From Deepfakes to Mixed Reality

Hey there, AI enthusiasts! Ava Woods here. Buckle up for a wild ride through the AI landscape this Thursday. From jaw-dropping predictions to video breakthroughs and courtroom drama, we've got it all. Curious about the future of AI? Dive in and let's explore together!

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Today's Edition

• Top Stories

  • AI's Next Chapter - Predictions for 2025 from Sequ …

  • OpenAI Unveils Real-Time Video Features for ChatGP …

  • New Tool from Meta Tackles Deepfake Threat with Vi …

  • Elon Musk's Lawsuit Sparks Battle Over AI Salaries …

  • Android XR - Google and Samsung's Bold Leap into M …

• Editor’s Picks

• Featured AI Jobs

• AI Conferences

The Future Landscape of AI

Sequoia Capital, a major player in venture capital, is making significant investments in artificial intelligence, particularly in foundational AI models. With around USD 150 million put into companies like OpenAI and xAI, the firm sees 2024 as the year of initial exploration, or the "primordial soup," while 2025 will be about establishing solid foundations in AI technology. David Cahn, a partner at Sequoia, shares insights into the competitive landscape and future trends for AI in the coming year.

Key Predictions for 2025

• Model Differentiation: The AI market will be led by five major companies: Microsoft/OpenAI, Amazon/Anthropic, Google, Meta, and xAI. Their unique strategies will determine success or failure as they compete in the large language model (LLM) arena.

• Proliferation of AI Search: AI search engines are expected to become essential tools for various professions. Examples include Perplexity for analysts and Harvey for lawyers, transforming how information is accessed and utilized.

• Stabilization of Capital Expenditure: Big Tech firms are expected to stabilize their AI capital expenditures in 2025, focusing on completing projects efficiently and effectively, as indicated by recent financial trends.

Significance of These Trends

Understanding these predictions is crucial as they highlight the evolving nature of AI technology and its integration into various industries. As AI search tools develop, they will enhance productivity and change how professionals work. The stabilization of capital expenditure indicates a maturing market, where companies are ready to invest wisely. These developments will shape the future of AI, making it a pivotal part of everyday business and personal tasks.

Source.

Overview of New Features

OpenAI has launched real-time video capabilities for ChatGPT, enhancing its Advanced Voice Mode. This feature allows users to interact with ChatGPT in a more dynamic way. By using their mobile devices, users can point at objects and receive immediate responses from the AI. Additionally, it can analyze screens through screen-sharing, providing explanations and solving problems.

Key Features and Access

• Users must be subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, Team, or Pro to use Advanced Voice Mode with vision.

• The feature includes real-time responses and the ability to understand screen content.

• Access rolls out gradually, with some users getting it immediately and others, like ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu subscribers, waiting until January.

• OpenAI has plans for future expansions, but there is no timeline for users in the EU or related regions.

Significance of the Update

This development is crucial as it positions OpenAI competitively against rivals like Google and Meta, who are also exploring similar technologies. The ability to interact with AI through video could revolutionize user experience, making information retrieval and assistance more intuitive. Moreover, the additional festive “Santa Mode” showcases OpenAI's commitment to keeping the platform engaging and user-friendly. Overall, these advancements reflect the ongoing evolution of AI technology and its integration into everyday tasks.

Source.

Understanding the Rise of Deepfakes

The surge in generative AI technology has led to a dramatic increase in deepfake content online. Reports indicate a fourfold rise in deepfakes from 2023 to 2024, with these fakes making up 7% of all fraud. This includes various forms of deceit, such as impersonations and social engineering scams. In response to this growing issue, Meta has introduced a new tool designed to combat deepfakes by applying invisible watermarks to AI-generated videos.

Key Features of Meta Video Seal

• Meta Video Seal is an open-source tool aimed at enhancing video watermarking for AI-generated content.

• It can survive common video edits like blurring and cropping, making it more robust than previous tools.

• The tool includes a hidden message feature to trace the origin of videos.

• Meta plans to create a public leaderboard to encourage the adoption of watermarking techniques across the industry.

The Importance of Video Watermarking

As deepfakes become more prevalent, tools like Video Seal are essential for protecting originality and authenticity online. The challenge remains for developers and industries to adopt this technology, especially when many already use proprietary solutions. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, Meta aims to enhance the effectiveness of watermarking and reduce the risks associated with deepfake technology.

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Overview of the Dispute

Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming the company engages in unfair competition by offering excessively high salaries to attract top talent. This legal battle highlights the intense competition in the artificial intelligence sector, especially between Musk's xAI and Altman's OpenAI. An analysis of salary data reveals that both companies pay significantly above industry standards, but OpenAI's compensation levels are particularly striking.

Key Findings

• xAI's salaries for specialty visa workers ranged from $250,000 to $500,000, with some roles exceeding double the prevailing wage.

• OpenAI's salaries were even higher, with one employee earning over three times the prevailing wage, reflecting a fierce competition for skilled workers.

• xAI employs around 100 workers compared to OpenAI's approximately 3,000, indicating a substantial difference in company size and resources.

• The lawsuit has reignited tensions between Musk and Altman, with Musk accusing OpenAI of manipulating him during its founding.

Significance of the Situation

This legal confrontation emphasizes the lengths to which companies will go to secure the best talent in a rapidly growing industry. As AI continues to attract massive investments, understanding salary trends can provide insights into the competitive landscape. Musk's claims also raise questions about ethical hiring practices and the impact of high salaries on market dynamics. The outcome of this lawsuit could influence how companies approach recruitment and compensation strategies in the AI field, potentially reshaping the industry's future.

Source.

Exploring the Future of Mixed Reality

Android XR is Google's new mixed reality operating system designed for smart glasses and headsets. This platform aims to revolutionize how we interact with augmented reality (AR) by incorporating advanced AI capabilities. During a recent demo, users experienced real-time translations and contextual interactions that showcased the potential of Android XR. Google is determined to make this technology accessible and relevant, especially as competition heats up with other tech giants like Apple and Meta.

Key Features and Highlights

• Android XR integrates Gemini, a multimodal AI that enhances user interactions.

• It supports all mobile and tablet apps from the Play Store, making it versatile for developers.

• Samsung's upcoming Project Moohan headset will be the first consumer product using Android XR, launching in 2025.

• Users can easily engage with Gemini for tasks like navigation and summarizing messages, allowing for more natural interactions.

Significance of Android XR

The introduction of Android XR is crucial as it aims to redefine how we perceive and use mixed reality devices. With the integration of advanced AI, the platform promises to make technology more intuitive and user-friendly. As more people become comfortable with XR experiences, the potential for widespread adoption increases. This shift could lead to a future where smart glasses and headsets become everyday tools, enhancing our daily lives and interactions with the world around us.

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• RapidCanvas is transforming AI deployment by combining AI agents with expert consultants to help businesses bridge the skills gap.

• Character.AI introduces new parental controls and safety features for teens.

• A holistic health system powered by ProSocial AI can transform wellbeing.

• Fujitsu introduces a multi-AI agent security technology to combat cyber threats.

• Adobe is set to launch premium AI video generation features, enhancing its Firefly platform.

• NeuBird Secures $22.5M Seed Extension to Transform IT Operations with AI.

  NeuBird’s AI-driven solution Hawkeye aims to simplify IT operations, attracting significant investment interest.

• OpenAI reported a major outage affecting ChatGPT, Sora, and its API, which lasted for several hours.

• Swiss Robotics Firm Anybotics raises $60 million to enhance its autonomous inspection robot business.

• Lumen Orbit secures $11 million in funding to build data centers in space.

• Innovative Startup eSelf Raises $4.5M for Real-Time Video AI Agents.

  eSelf is set to revolutionize conversational AI with real-time video agents.

• Apple’s Image Playground allows users to create cartoon images from text prompts.

• Cartesia is developing state space models to make AI more efficient and cost-effective.

• Fwd2cal automates calendar entries from emails, simplifying scheduling tasks.

• The competition for supercomputing power is intensifying, with Oracle and xAI making bold claims about their GPU clusters.

• Harvard’s new dataset offers nearly 1 million public-domain books for AI training.

• Venture Advisor (Equity position only)

  AI Fund · California, United States (Hybrid)

• Applied Scientist III, FAR (Frontier AI & Robotics)

  Amazon · San Francisco, CA

• Research Intern - Knowledge and Reasoning

  Microsoft · Redmond, WA (Hybrid)

• Research Intern - Office of the Chief Scientific Officer

  Microsoft · Mountain View, CA (Hybrid)

Momentum AI San Jose 2025

July 15-16, 2025 | Signia by Hilton San Jose, CA

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Through pan-industry panel discussions, real world case studies, and an array of interactive breakout sessions, it’s the only place in 2025 where you will uncover transformative AI advancements in every major industry and immerse yourself in the transformative journeys of C-suite visionaries from Fortune 500 businesses.

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Stay curious, stay ahead!

Ava Woods, Your AI Insider at 6thWave.

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