems demonstrate the confidence investors have in driving innovation, research, and development in AI technologies. As AI continues to evolve, the robust funding landscape for AI startups is expected to persist, propelling groundbreaking advancements in this rapidly expanding field. The future holds great promise as AI continues to reshape industries and create new opportunities for transformative solutions.

Weekly AI Issues  → →


In Milan, Putting an A.I. Travel Adviser to the Test

On her first visit to the northern Italian city, our reporter compares the itineraries of two travel advisers: one virtual, the other human. Here’s what she found.


New Google Shopping feature uses AI to model clothing on different body types

Starting today, users in the US can see how women’s tops from H&M, Anthropologie, Everlane, and Loft will look on a wide range of real human models. New filters aim to make finding clothes easier.


OpenAI reportedly warned Microsoft about Bing’s bizarre AI responses

A new report details some of the competition between OpenAI and Microsoft on AI-powered tools.

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