Welcome to the Daily AI News podcast.
Wow, you guys have sent in some wild AI stories this week.
Everything from small language models,
having a moment to AI's role in healthcare,
and even Kanye West is using it
to recreate his daughters in a music video.
Wow.
So buckle up listeners,
because we're diving deep into market trends.
Technological leaps and even some ethical quandaries.
Sounds good.
It's gonna be a fun one.
Yeah, I think what's really fascinating is just how,
AI is just becoming so deeply integrated
into so many different parts of our lives.
Yeah.
You know, from art to finance,
it's just, it really highlights how fast
this tech is building and why we need to be talking about this.
Absolutely, yeah.
Let's jump right in.
Okay.
Let's talk about this buzz around small language models
or SLMs.
We keep hearing that they might be a bigger deal
for businesses than their more famous
siblings, the LLMs.
Right.
Our sources suggest they're faster,
more efficient and potentially easier on the environment.
But what do that actually mean for,
the average person out there?
Well, imagine you can cut your model training time
from say six months.
Okay.
Down to six weeks, right.
Wow, that's a big difference.
That's the kind of speed we're talking about
with these SLMs, you know?
They're trained on smaller data sets.
Okay.
They need less computing power.
Okay.
Much faster to train.
So it's about being more focused.
Exactly.
Like perfect for very specific tasks.
Got it.
Especially for businesses that just don't have the resources
to like wrangle these massive LLMs.
Okay, so it's all about finding the right tool
for the job basically.
Yeah, exactly.
But our sources also say that SLMs might actually be more
secure.
Right.
Because they use less data, making them, you know.
Less of a target, yeah.
Less of a target, exactly.
For cyber attacks, that's a big win.
In a world where data breaches are becoming all too common.
It really is.
And you know, since they can be deployed locally
a lot of times, businesses have like much more control
over their data, which is a huge advantage
for compliance and for privacy.
So SLMs are making some serious waves, it seems.
Yeah, absolutely.
We've got Microsoft jumping into the game
with their Phi3 models, which are apparently.
Yeah, their Phi3 model.
It's great for content creation and chatbots.
Then there's Mistral going the open source route,
letting developers customize their models.
It seems like a whole new ecosystem is springing up.
It really does feel like there's this like shift
in the generative AI market happening, right?
Like instead of just chasing bigger, more complex models,
like companies are realizing the value of tailored solutions.
Yeah, yeah.
That are like, you know.
Right.
Efficient and cost effective and secure.
And they do what you needed to do, right?
Exactly.
That's the key.
Yeah.
Speaking of tailored solutions,
Apple researchers are doing some really fascinating work
on optimizing SLM training.
They're looking at how different hardware setups,
batch sizes, even things like, you know, crash attention,
impact efficiency and cost.
And they're finding that sometimes the most expensive
cutting edge hardware isn't always the best answer.
It's about finding that sweet spot between performance
and cost effectiveness.
And you know, what's really exciting here.
What's that?
Is that it really feels like there's this focus
on making AI accessible to more people.
Yeah, making it more democratic.
Exactly.
It's great.
It's like, not everyone needs a supercomputer
to take advantage of the power of AI.
And Apple's researchers really, I think, helping to,
you know, democratize this tech,
make it more affordable and efficient.
It's not just about the hardware though.
Right, exactly.
They're also looking at distributed training,
using a technique called DDP.
DDP.
Basically it's like having a bunch of computers
working together.
Yeah, like a team, right.
To train a model faster.
Yeah, and what they found is that this DDP is particularly
effective for SLMs.
Oh, interesting.
Making the training process, you know,
significantly faster and more efficient.
And again, this is a game changer for smaller businesses.
Or research teams that just might not have access
to massive computing resources.
Okay, so all this is great.
It's fascinating.
But what does this all mean for, you know,
the average person out there?
Well, think about it this way.
The more accessible and affordable AI development becomes,
the faster we're gonna see AI-powered solutions
integrated into everyday products and services.
Give me an example.
Sure, think smarter virtual assistants.
Okay.
More personalized healthcare recommendations.
Got it.
All thanks to these advancements in SLM technology.
Oh, that's cool.
Now, shifting focus a bit.
Let's talk about AI in the arts.
Okay.
We've got Kanye West using AI to recreate his daughters
in his music video for Bomb.
Interesting.
It's a visually stunning example of AI's creative potential.
But it's also sparked some debate.
Kanye's video is a really powerful example
of how AI is kind of pushing the boundaries
of artistic expression.
But it also raises these really important questions
about the role of technology in art.
Like some see it as this tool to enhance creativity.
Others worry about it.
Like replacing human artists.
Some fans call the video lazy.
Okay.
Saying that like relying on AI kind of
diminished the role of the artist.
Others see it as a glimpse into the future of storytelling.
Where technology and art merge
in these like completely new ways.
Interesting.
It's definitely a conversation starter.
It is.
And this isn't even the first time
Kanye has been linked to like AI in his music.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
Something he might have used it to modify his vocals
on the track Sky City.
Interesting.
Which raises another ethical consideration.
Where do we draw the line between like artistic
experimentation and potentially misleading the audience
about the like origins of a creative work?
That's a really good point.
And it kind of ties into this bigger picture of AI's impact
on creative industries as a whole.
Totally.
As these AI tools become more sophisticated,
we're gonna have to like wrestle
with these questions more and more.
It's a conversation we need to have.
Yeah.
How do we like embrace the potential of AI in art?
While also preserving the value of human creativity.
Right.
And making sure that things are transparent
in the creative process.
So much to unpack.
Yeah.
But moving on with this theme of regulation.
Australia is making headlines.
With their proposed ban on social media
for anyone under 16.
Interesting.
It's one of the strictest measures
we've seen globally.
And it's definitely prompting like conversations
about online safety.
Right.
And you know how governments should regulate technology.
Australia's proposal is, I mean it's a bold move.
And it has sparked concern.
Oh yeah.
Yeah, from the digital industry group.
Okay.
Which represents you know these tech giants
like Snap and TikTok and Meta.
They're worried about like the practicalities
of age verification.
Yeah.
And how do you even do that?
Exactly. And the potential impact on user privacy.
Yeah. I mean that's understandable.
Yeah.
Collecting data to verify age raises
like a whole host of privacy concerns.
Totally.
And then it's also like, is that even gonna work?
Right.
Like you know.
Age is it effective.
How effective would that even be
at preventing you know, underage users
from accessing these platforms?
It's a tough one.
And there are really no easy answers here.
No.
Australia's approach really contrasts with Florida's law.
Okay.
Which emphasizes parental consent.
Right. Right.
So you're seeing these like different approaches
that governments are taking to try
and address these challenges.
And while Australia is tackling you know,
social media access.
Okay.
Canada is taking aim at Google's dominance
in the online advertising market.
Interesting.
They filed a lawsuit alleging anti-competitive practices.
Okay.
Seeking a hefty fine.
And even demanding that Google sell off
some of its ad tech tools.
Wow.
Like ad-ex and DFP.
This lawsuit kind of echoes.
Similar actions that the US Justice Department
has been taking.
Signaling this like growing global movement
to kind of reign in the power of these tech giants.
Yeah.
This case could have huge implications
for like how online advertising operates.
Right.
And how these dominant platforms are regulated.
Seems like governments around the world
are really starting to realize that like,
we need clear rules for the digital landscape.
Especially as AI becomes more integrated
into these platforms and services.
It's a tough balance.
Regulation is like absolutely necessary.
Oh yeah.
To prevent abuses and protect consumers.
But we also need to be really careful
that we're not stifling innovation.
Right.
Finding that sweet spot is gonna be super crucial
as we move forward.
Right.
Okay.
So it's tricky.
But shifting gears to the US.
Okay.
There's like a lot of uncertainty around AI regulation
with the Republicans taking control.
Right.
President-elect Trump has pledged to overturn
President Biden's AI executive order.
Which focused on safety and ethical use.
Right.
And the Republican National Committee
seems pretty like gung-ho about AI development.
So what does that mean for AI in the US?
Yeah.
It's headed for a wild west scenario.
Right.
With no rules.
It's hard to say for sure.
There is bipartisan interest in using AI
for national security.
Okay.
And things like combating.
Yeah.
Non-consensual explicit imagery.
Right.
But the Republican focus on free speech
and limited government might lead to
like a more hands-off approach to AI development.
But doesn't that raise concerns about things like.
Yeah.
Things being used in elections.
Absolutely.
I mean that's.
Especially with the Republicans wanting fewer regulations.
It does.
And we're already seeing the potential for AI generated
content to be used in like very misleading or harmful ways.
Yeah.
So it's you know.
It's a tough balancing act.
It is.
Yeah.
How do we protect against potential harms.
Right.
Without stifling innovation.
It sounds like there are no easy answers.
Yeah.
Especially when it comes to regulating something.
Yeah.
It's complex and like rapidly evolving as AI.
Exactly.
And while the future of AI regulation in the US is uncertain.
It's definitely something.
Yeah.
Will continue to be debating and discussing for years to come.
Yeah.
For sure.
Speaking of uncertainty.
Okay.
This story about a crypto user outsmarting an AI bot.
Yeah.
Named Fraysa.
Okay.
And walking away with a $47,000 prize pool.
Wow.
Really caught my eye.
It's like something out of a movie.
Yeah.
It makes you wonder if someone can like trick an AI bot that's
you know.
Designed for security.
Right.
What does that say about like the potential vulnerabilities
of these systems.
It's a fascinating story.
And I think you know it highlights this fact that even
the most sophisticated AI systems.
Yeah.
Can still be susceptible to these like unexpected loopholes.
Right.
This particular user exploited a logic flaw.
Okay.
This is programming.
Got it.
Demonstrating that AI at its core is still based on code.
And algorithms that can be manipulated.
Right.
So it's not you know all knowing all powerful.
It's not magic.
Yeah.
Exactly.
It's a reminder that we need to be cautious.
And like constantly evaluating the security of these systems
as they become more integrated into our lives.
But I think it also highlights you know human ingenuity.
Right.
And the ability to kind of find creative solutions.
Yeah.
Even when we're faced with this like seemingly impenetrable
technology.
Right.
And this guy turned it into like a $47,000 payday.
So.
Yeah.
I mean, do you know impressive.
This story reminds us that AI is a tool.
And like any tool.
Right.
It can be used for good or for bad.
Right.
So it's up to us to like understand its limitations.
Yeah.
And develop you know the safeguards to prevent misuse.
Speaking of cutting edge technology.
Okay.
Microsoft and Adam Computing.
Have made a huge breakthrough in quantum computing.
Yeah.
They've managed to entangle a record number
of logical quibits.
Okay.
Using remarkably few physical quibits.
Okay.
I'll be honest.
I'm not a quantum physicist.
Can you break this down for me?
Like why is this a big deal?
Sure.
Think of quibits like the building blocks.
Of quantum computers.
Right.
The more quibits you can entangle and control.
The more powerful the computer becomes.
What Microsoft and Adam Computing have achieved
is really significant because they've increased
the number of logical quibits.
Right.
While using fewer physical quibits.
Making it more efficient and scalable.
Okay.
So more power with less hardware.
Exactly.
Got it.
Yeah.
And what does that do with cryptocurrency mining?
This is where it gets really interesting.
What can it lead on me?
Quantum computers.
Yeah.
With their immense processing power.
Right.
Could potentially, yeah.
Crack the encryption algorithms that secure
many cryptocurrencies.
Including Bitcoin.
Okay.
Specifically Grover's algorithm.
Which is a quantum computing technique.
Could be used to break.
Okay.
SHA-256 encryption.
Okay.
Which underpins Bitcoin's proof of work system.
Hold on.
So you're saying that quantum computers could potentially
like render Bitcoin mining as we know it.
Like obsolete.
That sounds a little dramatic.
It's not a question of if but when.
Okay.
Right now quantum computers aren't powerful enough.
Right.
To like crack SHA-256.
Okay.
But the technology is, it's advancing rapidly.
Right.
And the breakthrough by Microsoft and
and computing.
Right.
Is a sign that we're getting closer.
So what happens then?
Yeah.
Does Bitcoin just like disappear?
Not necessarily.
Okay.
The cryptocurrency industry is aware of this threat.
Okay.
And they're working on developing quantum resistant
algorithms.
It's like this race against time.
Yeah.
To create these new cryptographic methods.
Right.
That can withstand the power.
Okay.
Of quantum computers.
So it's a high stakes game.
It is.
Shifting gears once again.
Yeah.
Let's talk about the potential for AI
to address the US deficit.
Okay.
I was surprised to read that economists are optimistic.
Uh huh.
About AI's ability to narrow the gap,
especially in healthcare.
It might seem counterintuitive,
but AI could totally revolutionize healthcare.
Okay.
And make it significantly more efficient.
Okay.
This in turn could lead to substantial cost savings.
Right.
Potentially contributing to a reduction
in the US deficit.
Okay.
I'm intrigued.
Yeah.
How could AI actually make healthcare more efficient?
So think about all the like administrative tasks
that involved in healthcare.
Appointment scheduling, billing,
patient record management.
These tasks are so time consuming.
Right.
And expensive.
Yeah.
For sure.
AI can automate a lot of these processes.
Okay.
Freeing up healthcare professionals.
Right.
To actually focus on patient care.
And wouldn't that also like reduce errors?
And make things like more accurate.
Exactly.
Right.
AI can help eliminate human error.
Right.
Leading to more efficient and accurate
record keeping billing.
Oh, right.
And overall administrative processes.
So it makes things run smoother.
Yeah.
Exactly.
And that not only saves money.
Yeah.
But it also improves the quality of care.
Right.
And ensuring that patients are getting
the right treatments.
Yeah.
And medications.
But it's not just about like
making things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Right.
Exactly.
Yeah.
What about?
What about actually improving.
Yeah.
Improving patient care.
Patient care.
Right.
That's where AI gets really exciting.
AI can analyze like vast amounts of medical data.
Okay.
To identify patterns and insights.
Yeah.
That humans might miss.
Okay.
And then we'll go to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Personalized treatment plans.
And even the development.
Right.
Of new drugs.
And therapies.
So it's like having a super smart assistant.
It is.
Helping doctors.
Exactly.
Make better decisions.
Exactly.
That sounds amazing.
Yeah.
But are there any risks?
Of course.
I mean with any new technology.
Right.
There are potential challenges.
Okay.
One major concern is the potential for bias.
Okay.
And AI algorithms.
Right.
If the data used to train these algorithms is like skewed.
Right.
Or incomplete.
Right.
It could lead to discriminatory outcomes.
Right.
So we need to be careful about the data that's going in.
Exactly.
How do we even.
Yeah.
Police that.
That's a great question.
Yeah.
What other concerns are there?
Data privacy is another one.
Okay.
Right.
Healthcare data is incredibly sensitive.
Yeah.
And we need to make sure.
Yeah.
That any use of AI in healthcare.
Right.
Adheres to very strict.
Yeah.
Privacy regulations.
Right.
And protects.
Yeah.
Patient confidentiality.
It seems like there's a lot to consider in terms of.
You know.
Yeah.
The benefits.
Yeah.
But also the risks.
Absolutely.
Implementing AI in healthcare requires.
Like.
I does.
A lot of careful planning.
Mm hmm.
Ethical considerations.
Yeah.
For sure.
But.
The potential is huge.
It is.
But.
Before we get too carried away.
Okay.
With the future of AI.
We're going to rewind a bit.
Okay.
And talk about something a little closer at home.
Remember that story about Kanye West.
Yeah.
Using AI to recreate his daughters in his music video.
Mm hmm.
That got me thinking about like the.
The issue of access.
Okay.
If AI powered healthcare is going to be the future.
Yeah.
How do we make sure that it's not just a luxury.
Yeah.
For the wealthy.
That's a really important point.
And you know we can't let AI driven healthcare.
Right.
To exacerbate these existing inequalities.
Right.
Policy makers, healthcare providers, tech developers.
Yeah.
All need to be working together.
Yeah.
To make sure that these advancements.
Mm hmm.
Are accessible to everyone.
Mm hmm.
Regardless of their.
Uh.
Income.
Yeah.
Location.
It's like we're on the cusp of this.
Yeah.
Like amazing technological revolutions in healthcare.
Mm hmm.
But we need to make sure that we're like.
Yeah.
Running everyone along for the ride.
Exactly.
AI has the potential to really democratize healthcare.
Right.
Yeah.
Make it more personalized.
Mm hmm.
Affordable and accessible.
Right.
But that will only happen if we prioritize.
Yeah.
Equity and inclusivity from the very start.
So it's not just about the technology itself.
Right.
It's about like how we implement it.
Exactly.
And who benefits from it.
It's a big responsibility.
And I think you know it really makes you realize.
That these conversations about AI are about so much more.
Yeah.
Than just like lines of code and algorithms.
It's about shaping the future of society.
Yeah.
And ensuring that technology serves humanity as a whole.
Well said.
So.
Yeah.
This deep dive has.
I think really highlighted the fact that.
Uh huh.
AI isn't just some futuristic concept.
Right.
It's already here.
Yeah.
And it's transforming the world in some really profound ways.
Yeah.
From the rise of small language models.
Right.
To the potential of quantum computing.
The promise of AI powered healthcare.
Yeah.
We're seeing AI's influence across like.
Yeah.
Almost every aspect of our lives.
It's everywhere.
Yeah.
It's been a wild ride.
It has.
Exploring all these different facets of AI.
And it's clear that like.
We're just at the beginning of this journey.
What stood out to you the most?
I think for me it's the sheer like.
The breadth of AI's impact.
It's huge.
Yeah.
We talked about how it's like revolutionizing creative industries.
Challenging the financial markets.
Pushing the boundaries of scientific research.
Yeah.
And even like.
Prompting us to rethink.
Like the very nature.
Yeah.
Of intelligence.
Uh huh.
And consciousness.
It's pretty mind blowing when you.
When you really think about it.
It is.
Yeah.
And the pace of change is like.
It's incredible.
Yeah.
It's like every day.
Yeah.
There's some new.
Right.
Breakthrough or discovery.
It's exciting.
But it is.
But it's also like a little overwhelming.
It's a lot to keep up with.
Yeah.
It is.
So as we wrap up.
Yeah.
What can our listeners do.
Yeah.
To like.
Make sense of all this.
Well first and foremost.
Yeah.
Stay curious.
Okay.
Read articles.
Yeah.
Listen to podcasts like this one.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Challenge assumptions.
Yeah.
Explore different perspectives.
And think about how.
How AI might impact.
Your own life.
And the world around you.
It's about like.
Being an active participant.
Exactly.
In shaping the future of AI.
Yeah.
Not just a passive observer.
Exactly.
The choices that we make today.
Are gonna determine.
The trajectory of AI development.
Yeah.
And the impact on society.
So it's.
Yeah.
It's up to all of us.
Mm hmm.
To make sure that AI is used.
Ethically.
Right.
Responsibly.
Mm hmm.
And for the benefit of all.
This deep dive has been.
Yeah.
A whirlwind tour.
Of the AI landscape.
It has.
And it's clear that there's like.
Yes.
Still so much more to explore.
So much more.
But I think the most important take away
for our listeners is this.
Yeah.
AI is not just some abstract concept.
Right.
It's a powerful force.
Yeah.
That's what we're doing.
We're already shaping our world.
And understanding it is crucial.
It's essential.
Yeah.
For navigating the future.
We need to approach AI with a sense of both wonder.
Mm hmm.
And responsibility.
Right.
Recognizing its potential to solve these.
Really complex problems.
Right.
But also being mindful of its.
You know limitations and potential risks.
Well said.
Well.
Yeah.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Of course.
Into the world of AI.
Yeah.
And we're going to be very excited to see what
we can do to help you find it insightful.
Mm hmm.
And thought provoking.
Thanks for listening to the Daily AI News Podcast.