Apples new AI and other AI-news
Image of an apple computer, photographer: Tianyi Ma @tma on Unsplash
Apple has unveiled a series of AI upgrades branded "Apple Intelligence." These enhancements include an improved Siri, ChatGPT integration, writing tools, and image-generating applications. But most importanlty Apple is focusing on privacy: running parts of the processes on local models and offering users the option to run more demanding tasks on a “private cloud”.
Scheduled for release on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, the new AI-feateres are currently limited to newer models such as the iPhone 15 Pro and M1/M2 Macs. Why that is the case remains a question as older iPhones should also be able to run atleast the cloud-based operations. Apple is leaning toward running most AI processing on-device to ensure privacy. However, some tasks will use Apple servers without retaining any user-related data. Key features include better contextual understanding by Siri, system-wide writing assistance, an image app called Image Playground, and new audio transcription tools in Notes and Phone apps. For more details, read the full article at CNBC.
In Europe, Mistral AI raised $640 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst, bringing its valuation to $6 billion. The Paris-based startup is now more competitive with Silicon Valley's giants. Mistral AI balances open-source and proprietary AI development to foster both collaboration and commercial use. Partnerships with firms like Microsoft Azure further boost its market potential. To learn more about this funding round and its implications for Europe's AI landscape, visit the original article at PYMNTS.
The AI sector is also facing challenges as organizations reassess their investments. A Lucidworks survey found many businesses disappointed with returns from AI projects. Only 42% of companies reported seeing benefits. The study revealed a significant drop in planned spending on AI initiatives due to costs and security concerns. To address these issues, firms are shifting towards open-source models to manage costs effectively. Read more on The Register.
Meanwhile, Meta’s backlash over AI policies has driven users to alternatives like Cara, an app created by photographer Jingna Zhang that filters out AI-generated images using tools like Glaze. Cara's user base surged from 40,000 to 900,000 recently, but this rapid growth stressed its infrastructure financially & operationally.Full story on Wired.
Lastly, SMBs are showing increasing adoption of AI for automation according to the PYMNTS Intelligence report that, among other things, concludes “that regardless of whether SMBs use innovation strategies to achieve growth or do so through cost-cutting measures, one method is available that can aid both camps: artificial intelligence (AI).” Acquire complete insights here.