Welcome to the Daily AI News Podcast.
We're gonna be diving deep into all the latest AI news.
Ooh, fun.
That's been making headlines.
We'll be covering a range of topics today
from what open AI might be up to next
to some concerns about AI and healthcare.
Oh yeah, that's a big one.
Definitely.
We'll also be discussing Adobe's
interesting take on artists and AI.
And we'll even take a peek at what everyday smartphone users
think about this whole AI integration trend.
Sounds like we've got a lot to unpack.
We do.
So let's just jump right in.
First up, open AI.
They've denied reports that they're releasing
a new model this year called Orion.
Mm, that's interesting.
There were so many people talking about Orion.
Like it was a sure thing, especially with all those rumors
about early access for companies like Microsoft.
Right, so this denial from open AI
really throws a wrench into things.
It makes you wonder what their next move will be.
Yeah, for sure.
Especially since they've said they'll continue
developing those GPT models, which seem to be
all the rage these days.
And also something called reasoning models like O1.
Yes, reasoning models.
Do you think this O1 model could be the key here?
Well, reasoning models are interesting.
They're all about taking AI beyond just pattern recognition
and into more complex logical thinking.
So O1 could be a sign that open AI is shifting its focus
towards AI that can actually understand
and reason through problems.
That makes a lot of sense.
So maybe they're working on something
even more powerful than Orion.
Or maybe something totally different altogether.
It seems like open AI is keeping things pretty hush hush
for now.
It's like they want to keep us all in suspense.
They do love a good reveal.
But speaking of open AI, there's another development
that's caught my eye.
And it's about their whisper transcription tool,
which has gotten a lot of praise for its accuracy.
Right, whisper has been making waves.
But some new research has found
that it's actually prone to making things up.
Sometimes even entire sentences.
Whoa, really?
Yeah, it's a phenomenon being called AI hallucination.
That's a bit unsettling.
It is.
Especially when you consider that whisper
is being used in healthcare to transcribe conversations
between doctors and patients.
Oh, wow.
That's where it gets a little concerned.
Exactly.
Imagine a scenario where whisper fabricates a sentence
about a medical treatment.
And that gets added to a patient's record.
The consequences can be pretty serious.
Definitely.
And to make matters worse,
researchers have found that these fabrications
can include things like suggesting medical treatments
that don't even exist or that aren't appropriate
for the patient.
Yikes.
And add another layer of complexity,
despite open AI warning against using whisper.
In these high-risk situations,
it seems like some hospitals are adopting tools
based on this technology.
Hmm, that's a tough one.
It is.
Often, there's no easy way
to check those original audio recordings
to verify what was actually said.
So there's a real potential for errors
to slip through the cracks.
Exactly.
And that's definitely not what you want
in a healthcare setting.
Not at all.
This whole situation definitely raises some big questions
over the ethical use of AI in healthcare
and how we can ensure patient safety
when these tools are involved.
It's a crucial conversation to be having.
Absolutely.
Now, shifting gears a bit,
we've got a surprising partnership to talk about.
Meta and Reuters.
Oh, interesting.
Meta is integrating real-time news
from Reuters into its AI chat box.
It seems like a big shift for Meta,
considering they've been distancing themselves
from news content lately.
Yeah, it is a bit of a surprise,
especially since they've faced so much scrutiny
over misinformation on their platforms.
So this partnership with Reuters,
known for its journalistic standards,
might be a way for them
to address some of those concerns.
That's a good point.
Maybe they're trying to re-establish themselves
as a reliable source of news,
especially in this age of AI,
where people are looking for quick
and easy access to information.
Absolutely.
Think about how many people might turn
to these AI chatbots for news updates.
Partnering with a trusted source like Reuters
could be a smart move for Meta
to regain some of that trust and influence.
Makes you wonder,
if AI chatbots are gonna become our main source
for news in the future,
and how that will change the way we consume information.
It's definitely a possibility,
and it raises a lot of interesting questions.
It does.
Now, speaking of AI and its potential impact,
we need to talk about Adobe.
They basically said that artists who don't embrace AI
are gonna get left behind.
Wow, that's a pretty bold statement.
It is, and it's causing quite a stir in the creative world.
Understandably so.
There's a lot of resistance from artists
who are worried that AI will replace human creativity.
I can see why they'd be concerned.
And there are also concerns about
how these AI tools are being trained.
Like if an AI is trained on existing artwork,
are there copyright implications,
and who owns the rights to the art created by an AI?
Those are all really important questions.
And they highlight the need for clear guidelines
and regulations around the use of AI in creative fields.
But on the other hand,
Adobe argues that AI can actually help artists
be more creative.
They say it can free up time
by taking over those tedious tasks,
like resizing images or masking objects.
I can see that.
Imagine all the time and energy you could save.
If an AI could handle all the technical stuff,
leaving you to focus on the artistic vision.
But I think the key here is balance.
How do we leverage the power of AI
without sacrificing the essence of human creativity?
That's the million dollar question.
It is.
And I think it's a question
that's gonna continue to be debated.
As AI technology becomes more sophisticated,
now let's shift our focus to the consumer side of things.
We've got a recent survey from CNET.
That's giving us some insights
into how people really feel
about AI features in their smartphones.
Oh, interesting.
And it turns out, a lot of people aren't that impressed.
The survey found that many smartphone owners
are concerned about the cost of these AI features,
especially with the possibility of subscription fees
down the road.
Yeah, I can understand that.
People are already paying a premium for their smartphones,
adding more AI features that require subscriptions
could make these devices even more expensive.
Right, and then there's the whole privacy issue.
People are worried about how their data is being used
to train these AI models.
Yeah.
And personalize their experiences.
Yeah, that's a valid concern.
It makes you wonder,
is it worth trading our privacy
for a slightly more convenient smartphone experience?
It's a tough question.
And it raises another question.
Are these AI features actually enhancing our lives
in a meaningful way?
Or are they just gimmicks?
Right.
Are they actually making our lives easier
and more efficient?
Or are they just flashy features
that we don't really need?
The survey actually found that people are much more interested
in things like longer battery life,
more storage and better camera quality.
Those are tangible benefits
that people understand and appreciate.
That makes sense.
Those are the things that directly impact our daily lives.
Exactly.
So maybe the key for AI and smartphones
is to focus on those practical applications
that solve real problems
and make our lives genuinely easier.
I think that's a good takeaway.
Tech companies need to make sure
they're creating AI features that people actually want
and are willing to pay for.
And it's not just about features,
it's also about educating people
on how to use them effectively
and addressing those privacy concerns head on.
I agree.
Transparency and education are crucial.
When it comes to AI.
Yeah, it's all about finding that balance
where AI can really make a difference
without stepping on our toes too much.
Right, it's a powerful tool.
But we need to make sure we're using it responsibly.
Exactly.
But on a more positive note,
let's talk about those efforts.
To bridge the AI skills gap,
it's great to see companies like Google, Adobe and IBM,
putting their money where their mouth is
and investing in AI literacy.
Yeah, it's really encouraging
to see them taking a proactive approach
to help people develop the skills they'll need
to thrive in this rapidly changing world.
And it's not just about technical skills.
These initiatives are also focusing on things like
critical thinking, problem solving
and ethical decision making in the context of AI.
That's so important.
We need people who can not only build AI systems
but also understand their potential impact
and use them responsibly.
Exactly, it's about fostering a society
that's informed and empowered
to engage with AI in a meaningful way.
Absolutely.
And it's not just up to companies
to provide these opportunities.
Individuals also need to take the initiative
to develop their AI literacy.
There are so many resources available,
both online and offline.
Definitely, there are courses, workshops,
even formal education programs.
It's all about embracing lifelong learning
and being adaptable.
Because the field of AI is constantly evolving.
It's true, you gotta stay curious
and keep learning.
Yeah, exactly.
Now speaking of learning and evolving,
let's go back to open AI for a minute.
Remember how they denied those reports
about releasing the Orion model?
Oh yeah.
It really makes you wonder
what they're working on behind the scenes.
I know, they're being so secretive.
Maybe it's something even more powerful than Orion.
Or maybe it's something completely different.
Who knows, but it's exciting to think about.
It is, it just goes to show
that the AI landscape is constantly changing.
And we need to be prepared for anything.
We do, we need to be flexible and adaptable.
And always keep learning.
Now continuing on this theme of AI
and how it's being used,
let's revisit those concerns about AI hallucinations.
Remember what we were talking about.
Open AI's whisper tool
and how it's been known to invent text.
Right, even whole sentences.
It's a little unnerving.
Yeah.
Especially when you think about it,
being used in healthcare.
Yeah, that's a bit scary.
It really highlights the importance
of rigorous testing and validation
when it comes to AI systems.
We can't just assume
that these tools will always work perfectly.
Nope, we need to be aware of their limitations
and potential biases.
And it's not just about the technology itself.
It's also about how we as humans
interact with and use these tools.
We need to be critical thinkers.
We can't just blindly trust everything an AI tells us.
Exactly, we need to be mindful
of the potential consequences.
Especially in high stakes domains like healthcare.
Where errors can have serious implications.
Definitely.
Now shifting focus back to the consumer side.
Let's dive a little deeper.
Into those findings from the CNET survey.
About AI and smartphones.
A lot of people weren't exactly blown away
by the current AI features on offer.
Yeah, it seems like there's a disconnect
between what the tech industry's pushing
and what consumers actually value.
Right.
People are more concerned about practical things.
Like battery life, storage, camera quality.
And don't forget privacy.
People are increasingly wary
of how their data is being used.
Especially when it comes to AI.
Absolutely, that's a huge concern.
It seems like there's a real need
for tech companies to build trust
and address those privacy concerns head on.
Agreed.
They need to be transparent about how they're using data
and give users more control over their privacy settings.
Exactly.
But going back to those practical concerns.
Maybe the key for AI and smartphones
is to focus on solving real problems
that people face every day.
Like what kind of problems?
Well think about things like
helping people manage their time more effectively.
Filtering out spam and unwanted notifications.
Or providing personalized recommendations
that are actually useful and relevant.
Those are good examples.
It's about making AI features
that seamlessly integrate into people's lives
and make things genuinely easier.
Exactly.
Without being intrusive or creepy.
Right.
It's all about finding that sweet spot
where AI can enhance our lives
without overstepping its boundaries.
Well said.
Now let's shift gears again
and revisit that interesting partnership
between Meta and Reuters.
Oh yeah, that was a surprising one.
It was.
I'm still curious about their motivations.
Remember Meta has been trying to distance themselves
from news content.
Especially after all the controversy
surrounding misinformation.
Exactly.
So this partnership with Reuters,
known for its journalistic integrity,
seems like a strategic move
to re-engage with the news industry
in a more controlled and credible way.
Yeah, it could be.
But it's not just that they're trying to position themselves
as a trusted source of news.
In this age of AI...
It makes you wonder
if they're trying to leverage AI
to curate and deliver news
in a more personalized and engaging way
while also addressing those concerns
about misinformation.
And having Reuters on board
definitely gives them some credibility.
It does.
It'll be interesting to see
how this partnership evolves
and actually helps Meta achieve its goals.
Definitely a situation to keep an eye on.
Now speaking of keeping an eye on things,
let's circle back to Waymo.
And their ambitious plans for autonomous vehicles.
Remember that massive $5.6 billion investment they secured?
Oh yeah, that was huge.
It was. A major vote of confidence
in their technology and their vision.
It's a clear sign
that autonomous vehicles are becoming a reality.
But it's not all smooth sailing.
Definitely not.
There's still a lot of challenges to overcome.
Technical and societal.
We're talking about a fundamental shift
in how we think about transportation.
Exactly.
There are regulatory hurdles,
safety concerns, ethical considerations.
Not to mention public perception.
People need to feel comfortable.
Sharing the road with driverless cars.
That's a big one.
It is.
But despite the challenges,
the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles
are enormous.
They are.
Imagine a world with fewer accidents,
left traffic congestion,
greater accessibility for people.
We're unable to drive themselves.
It's a compelling vision of the future.
It is.
But it's important to remember
that we have a role to play in shaping that future.
Absolutely.
It's not just up to companies like Waymo.
We need to be part of the conversation.
Asking tough questions,
demanding transparency,
holding these companies accountable.
We need to make sure that AI is used ethically
and responsibly.
Exactly.
It's a shared responsibility.
And the more informed we are,
the better equipped we'll be.
Yeah.
To navigate this complex landscape.
To then agree more.
We need to be proactive
and make sure our voices are heard.
Absolutely.
And while we're on the topic of shaping the future,
let's go back to Adobe.
And there's stands on AI for artists.
Remember they basically said,
artists need to embrace AI
or they'll get left behind.
Yeah, that was a pretty strong statement.
I can see why it's making some artists nervous.
I get it.
There's a fear
that AI will take over their jobs.
But some artists are more open to AI.
They see it as a tool
that can enhance their creativity.
Right.
And ultimately, it's up to each artist
to decide how they wanna use AI.
Exactly.
It's a tool.
Just like a paintbrush or a camera.
Exactly.
It can be used in so many different ways
to create amazing things.
I think this is a chance for artists
to redefine what it means to be creative.
I like that.
To find new ways to collaborate with these tools.
It's an exciting time to be an artist.
It is.
Now let's talk about
the role of big tech companies
in promoting AI literacy.
We already mentioned.
Google, Adobe and IBM,
investing in AI education.
Right.
But what do you think their motivations are?
For one thing, they need a skilled workforce
to develop and implement their AI products.
So it's in their best interest
to create a pipeline of AI talent.
Exactly.
But do you think
there's also an element of social responsibility there?
I think so.
These companies know
that AI is gonna have a huge impact on society.
And they wanna make sure
that everyone has the opportunity
to be a part of it.
It's about democratizing AI.
Right.
Making sure it's accessible to everyone.
Exactly.
Well, it's been a fascinating conversation.
Thank you for sharing your insights with us.
My pleasure.
As we wrap up this deep dive into AI news,
I wanna leave our listeners with this thought.
AI is rapidly changing our world.
And it's up to all of us
to stay informed, engaged, and curious.
We need to be active participants
in shaping the future of AI.
Because AI is not just something that's happening to us.
It's something that we are creating together.
Well said.
Thanks for listening to the Daily AI News Podcast.
And we'll catch you next time.