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OpenAI’s Response to Elon Musk Lawsuit Reveals Discord Over Company’s Mission

OpenAI has responded to Elon Musk’s lawsuit with revelations of internal discord over the company’s mission and funding. Last week, Musk sued the ChatGPT company, alleging a deviation from its original nonprofit mission in favor of profit-driven motives.

In a move to defend its position, OpenAI published excerpts from Musk’s emails from the early days of the company, indicating his acknowledgment of the necessity for substantial funding to support the ambitious AI projects.

According to the released emails, Musk argued that solely relying on fundraising would not suffice for OpenAI’s success in building a generative AI platform. Instead, he suggested seeking alternative revenue streams to ensure the company’s sustainability.

In a November 22, 2015 email to CEO Sam Altman, Musk proposed a funding commitment of over $1 billion, promising to cover any shortfall beyond that. However, OpenAI claims Musk only contributed $45 million, while other donors raised $90 million.

Musk’s emails also revealed his suggestion in February 1, 2018, for Tesla to acquire OpenAI, which was rejected by the company. Subsequently, Musk parted ways with OpenAI later that year.

Expressing concerns in a December 2018 email about OpenAI’s relevance without substantial resources, Musk emphasized the need for billions in funding annually.

In response to Musk’s lawsuit, OpenAI formed a for-profit entity, OpenAI LP, in 2019, which significantly increased the company’s valuation to $90 billion within a few years. Microsoft later committed $13 billion in a partnership with OpenAI.

Musk’s lawsuit alleges a breach of contract, claiming that OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft violated its founding charter. He seeks a jury trial and demands reimbursement of profits received by the company’s executives.

OpenAI, originally established to mitigate the risks of artificial generative intelligence, insists it has not deviated from its mission. The company affirms its commitment to product safety and improving people’s lives through its technology.

In a blog post, OpenAI expressed disappointment over the legal dispute with Musk, whom they admired but accused of hindering their progress toward their mission.

“We’re sad that it’s come to this with someone whom we’ve deeply admired—someone who inspired us to aim higher, then told us we would fail, started a competitor, and then sued us when we started making meaningful progress towards OpenAI’s mission without him,” the company stated.

OpenAI intends to dismiss Musk’s claims and reaffirms its dedication to advancing AI while prioritizing ethical considerations.

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Microsoft Discloses Ongoing Russian Hack Attempts Despite Previous Breach

In a recent development, Microsoft (MSFT.O) revealed on Friday that hackers associated with Russia’s foreign intelligence were once again attempting to breach its systems. Utilizing data stolen from corporate emails back in January, the hackers aimed to gain new access to the tech giant, whose products are extensively used across the U.S. national security establishment.

This disclosure has raised concerns among analysts regarding the safety of systems and services provided by Microsoft, one of the world’s largest software makers. The company supplies digital services and infrastructure to the U.S. government, amplifying worries about national security risks.

Microsoft has attributed the intrusions to a Russian state-sponsored group known as Midnight Blizzard, or Nobelium. The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comments on Microsoft’s statement, nor did it respond to previous statements regarding Midnight Blizzard’s activities.

The breach, initially disclosed by Microsoft in January, targeted corporate email accounts, including those of senior company leaders, as well as cybersecurity, legal, and other functions. The tech firm stated in a recent blog that evidence showed Midnight Blizzard utilizing information obtained from the corporate email systems to gain unauthorized access or attempt to do so.

Jerome Segura, principal threat researcher at Malwarebytes’ Threatdown Labs, noted the unsettling nature of the ongoing attack despite Microsoft’s efforts to prevent access. He expressed concerns about customers not having reassurance amid Microsoft’s learning process during the attack.

The hackers stole various data, including access to source code repositories and internal systems, Microsoft confirmed. With Microsoft owning GitHub, a public repository for software code, analysts expressed worries about potential exploitation of such information to compromise software and introduce backdoors.

Microsoft revealed that the hackers used a “password spray” attack to break into staff emails, significantly increasing their attempts compared to the January breach. Adam Meyers, a senior vice president at Crowdstrike, highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the depth of the hackers’ infiltration into Microsoft.

Midnight Blizzard has a history of targeting governments, diplomatic entities, and non-governmental organizations, according to analysts. Microsoft believes the group targeted them due to the company’s extensive research into Midnight Blizzard’s operations, dating back to at least 2021.

Microsoft’s threat intelligence team has been investigating Nobelium since then, especially following its involvement in the SolarWinds cyberattack. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to combat the attacks, the persistence of the breach attempts underscores the significant commitment and focus of the threat actor’s resources.

As the investigation continues, Microsoft is reaching out to affected customers to assist them in taking mitigating measures. However, the company has not disclosed the names of the affected customers.

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Anthropic Unveils Claude 3: A Multimodal AI Competing with GPT-4

Anthropic, a prominent AI startup bolstered by substantial venture capital investments, has introduced its latest technological advancement, Claude 3. With backing potentially reaching hundreds of millions more, the company asserts that Claude 3 stands on par with OpenAI’s GPT-4 in terms of performance.

Claude 3, the newest iteration of Anthropic’s GenAI, comprises a suite of models including Claude 3 Haiku, Claude 3 Sonnet, and the most powerful, Claude 3 Opus. Anthropic claims these models exhibit enhanced capabilities in analysis and forecasting compared to predecessors like GPT-4 (excluding GPT-4 Turbo) and Google’s Gemini 1.0 Ultra (excluding Gemini 1.5 Pro).

A notable feature of Claude 3 is its status as Anthropic’s inaugural multimodal GenAI, enabling analysis of both text and images akin to certain versions of GPT-4 and Gemini. Claude 3 can process various visual formats such as photos, charts, graphs, and technical diagrams sourced from PDFs, slideshows, and other document types.

Setting itself apart from competitors, Claude 3 can analyze multiple images simultaneously in a single request, facilitating comparison and contrast, according to Anthropic.

However, there are constraints on Claude 3’s image processing capabilities. Anthropic has restricted the models from identifying individuals, likely due to ethical and legal concerns. Additionally, Claude 3 may struggle with “low-quality” images (under 200 pixels) and tasks involving spatial reasoning or object counting.

Furthermore, Claude 3 is limited to image analysis and does not generate artwork at this time.

Anthropic assures customers that Claude 3 demonstrates improvements in following multi-step instructions, producing structured output, conversing in multiple languages, and providing answers with greater accuracy. Additionally, the models will soon include citation of answer sources for user verification.

According to Anthropic, Claude 3’s enhancements are attributed to an expanded context, allowing for more expressive and engaging responses.

While not without its imperfections, Anthropic plans to continually update Claude 3 to address issues such as bias and hallucinations. The company envisions Claude 3 evolving to interact with other systems and deliver advanced capabilities comparable to those of OpenAI’s reported ambitions.

Anthropic offers Opus and Sonnet models presently, with Haiku slated for release later in the year. Pricing for Claude 3 varies based on model and usage.

In summary, Anthropic’s Claude 3 represents a significant advancement in AI technology, positioned to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI while paving the way for future developments in AI self-teaching and interaction.

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Instagram’s Threads Surpasses X (formerly Twitter) in Alt-Twitter Wars

In the ongoing battle for dominance in the alternative Twitter landscape, Instagram’s Threads has emerged as the current frontrunner, surpassing X (formerly Twitter) in daily downloads globally. While app downloads may not perfectly reflect usage, they serve as indicators of market trends, and Threads is currently leading the charge.

Meta’s take on the Twitter-esque platform has witnessed a significant surge in daily downloads, with triple the figures of X on iOS globally and more than double on Google Play. This shift marks a notable change from previous months, where Threads and X were neck-and-neck in terms of downloads, particularly on iOS.

The momentum for Threads began building towards the end of the previous year, with daily installs exceeding half a million across both Google Play and iOS. Despite a slight dip in January, Threads consistently outpaces X in daily downloads on both platforms, indicating a widening gap between the two rivals.

On February 25, 2024, Threads recorded 486,803 installs on Google Play and 342,228 on iOS, compared to X’s 225,408 and 112,625 downloads, respectively. Similarly, on February 22, Threads boasted 382,999 iOS installs versus X’s 113,649, showcasing its dominance in the market.

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced Threads’ impressive milestone of 130 million monthly active users during the company’s fourth quarter, with Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, highlighting its success in specific markets like Japan.

Despite X’s claim of 500 million monthly active users, concerns arise regarding the authenticity of these figures, particularly with reports of verified bot problems. This issue, coupled with X’s struggles post-rebranding from Twitter, has impacted its download numbers and revenue.

In contrast, decentralized alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky have failed to gain significant traction compared to Threads and X. Mastodon’s official mobile app and Bluesky, though showing initial promise, have not posed a substantial challenge to the established players in the alt-Twitter space.

While Bluesky recently opened its doors to the public and introduced federation, allowing users to run their own servers, its download numbers remain modest compared to Threads and X. However, the future trajectory of Bluesky as a decentralized alternative remains uncertain, with potential for growth over time.

In summary, Instagram’s Threads has emerged as the leading contender in the alt-Twitter wars, signaling a shift in the microblogging landscape and Meta’s increasing influence over the digital news ecosystem.

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Google Apologizes for AI Blunder Injecting Diversity with Disregard for Historical Context

Google issued an apology, or something close to it, following another embarrassing AI misstep this week. The blunder involved an image-generating model, named Gemini, which injected diversity into images without considering historical context, leading to laughable results.

Gemini, Google’s flagship conversational AI platform, utilizes the Imagen 2 model to generate images upon request. However, users recently discovered that requesting images depicting certain historical scenarios or figures resulted in nonsensical representations. For example, the Founding Fathers, known historically as white slave owners, were depicted as a multicultural group including people of color.

This oversight quickly became fodder for online commentators and was dragged into the ongoing discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech sector. Critics accused Google of perpetuating a “woke mind virus” and labeled it an ideological echo chamber.

Google attributed the issue to a workaround implemented to address systemic bias in training data. When generating images, the model defaults to representations most common in its training data, often resulting in over-representation of white individuals due to biases in available images.

However, Google acknowledged the need for diversity in generated images to cater to its global user base. It emphasized the importance of providing a variety of representations, especially in scenarios where users do not specify certain characteristics.

The problem stemmed from a lack of implicit instructions in situations requiring consideration of historical context. While the model was designed to provide diverse outputs, it failed to differentiate between scenarios where diversity was appropriate and those where historical accuracy was paramount.

Google’s SVP, Prabhakar Raghavan, admitted the model’s overcautious behavior and its tendency to refuse certain prompts incorrectly, leading to embarrassing and inaccurate results.

While Google stopped short of a full apology, Raghavan’s acknowledgment of the model’s behavior raises questions about accountability. Despite attributing the errors to the model, it’s essential to recognize that the responsibility ultimately lies with the developers who created and trained it.

Mistakes are inevitable in AI models, but holding developers accountable is crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in AI development.

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Google Pay to Shut Down in the United States in June, Consolidating with Google Wallet

Google has announced its decision to shut down Google Pay in the United States by June, citing the widespread adoption of Google Wallet as the primary payment app. This move aims to streamline Google’s payment services, reducing confusion among users.

Following the shutdown, the standalone Google Pay app will only be accessible in Singapore and India. The company rationalizes this decision as a step towards consolidating its payment apps, positioning Google Wallet as the singular platform for payment features.

Google highlights that Google Wallet is extensively utilized, being five times more popular than Google Pay in the United States. Consequently, users can seamlessly access the app’s key features directly from Google Wallet.

Effective June 4, users in the United States will lose the ability to send, request, or receive money through the Google Pay app. They are encouraged to transfer their Google Pay balance to their bank account via the app before the deadline. Any remaining funds can be managed through the Google Pay website.

For users accustomed to finding offers and deals through the Google Pay app, Google assures that these features will still be available through the new deals destination on Google Search.

Google Wallet remains the primary mobile payment solution in the United States, enabling various functionalities like in-store payments, boarding passes, transit access, loyalty card storage, digital ID storage, and car ignition via a digital key.

Google underscores the global reach of Google Pay, with millions of users across more than 180 countries utilizing the platform for online, mobile, and in-store transactions.

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Match Group Partners with OpenAI to Boost Work Efficiency with AI

Match Group has announced a significant enterprise collaboration with OpenAI, the creator of the AI chatbot, in a recent press release drafted with assistance from ChatGPT. This venture encompasses more than 1,000 enterprise licenses for the renowned dating app conglomerate, which includes popular platforms like Tinder, Match, OKCupid, and Hinge. The integration of AI technology aims to support Match Group employees in their daily tasks and is part of Match’s substantial investment of over $20 million in AI for the year 2024.

Although press releases typically exude enthusiasm for company developments, the release authored with ChatGPT veers into exaggerated territory. It boasts about ChatGPT being the ultimate “wingman” for employees, describes the Chief Technology Officer’s overwhelming excitement, and even incorporates a cringe-worthy analogy about AI safety akin to a “prenup with technology.” The release further includes a quote purportedly from ChatGPT itself, expressing dubious excitement about the collaboration.

Beyond the theatrics of the press release, Match Group plans to leverage AI technology, specifically ChatGPT-4, to enhance various aspects of its operations, including coding, design, analysis, template creation, and communication tasks. Access to OpenAI’s tools will be restricted to trained and licensed Match Group personnel to safeguard corporate data. Additionally, employees will undergo mandatory training focusing on responsible AI use, its capabilities, and limitations, aligning with the company’s existing privacy practices and AI principles.

While Match Group did not disclose the financial details of the agreement or its impact on the company’s finances, it anticipates that AI tools will significantly enhance team productivity. Executives highlighted Match Group’s commitment to AI during the fourth-quarter earnings call, emphasizing its role in evolving existing products and developing new ones. AI is expected to revolutionize various aspects of the dating app experience, including profile creation, matching algorithms, and post-match guidance, with a focus on enhancing user safety.

CEO Bernard Kim underscored the strategic importance of AI to Match Group’s future, emphasizing its potential to elevate user experiences and product quality. The company is also exploring the creation of standalone AI-powered apps, with plans to commence testing in 2024. A dedicated innovation team is spearheading AI integration across Match’s app portfolio, supported by the expertise of Match’s acquisition, Hyperconnect.

Despite inquiries about Match Group’s broader AI initiatives leveraging OpenAI technology, the company refrained from providing details. However, Match Group has committed significant resources, allocating $20 million to $30 million towards AI innovation in 2024.

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UAE’s Field Hospital in Gaza to Receive Starlink Internet Service for Real-Time Medical Consultations

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) field hospital in southern Gaza will soon benefit from Starlink internet service, facilitated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The UAE’s foreign ministry announced this initiative on Wednesday, aiming to support patients requiring real-time video medical consultations.

Communication disruptions have plagued Gaza, with several blackouts occurring in the past four months, including a prolonged outage in January, the longest since the conflict began. Limited communication access has posed challenges for journalists, aid workers, and the general population, with some resorting to international or electronic SIM cards near the Israeli or Egyptian borders.

The Rafah-based hospital, among the few international field hospitals in Gaza, employs 50 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. However, communication difficulties have hindered its ability to provide patients with necessary medical assistance through video conferences with other hospitals. The UAE, maintaining positive relations with Israel, operates one of the few field hospitals in Gaza.

According to a spokesperson for the UAE’s foreign ministry, Afra Al Hameli, this initiative underscores the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during the ongoing conflict.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, utilizes a network of satellites to deliver broadband internet, offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity globally, even in areas lacking conventional internet infrastructure.

In October, Elon Musk faced criticism from Israeli officials after expressing his intention to provide Starlink to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza. Despite initial concerns about potential support for Hamas, Israeli communication minister Shlomo Karhi later announced a “principle understanding” with Musk regarding Starlink’s operation in Israel and Gaza, subject to Israeli government approval.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Israeli communication ministry confirmed the approval of Starlink services at the UAE’s field hospital in Rafah. However, Karhi emphasized that such approvals for units in Gaza would be granted on an individual basis, contingent upon confirmation from Israeli security forces regarding authorized entities with no threat to national security.

Musk’s visit to Israel in November, where he met with the country’s leaders and toured areas affected by conflict, aimed to address concerns sparked by his social media activity. The use of Starlink in international conflict zones highlights Musk’s influence as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Criticism regarding Starlink’s deployment also arose in Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Despite SpaceX’s assertion of non-engagement with the Russian government or military, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported confirmed usage of Starlink by Russian forces in occupied areas.

In December, CNN became the first Western media outlet permitted to visit the field hospital in Rafah. Upon their arrival, medical teams swiftly attended to individuals injured by Israeli strikes, underscoring the hospital’s critical role in providing urgent medical care amid conflict. Despite challenges, the hospital’s staff and modern equipment have facilitated over 555 major surgeries and treated more than 4,038 cases in recent months, as reported by the foreign ministry.

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Google Introduces Google One AI Premium with Advanced Gemini Features

Google has been actively enhancing its AI offerings, rebranding Bard to Gemini, launching a dedicated Android app, and more. Notably, Google has unveiled a paid tier for its generative AI engine, marking the debut of another digital subscription option.

The Google Gemini explained explainer provides an overview of Google’s AI tools, while here, we delve into the advanced features of Google Gemini available in the new Google One AI Premium tier.

We explore the pricing of this cloud tier, along with the AI features it offers, empowering you to make an informed decision about signing up. This plan is part of Google One, offering additional digital storage in the cloud. Here’s what Google One AI Premium brings to the table:

The Google One AI Premium plan is now available for purchase at $19.99 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 per month. Unlike some other Google One plans, there’s no option for an annual payment discount, but you have the flexibility to cancel anytime.

Currently, Google is offering free two-month trials for Google One AI Premium, allowing users to explore the features without initial payment.

In addition to 2TB of storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, the premium plan includes priority support, 10% back in the Google Store, extra Google Photos editing features, dark web monitoring, and access to the Google One VPN.

However, the highlight is the inclusion of Gemini Advanced features, specifically the “most capable” version named Ultra 1.0. This advanced AI model offers state-of-the-art performance for handling complex tasks involving text, images, and code, surpassing human experts in various subjects.

While the Gemini app for Android and iOS is available to all users, subscribers to the premium plan enjoy the enhanced Ultra 1.0 model across platforms.

The integration of Gemini with Google’s productivity apps, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Meet, and Google Slides, is on the horizon. This integration, known as Gemini for Workspace, will be accessible to Google One AI Premium subscribers, aiding in email composition and presentation design.

In summary, Google One AI Premium offers access to cutting-edge Gemini AI features, with more enhancements promised in the future. The free trial provides an opportunity for early adopters to experience the potential of Gemini Advanced, positioning it as a strong contender in the AI landscape.

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