Tag Archives: Tech News

  HomeSoftware Territory   : :   Tech News
Categories News Posted on

Amazon Unveils Titan Text-to-Image AI Model for Enterprise Image Generation

In a significant move into the realm of AI image generation, Amazon has introduced its latest innovation, the Titan Image Generator, a text-to-image AI model. Unveiled at the AWS re:Invent conference, this advanced tool is designed to produce “realistic, studio-quality images” with built-in safeguards against toxicity and bias. Unlike standalone applications or websites, Titan serves as a versatile tool for developers, enabling them to construct their image generators using the underlying model, contingent on access to Amazon Bedrock.

During his keynote address, Swami Sivasubramanian, AWS Vice President of Database, Analytics, and Machine Learning, showcased the Titan Image Generator’s capabilities, emphasizing its proficiency not only in generating images from natural language prompts but also in seamlessly altering backgrounds. This marks a departure from the consumer-oriented focus of existing image generators like OpenAI’s DALL-E, targeting a more enterprise-centric audience.

All images generated by Titan Image Generator will automatically carry invisible watermarks, as part of voluntary commitments made by Amazon to the White House in July. Vasi Philomin, AWS Vice President for Generative AI, explained that this watermarking strategy was devised to distinctly label AI-created images without affecting their visual integrity, latency, or susceptibility to cropping or compression.

However, the detection of the invisible watermark poses a challenge, addressed by Amazon through the creation of an API. Users can connect to this API to verify the image’s provenance, adhering to the intentional design of Titan as a model rather than a finished product. Developers utilizing Titan Image Generator have the flexibility to determine how they convey this information to end-users.

The incorporation of invisible watermarks aligns with the Biden administration’s executive order on AI, emphasizing the identification of AI-generated content. Notably, companies like Microsoft and Adobe have adopted systems such as the Content Credentials system developed by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Adobe goes a step further by introducing an icon to signify content credentials in both image and video content.

In addition to Titan Image Generator, Amazon has announced the general availability of other Titan models, including Titan Text Lite—a smaller model suitable for lightweight text generation tasks such as copywriting—and Text Express, designed for more extensive applications like conversational chat apps.

Amazon further extends copyright indemnity to customers utilizing its Titan foundation models, encompassing text-to-image functionalities. Legal coverage is also offered to users of any Amazon-created AI application, even if the application employs a different foundation model sourced from Amazon’s Bedrock AI model repository, which includes models like Meta’s Llama 2 or Anthropic’s Claude 2. Prominent applications under this umbrella include AWS HealthScribe, CodeWhisperer, Amazon Personalize, Amazon Lex, and Amazon Connect Contact Lens.

Categories News Posted on

Google Powers Data Centers with Innovative Geothermal Project in Nevada

In a groundbreaking initiative, Google has successfully launched a pioneering geothermal project in Nevada, in collaboration with startup Fervo. This venture employs cutting-edge technology to harness geothermal power, different from conventional methods, with a capacity to generate 3.5 MW. The electricity generated will support two of Google’s data centers outside Las Vegas and Reno, contributing to Google’s commitment to achieving carbon pollution-free electricity 24/7 by 2030.

This unique geothermal endeavor, conceived in 2021, deviates from typical geothermal plants by utilizing an existing geothermal field on the outskirts. Fervo’s innovative approach involves drilling two horizontal wells to pump water through hot rocks, creating steam on the surface. The closed-loop system not only reuses water but also incorporates fiber optic cables for real-time data monitoring, drawing inspiration from practices in the oil and gas industry.

Google’s investment in geothermal energy aligns with its strategy to diversify clean energy sources, viewing geothermal power as a crucial element in maintaining a consistent energy supply alongside intermittent sources like wind and solar. Besides the Nevada project, Google has partnered with Project InnerSpace to address geothermal development challenges globally, signaling a broader commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

While the specifics of future geothermal deployments for data centers remain undisclosed, Google’s move reflects a strategic shift to reduce the environmental impact of its energy-intensive data operations. This innovative geothermal project represents a significant leap forward, supported not only by Google but also by climate-focused entities such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the US Department of Energy.

Categories News Posted on

Google Implements Two-Year Inactivity Cleanup to Bolster Security

In a bid to enhance cybersecurity and minimize potential risks, Google is set to purge inactive accounts that have not been accessed for at least two years starting this week.

Google introduced this policy in May, emphasizing its goal to mitigate security threats. Internal assessments revealed that dormant accounts are more susceptible to security issues, often employing outdated security measures like recycled passwords and lacking two-step verification. This makes them vulnerable to threats such as hacking, phishing, and spam.

Warnings have been issued to affected users since August, with repeated alerts sent to both impacted accounts and user-provided backup emails. The initial phase of the cleanup targets accounts that were created but never revisited by users.

The move is part of Google’s commitment to safeguard users’ private information and prevent unauthorized access, even for those no longer actively using their services, as outlined in an August policy update.

Google accounts encompass a range of services, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Photos. Consequently, all content within the Google suite of an inactive user is at risk of deletion.

Exceptions to the cleanup include accounts with active YouTube channels, those with remaining gift card balances, accounts used for purchasing digital items, and those with published apps on platforms like the Google Play store.

This decision represents a departure from Google’s previous policy in 2020, where user content was wiped from services they had ceased using, but the accounts remained active.

Oren Koren, CPO and Co-founder of cybersecurity firm Veriti, asserts that deleting old accounts is a crucial step in bolstering security. Old accounts are often perceived as low risk, creating opportunities for malicious actors. Deleting such accounts compels hackers to create new ones, now requiring phone number verification. Additionally, it eliminates older data that may have been compromised in a data breach.

Koren stated, “By proactively removing these accounts, Google effectively shrinks the attack surface available to cybercriminals,” highlighting a broader trend in cybersecurity: taking preemptive steps to fortify overall digital security landscapes.

To retain your account, a simple login to any Google service once every two years, along with activities such as reading an email, watching a video, or performing a single search, is sufficient.

Categories News Posted on

OpenAI’s Leadership Shake-Up Resolved: Sam Altman Reinstated, New Board Faces Criticism for Lack of Diversity

The recent power struggle at OpenAI, which unfolded following the dismissal of co-founder Sam Altman, has come to a conclusion, with Altman making a return. However, the resolution raises questions about the future of the organization.

It’s as if OpenAI has undergone a transformation, leaving some to ponder if it has evolved into a different entity altogether, not necessarily for the better. Sam Altman, the former president of Y Combinator, is back in charge, but the legitimacy of his reinstatement is under scrutiny. The new board of directors is drawing criticism for its lack of diversity, consisting entirely of white males, and there are concerns about the potential shift from OpenAI’s original philanthropic goals to more profit-driven interests.

The original structure of OpenAI featured a six-person board, including Altman, chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, president Greg Brockman, entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, and Helen Toner from Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technologies. The board had control over the for-profit side of OpenAI, guided by a nonprofit with a stake in decision-making for activities, investments, and overall direction, all in line with the mission of ensuring the benefits of artificial general intelligence for humanity.

However, with the involvement of investors and powerful partners, challenges emerged. Altman’s sudden removal led to discontent among OpenAI’s backers, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures, who expressed a desire for Altman’s return. Legal action was even contemplated by several major backers if negotiations failed to reinstate Altman.

After days of turmoil, a resolution was reached. Altman and Brockman returned, subject to a background investigation. A new transitional board was established, meeting one of Altman’s demands. OpenAI is set to maintain its structure, with capped profits for investors and a board empowered to make decisions not solely driven by revenue.

Despite claims of victory for the “good guys,” questions linger about the legitimacy of Altman’s return. Accusations of not being consistently candid and prioritizing growth over mission were leveled against him. The new board, consisting of Bret Taylor, Adam D’Angelo, and Larry Summers, raises concerns about diversity and inclusivity, with all-male initial appointments potentially violating European board seat regulations.

The lack of diversity in the board composition has drawn criticism from AI academics and experts. Concerns about Summers’ history of making unflattering remarks about women further fuel apprehensions. Critics argue that a board lacking deep knowledge of responsible AI use in society, coupled with a lack of diversity, is not a promising start for a company as influential as OpenAI.

The decision not to include well-known AI ethicists like Timnit Gebru or Margaret Mitchell in the initial board appointment process raises questions about OpenAI’s commitment to addressing challenges related to AI bias and responsible use. The absence of such voices may impact the board’s ability to consistently prioritize these important issues.

1 … 4 5 6