The first thing we would like people to do to help you learn about AI is to go to https://chat.openai.com/ and make a free Chat GPT account. All you need to make the account is an email and you can start chatting with an AI! Please keep in mind you should follow the common sense rules of internet usage there, don’t input any sensitive information or ask it anything that might get your account flagged. Below is a link to a short YouTube video explaining the basics of how AI works and some of the pitfalls of Generative AI.
Below you will find summaries of important AI news as well as links to the original articles.
Lenovo Unleashes AI-Powered Creativity and Productivity Devices and Solutions at CES 2024
January 8th, 2024
Lenovo introduces new products and accessories for the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market with innovative features, smart designs, and AI enhancements.
Lenovo showcased a personal AI assistant solution for AI PCs at Tech World 2023, part of the AI for All vision, aiming to enhance user interaction through natural language and keyboard input.
Lenovo AI Now Personal Assistant, under development, will deliver personalized interactive experiences based on a user's on-device knowledge base and is set to roll out in the first half of 2024 in China.
Unique proof of concept devices include the Mechanical Energy Harvesting Combo, using mechanical movement and solar irradiation to power a mouse and keyboard, aligning with Lenovo's commitment to sustainable practices.
Congress Wants Tech Companies to Pay Up for AI Training Data
January 10th, 2024
Senate hearing on AI's impact on journalism discusses the question of whether AI companies should pay for using media outlets' work in AI projects.
Bipartisan consensus emerges among lawmakers that tech giants, including OpenAI, should pay media outlets for their work in AI.
Richard Blumenthal, Democrat and chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, deems it both morally right and legally required for tech giants to compensate media organizations.
Josh Hawley, a Republican working on AI legislation with Blumenthal, supports the notion that large companies shouldn't freely use data without compensation.
Media industry leaders, including Curtis LeGeyt (National Association of Broadcasters), Danielle Coffey (News Media Alliance), and Roger Lynch (Condé Nast), speak in favor of licensing and criticize AI companies for using their work without compensation.
Microsoft offers Copilot AI subscription
January 16th, 2024
Microsoft introduces Copilot Pro, a subscription-based platform offering advanced features for Copilot AI technology.
Priced at $20 per month per person, Copilot Pro aims to enhance user experiences in writing, coding, designing, researching, and learning.
The subscription provides a unified AI experience across devices, adapting to web context, applications, and user phones.
Access to Copilot is available in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote on PC, Mac, and iPad for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers.
Additional features include Copilot GPTs for customizing behavior and a Copilot mobile app for Android and iOS for queries and chats.
Google Chrome gains AI features, including a writing helper, theme creator, and tab organizer
January 23rd, 2024
Google is introducing three new AI-powered features to Chrome for Mac and Windows.
A writing helper feature, similar to the experimental AI search experience, assists users in drafting emails, forum posts, and more.
Accessible by right-clicking on a text box, the writing assistant will be available in the next Chrome release.
AI is utilized to organize tab groups with the Tab Organizer, automatically suggesting and creating groups based on open tabs.
The AI theme creator allows users to generate custom themes for Chrome, using a text-to-image diffusion model for subject, mood, visual style, and color customization.
The features will roll out in the U.S. on both Mac and Windows in the current Chrome release.
The features won't be available to enterprise and educational customers initially.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Key AI Actions Following President Biden’s Landmark Executive Order
January 29th, 2024
Managing Risks to Safety and Security:
Used Defense Production Act authorities to compel disclosure of information on powerful AI systems.
Completed risk assessments for AI's use in critical infrastructure sectors.
Innovating AI for Good:
Launched a pilot of the National AI Research Resource to enhance AI innovation.
Started the EducateAI initiative to fund inclusive AI education opportunities.
Announced funding for Regional Innovation Engines, including a focus on AI advancement.
Established an AI Task Force at the Department of Health and Human Services to provide regulatory clarity in healthcare
AI companies will need to start reporting their safety tests to the US government
January 29th, 2024
Biden administration initiates the implementation of a new requirement for developers of major AI systems to disclose safety test results to the government.
The White House AI Council to review progress on the executive order signed by President Biden three months ago, focusing on managing the rapidly evolving AI technology.
A 90-day goal from the order includes a mandate, under the Defense Production Act, for AI companies to share crucial information, including safety tests, with the Commerce Department.
The government aims to ensure AI systems' safety before public release, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology developing a uniform framework for safety assessments.
AI has become a top economic and national security consideration, leading the government to explore legislative measures and collaborate with other countries and the European Union on AI technology management.
The Commerce Department has crafted a draft rule for U.S. cloud companies providing servers to foreign AI developers.
Nine federal agencies, including Defense, Transportation, Treasury, and Health and Human Services, have completed risk assessments on AI's use in critical national infrastructure like the electric grid.