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The Big AI Apple: Is the next smartphone revolution looming?

Exciting news is on the horizon as Apple prepares to play its hand on AI advancements. This week, we explore these developments, give key tips on leveraging generative AI, and examine critical strides in AI safety from deeply concerned thought leaders.

Apple are finally playing their hand

With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on the horizon, the buzz around their potential unveiling of a new AI system, "Apple Intelligence," is having us wait in anticipation. Recently, Apple has lagged behind tech giants like Google and Microsoft in the generative AI race, prioritising privacy and on-device processing over flashy advancements. Now, Apple appears poised to make a significant leap forward, with rumours of a revamped Siri and AI enhancements across iOS 18 that promise to evolve the iPhone experience. Imagine a Siri capable of controlling any app with voice commands or summarising meetings effortlessly—this could redefine our expectations of smartphone capabilities.

Despite the excitement, Apple faces the challenge of integrating these AI advancements while maintaining their staunch commitment to user privacy. Known for their rigorous privacy standards, Apple’s approach to on-device processing and opt-in AI features aims to provide cutting-edge technology without compromising user data. The potential collaboration with OpenAI only heightens anticipation, suggesting a future where Apple not only catches up to but possibly surpasses its competitors in AI innovation. As we await the official announcements, the question remains: will Apple set a new standard for AI in smartphones? If anyone can achieve this balance of innovation and privacy, it’s Apple.

Graph of the Week

This chart from Goldman Sachs Investment Research, published by Yahoo! Finance, illustrates the frequency of "AI" mentions during earnings calls across various sectors from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024. The Information Technology sector leads significantly, with mentions increasing from 83.6% to 87%.

Communication Services also saw a notable rise from 52.6% to 72.2%. Energy sector discussions on AI surged from 19.1% to 66.7%. Other sectors, such as Financials, Industrials, and Real Estate, experienced modest increases. Consumer Staples and Materials, although showing growth, still lag behind.

This highlights the growing emphasis on AI across industries, particularly in technology and communication services.

Quote of the Week

"ChatGPT is incredibly limited, but good enough at some things to create a misleading impression of greatness. it's a mistake to be relying on it for anything important right now. it's a preview of progress; we have lots of work to do on robustness and truthfulness.” Sam Altman - Open AI

This Week's Big Thing

Right to Warn: AI Whistleblowers Demand Transparency and Protection

In a pivotal open letter released on June 4, 2024, employees from major AI companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind have raised urgent concerns about the risks associated with advanced AI systems. Dubbed the "Right to Warn" letter, it calls for increased transparency and protections for whistleblowers within the AI industry, highlighting the dangers of exacerbating inequalities, enabling misinformation, and potentially losing control of autonomous AI systems. The signatories argue that financial incentives drive AI companies to evade effective oversight and that insiders are uniquely positioned to hold these companies accountable in the absence of robust government regulation.

The letter outlines four key principles for AI companies: allowing criticism related to risk concerns without enforcing broad confidentiality agreements, providing anonymous channels for raising issues, fostering a culture of open criticism, and protecting employees from retaliation when they publicly disclose risk-related information after other avenues have failed. This call to action has attracted significant attention and endorsements from leading AI researchers, underscoring the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability as AI technology rapidly evolves. Check out the perplexity link

Tip of the Week

How to Create a Mind Map for Brainstorming Ideas

To get started with brainstorming new ideas using ChatGPT, follow these steps:

  1. Log into your ChatGPT account.

  2. Select GPT-4o as the model at the top of the interface.

  3. Ask ChatGPT to help you brainstorm. Provide the main topic of your idea and the relevant sub-topics.

Use the following prompt to create your mind map:

Create a mind map to brainstorm new ideas for our [enter details]. Start with the central topic of [enter the main topic] and branch out to subtopics such as [enter sub-topics].
  1. Turn the interactive chart into a static image by selecting the click icon at the top.

And you are done! This method will help you visually organise and expand on your ideas efficiently.

AI in Project Delivery

  • Southampton University is conducting a survey to understand the use and impact of digital tools and AI in project delivery. Participants from various sectors are invited to contribute their experiences, helping shape the future of AI in construction and project management. Participate here.

  • The global Building Information Modeling (BIM) market is projected to reach $22.9 billion by 2034, driven by increasing adoption in construction for improved efficiency and reduced costs. This growth highlights BIM's critical role in modern construction practices. Read more.

  • Generative AI is set to transform Australia's construction industry by enhancing design processes, reducing waste, and improving project outcomes. Embracing these technologies can lead to significant advancements and efficiencies in construction practices. Learn more.

  • The UK BIM Framework has been upgraded with AI capabilities to enhance construction project efficiency. This integration aims to streamline processes, improve data management, and support better decision-making across the construction industry. Details here.

  • Integrating AI in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sectors enhances efficiency by automating tasks, optimizing resource use, and improving project management. This integration is crucial for future-ready, smart construction projects. Explore more.

AI in Productivity

  • Microsoft's Copilots and Power Platform Microsoft introduces new development tools, Copilots, within the Power Platform to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. These AI-driven tools aim to make application development more accessible and efficient. Read more.

Tech News

The blog post "A Grand Unified Theory of the AI Hype Cycle" discusses the cyclical nature of AI development and hype. It outlines a pattern where new AI mechanisms (e.g., neural networks, expert systems) start with high resource demands, attract funding, and lead to initial successes and overblown promises. Eventually, skepticism grows, funding wanes, and the hype cycle resets with a new technology. The post highlights historical examples and notes the persistent exaggeration of AI's capabilities, cautioning that current AI will not achieve true cognition within 5-20 years. Read more here.

At Computex in Taiwan, Nvidia revealed plans for Rubin, a new AI chip set for 2026, and committed to annual releases. AMD introduced the Ryzen AI 300 series (https://www.fastcompany.com/91134766/amd-unveils-new-ai-chips-to-compete-with-nvidia?utm_source=tldrai) , designed for Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PCs, claiming superior performance over Apple's M4. Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon X Elite chips for AI desktops and laptops, expanding beyond mobile devices. Arm aims to reach 100 billion AI-enabled devices by next year and capture half the PC market. These advancements make AI tools more accessible, offering diverse options for AI-integrated PCs. Read more here.

Other stories

  • AI Tackles Antibiotic Resistance Researchers are using AI to develop new antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat. This breakthrough could revolutionise treatment options and address the increasing number of drug-resistant infections. Read more.

  • Elon Musk Diverts Tesla's GPUs to X.AI Emails reveal Elon Musk is reallocating Tesla's GPU resources to support X.AI, his new AI venture. This shift may impact Tesla's AI and autonomous driving projects, sparking discussions about resource allocation and strategic priorities. Learn more.

  • Future-Self Chatbot for Wise Life Choices AI researchers have developed a chatbot designed to simulate conversations with one's future self. This innovative tool aims to inspire individuals to make wiser life choices by providing long-term perspectives on their decisions. Details here.

  • The State of AI 2024 McKinsey's latest report on AI provides insights into current trends, adoption rates, and the impact of AI across industries. It highlights significant advancements, challenges, and future directions for AI technology. Read the report.

  • OpenAI Restarts Robotics Research OpenAI is reviving its robotics research group to explore advanced AI applications in robotics. This move aims to develop cutting-edge technologies that integrate AI and robotics for various practical uses. Explore more.

  • AI Brain Map for Alzheimer's and Autism Neuroscientists are using AI to create detailed brain maps to understand diseases like Alzheimer's and autism better. These maps could lead to significant breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. Learn more.

  • ChatGPT Stops Answering Election Questions OpenAI's ChatGPT has ceased responding to questions about election results after providing incorrect answers. This decision highlights the challenges of ensuring AI accuracy and reliability in sensitive areas. Details here.

AI Security News

  1. Securing Research Infrastructure for Advanced AI OpenAI outlines measures to secure their research infrastructure for advanced AI. They emphasise the importance of safety protocols, robust security measures, and ethical considerations to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. Read more.

  2. Trustworthy Generative AI Deloitte explores the importance of developing trustworthy generative AI systems. The focus is on building AI that is ethical, transparent, and reliable to gain public trust and drive innovation responsibly. Learn more.

  3. Google AI Overview's Rocky Launch Google scaled back its AI overviews due to a rocky launch, addressing issues related to accuracy and user experience. This highlights the challenges tech giants face in deploying advanced AI features effectively. Read more.

New Tools in Tech

Guidde - Magically Create Videos Guidde is a Chrome extension that enables users to create instructional videos effortlessly. It automates video creation by capturing your screen and generating a polished tutorial, perfect for creating how-to guides or training materials. Download here.

DuckDuckGo - Privacy Browser DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine and browser that prevents trackers and protects your data online. It offers a clean, user-friendly interface and robust security features, making it an excellent alternative to traditional search engines. Learn more.

Cutout Pro - Photo Background Remover Cutout Pro is an AI-powered tool that removes photo backgrounds automatically, ideal for creating professional-looking images quickly. It supports various image editing features, enhancing productivity for designers and marketers. Download here.

Event of the Week

The Next Frontier: How Client Expectations Are Redefining Project Delivery Through Data and AI" will be held on 19th June 2024 at 6:00 PM, at 95 New Cavendish St. This event aligns perfectly with Project Flux's mission to educate professionals about the transformative impact of AI in project delivery.

By showcasing the pivotal role of client expectations in driving data and AI integration, the event underscores the necessity for innovation in project management. Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts on leveraging data and AI to meet sophisticated client demands, ensuring smarter, more efficient project outcomes. Sign up on the London Project Data and Analytics Meetup page.

Podcasts: Must-Subscribe List

Big Podcast of the Week: Project Flux Podcast

In this episode, James Garner and Yoshi Sornak host Greg Lawton of Nodes & Links. Greg shares the inspiring journey of Nodes & Links, a company revolutionising project management with AI. He explains how their AI tools forecast project outcomes and enhance efficiency, comparing this transformation to past technological revolutions. Greg highlights the value of AI in automating paperwork and decision-making processes. Don't miss this insightful conversation!