This Week’s BIG thing

Anthropic’s Game-Changing AI Update: Bringing the Future of Computing to Your Fingertips

Anthropic has made waves with their latest releases: the 'computer use' capability and updates to their Claude 3.5 AI models. From giving AI the power to interact directly with your computer to improvements in coding and reasoning, these updates represent a step forward in AI's journey from tool to partner.

New Features: Computer Use & Claude 3.5

The highlight is the 'computer use' capability, allowing AI to interact directly with computer interfaces. It can navigate screens, click buttons, input text, and handle tasks autonomously—imagine a project delivery setting where AI autonomously handles data entry, generates reports, and creates updated schedules.

Backing this capability are the updates to Claude 3.5😀 

• Claude 3.5 Sonnet: Enhanced coding and reasoning, ideal for complex problem-solving and DevSecOps.

• Claude 3.5 Haiku: A faster, lighter version of Sonnet, focused on quick responsiveness.

Features & Limitations

While promising, the computer use feature is still in beta, with reported issues in basic actions like scrolling. Security restrictions are also in place, limiting access to social media and government websites. Despite these limitations, Claude 3.5’s models offer strong improvements in coding and productivity.

Public Perception: Caution and Excitement

The response has been mixed. While some see the potential in these tools, others remain sceptical, viewing the features as underdeveloped. Compared to OpenAI, which focuses on consumer-friendly experiences, Anthropic’s updates may seem less polished. However, many are cautiously optimistic about the potential of these releases for future AI applications.

Personality Debate: Anthropomorphisation vs. Tool-Like AI

The reduction of Claude’s personality has raised debates. Some argue this makes it clear that AI is just a tool, avoiding risks of anthropomorphisation and emotional dependency, which can lead to serious consequences as we saw last week with Character.AI. Others believe a bit of personality enhances usability in customer-facing roles. Anthropic prioritises functionality and safety, aligning with their ethical AI development philosophy.

Anthropic vs. OpenAI: Different Strategies

Anthropic positions itself as an infrastructure player, providing tools for developers and enterprises, while OpenAI focuses on accessible, consumer-facing AI. Anthropic aims to be the powerhouse behind enterprise applications, whereas OpenAI seeks to integrate AI into daily life for everyone.

Why This Matters 🫵

Anthropic's updates represent a major shift in AI development, from chat assistants to proactive digital agents capable of interacting with computer systems. This move hints at a future where AI is embedded in workflows, not just as a helper but as an active participant. These developments signal exciting potential for the future of AI in both personal and professional settings.

The Rabbit Hole 🐰

• _{Anthropic’s CEO’s direction and vision link} 🔗

• _{A deeper look into the new Anthropic release} 🔗

• _{The similarities with RPA} 🔗

• _{A hands-on tutorial of setting up “computer use”} 🔗

• _{What is Claude by Anthropic? Hear from the creators} 🔗

• _{Discussions on anthropomorphisation with the new Clause release} 🔗

• _{https://www.anthropic.com/news/3-5-models-and-computer-use}

• _{https://www.anthropic.com/news/3-5-models-and-computer-use}

What’s new: Tech

Midjourney's Groundbreaking AI Image Editor: A New Era for Design

On 24 October 2024, Midjourney launched its highly anticipated AI image editor, redefining how users can interact with images. Using simple text prompts, you can create stunning transformations that would traditionally require advanced editing skills.

What’s New?

Midjourney's editor combines Photoshop-level precision with AI simplicity. Upload photos, describe changes like "change the material finish on a wall" or "add a new landscape view through a window," and watch the AI seamlessly integrate these edits. The revolutionary "texture brush" allows you to change surface textures while preserving structure—transform a wooden chair into marble or turn a daylight photo into a moody evening scene with ease.

Getting the Best Results

• Material changes: Be specific—e.g., "Transform this chair into polished mahogany with brass accents."

• Lighting and ambience: Specify the lighting—e.g., "Add a soft, diffused daylight glow."

• Style enhancements: Mix materials with styles—e.g., "Convert the room to an art deco design with gold accents."

Industry Buzz

Users are thrilled with the editor's new features:

• Creative freedom: Upload, expand, repaint, and modify elements with simple prompts, allowing for full creative control.

• Retexturing magic: Alter the look and feel of surfaces and lighting to transform an image entirely—ideal for both artistic and practical use.

• Community engagement: The launch has inspired widespread sharing on social platforms, with users showcasing their results and speculating about the future possibilities of digital art.

Limitations

The editor can struggle with small area edits and proportion issues when adjusting body parts. Access is also limited to annual subscribers, users with 12-month subscriptions, and those who have generated over 10,000 images.

A Game Changer in Construction

This tool isn't just for creatives—it's transforming architectural and design workflows

• Rapid prototyping: Quickly visualise materials and finishes on 3D models, speeding up client approvals.

• Cost-efficient visuals: Skip costly rendering iterations—switch styles in moments.

• Streamlined client meetings: Adjust materials and lighting in real time during meetings to facilitate decision-making.

• Enhanced creativity: Quickly explore different design variations, supporting creative exploration without derailing project timelines.

The Rabbit Hole 🐰

• _{Watch the new image editor in action} 🔗

• _{Read the announcement from Midjourney} 🔗

• _{A deeper FAQ-like article of the new features} 🔗

💙 Other tech news we’re loving

• OpenAI’s Orion Model Launch by December: OpenAI plans a December release for its new Orion model, promising enhancements like reduced hallucinations, improved memory, and reasoning capabilities.

• Apple Two Years Behind in AI: Apple considers itself two years behind competitors in AI as it strives to catch up in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

• Apple’s ChatGPT Integration Launches: Apple has begun rolling out ChatGPT integration, adding innovative features like GenMoji and advanced visual intelligence to iOS.

• Elon Musk’s xAI Launches Grok API: xAI, Elon Musk’s AI startup, unveils the Grok API, aimed at developers seeking an alternative AI toolset for specialised applications.

• OpenAI’s Transformation from Nonprofit to Industry Giant: OpenAI’s journey from nonprofit status to AI powerhouse reveals strategic decisions reshaping the company’s industry influence.

• No Company Ready for AGI, Says OpenAI: OpenAI’s Miles Brundage states that no company is prepared for AGI, sparking debate on AI safety measures in development.

• Character.AI Under Fire Following Tragic Lawsuit: Character.AI faces backlash after a lawsuit linked to user suicide, raising concerns over platform moderation and AI ethics.

• Precog’s New Predictive Platform: The Precog platform offers a unique AI-driven experience with predictive features, aiming to improve foresight and strategic planning across industries.

What’s new: Projects

Dewan Architects Unveils AI-Powered BIM Breakthroughs at AU 2024

At Autodesk University (AU) 2024, Dewan Architects + Engineers showcased their groundbreaking advancements in AI-enhanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automation, setting a new standard for efficiency and collaboration in architecture and construction.

Dewan’s custom tools, integrating seamlessly with Autodesk, address critical challenges like coordination inefficiencies and data fragmentation, improving project delivery across design and engineering. Central to their innovation is "Quible," a BIM-to-AI tool that applies deep learning to design, enabling agile, data-driven decision-making that enhances both design accuracy and project outcomes. Dewan’s tech lab, MAD, further pushes boundaries with digital twins and extended reality (XR), evidenced in their work on the AMAALA Yacht Club project, which demonstrated a 40% boost in efficiency and operational savings through cloud-based BIM.

This showcase underlines Dewan’s commitment to reshaping design and engineering through digital transformation. For more, read the full coverage here. 

💙 Other Project news we’re loving

• OpenAI Hires White House Chief Economist: OpenAI’s first-ever Chief Economist brings government expertise to guide AI’s economic impact. More here.

• AI Meditation Tool by Google: Google’s DeepMind debuts "Habermas Machine" to promote mental wellness through AI-driven meditation. Read more here.

• Timbaland Partners with Suno: Timbaland collaborates with Suno to launch a revolutionary AI-powered music platform for custom tracks. Details here.

• AI Aids in Broken Bone Detection: Advanced AI aids doctors in faster, more accurate fracture diagnoses, enhancing patient care. Full story here.

• AI Growth in Construction Faces Regulation Hurdles: Despite AI advances, skills and regulatory gaps challenge construction's digital evolution. Learn more here.

• Costain's AI Platform for Northumbrian Water: Costain is developing "WISDOM," an AI tool for optimized wastewater management in AMP8 projects. Explore here.
  

What’s new: Productivity

OpenAI Appoints First Chief Economist to Guide AI’s Economic Impact

OpenAI Appoints First Chief Economist to Guide AI’s Economic Impact

OpenAI has named Dr. Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its first Chief Economist, highlighting the company's intent to explore AI's far-reaching economic effects (OpenAI, WinBuzzer). Dr. Chatterji, a former White House official and economics expert, will spearhead research on AI's impact on economic growth, job markets, and labour dynamics.

This strategic role reflects OpenAI’s commitment to harnessing AI for economic inclusivity, especially as it faces financial pressures and navigates a crucial partnership with Microsoft. Chatterji's insights will support policymakers and industry leaders, guiding the responsible integration of AI in ways that enhance productivity while addressing market shifts and societal needs. This move underscores OpenAI's vision of positioning AI as a positive force for equitable, sustainable growth across economies worldwide.

💙 Other productivity news we’re loving

• AI in mental health took a step forward with Google DeepMind's AI-driven meditation tool, and in music,

• Meanwhile, in healthcare, AI’s diagnostic powers are being harnessed to identify broken bones more effectively, enhancing patient outcomes.

• For the construction sector, AI’s rise faces regulatory and skill challenges, while Costain’s AI platform for AMP8 is poised to transform wastewater management. AI’s reach is undeniably growing, influencing diverse sectors with profound changes.

• European Parliament Uses Claude for Archives: Claude AI now powers Archibot, making the EU Parliament’s extensive archives accessible to the public, offering researchers faster, multilingual access to historical records.

• Zapier’s ChatGPT Integration: Zapier introduces ChatGPT automation, streamlining workflows to boost efficiency across tasks, and making enterprise-level productivity accessible to more teams.

• State of AI Report 2024: The State of AI Report 2024 explores AI’s current landscape, technological advances, and future trends shaping industries worldwide, presenting key insights and risks in artificial intelligence.

Events

The AI Conference on November 14, 2024, is a must-attend virtual event for leaders exploring AI's return on investment. Top executives, like Scott Galloway and Bhavesh Dayalji, will share candid insights into the effectiveness of enterprise AI applications, discussing real-world cases, AI business models, and evaluating AI's actual business returns versus costs.

Project Flux Podcast

Project Hack 23: AI Evolution, Nuclear Energy, and Project Delivery

In this Project Flux episode, James Garner and Yoshi Soornack explore the transformative role of AI in project management, robotics, and nuclear energy. Featuring industry leaders, they discuss Project Hack 23, AI's societal impact, and how innovations in nuclear energy and robotics are reshaping project delivery.

Tune in here to dive into the latest tech advancements.

One More Thing

Kurzweil now say 2029 for AGI is conservative

Futurist Ray Kurzweil now views his previous prediction of AGI (artificial general intelligence) by 2029 as a "conservative" estimate, indicating that advancements in AI may bring AGI even sooner. His updated stance reflects accelerating developments across machine learning and AI, which could reshape timelines in profound ways. More details here.

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