The Artificial Intelligence Podcast

Microsoft has unveiled its first Surface PCs with a dedicated Copilot AI button on the keyboard, a significant change to computer keyboards in decades. The Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business feature a Copilot panel on the right side of the screen, accessed by pressing the button. The AI models in the Copilot panel are provided by Open AI, backed by Microsoft, and the computers come equipped with an Intel Core Ultra processor containing a neural processing engine for enhanced AI experiences. The new Surface models start at $1,199 and are available for pre-order, shipping on April 9.

AI fakery, particularly in the form of deepfake images, is a rising concern on the internet. Generated by artificial intelligence tools like DALL-E and Midjourney, deepfakes can deceive viewers and are increasingly difficult to differentiate from real images. This poses risks in various areas such as scams, identity theft, propaganda, and election manipulation. While detecting deepfakes is becoming harder due to advancements in AI, there are still indicators to look out for, including an electronic sheen on AI-generated photos and inconsistencies in lighting and shadows. Experts suggest examining the edges of face-swapped images and matching lip movements to audio for authenticity. Companies like Microsoft and Intel have developed tools to combat deepfakes, but these are not widely accessible to prevent misuse. As AI technology continues to evolve, staying aware of deepfakes and their potential dangers is vital.

Tennessee has become the first state in the United States to pass legislation protecting musicians and artists from the unauthorized use of their voices by artificial intelligence (AI). The newly signed "ELVIS Act" aims to safeguard songwriters, performers, and professionals in the music industry by ensuring that AI tools cannot replicate an artist's voice without their consent. The law also enables legal action against those who publish or perform an artist's voice without permission and addresses the unauthorized use of an artist's name, photographs, voice, or likeness. This move reinforces Tennessee's reputation as a hub for musical talents and a champion of artists' rights.

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives that aims to tackle the issue of AI-generated content and the potential for deception and misinformation. The bill would require AI developers to include digital watermarks or metadata in content created using their technology, and online platforms would be responsible for labeling the content to inform users that it was generated using AI. The proposed legislation aims to address concerns about deepfakes and ensure transparency for the American public, while also recognizing the importance of allowing the field of AI to continue developing and benefiting various industries.

Microsoft has agreed to pay $650 million to Inflection AI for the licensing of its artificial intelligence (AI) software and the hiring of its employees. The deal has sparked concerns among legal and industry experts about potential antitrust issues due to growing scrutiny on AI investments and partnerships of big tech companies. With several key employees now working for Microsoft, Inflection AI is seeking to sell some of its compute capacity and is seeking a refund from its cloud computing partner, CoreWeave, to reduce costs. Microsoft will pay $620 million to license Inflection AI's AI models and $30 million to waive legal rights associated with the mass hiring.

The United Nations (UN) has adopted a resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), with the support of 123 countries, including China. This resolution aims to ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits all nations, respects human rights, and is safe and trustworthy. It emphasizes the need for AI to be in the public interest and calls for global consensus on safe AI systems. The resolution also focuses on bridging the digital divide by ensuring that developing countries have access to AI technology and capabilities. It aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and calls for the development of regulatory and governance approaches for AI. While not legally binding, this resolution reflects the global commitment to responsible and ethical use of AI.

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) within the Energy Department is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools to address challenges in carbon management and new energy resources. NETL is involved in various projects related to AI/ML, particularly in the field of climate resiliency. AI and ML have potential applications in areas such as advanced materials, carbon capture, atmospheric modeling, and predicting emissions sources. To initiate AI projects, the organization needs data and a team of IT and data experts. NETL has its own Science-based AI/ML Institute (SAMI) to facilitate AI/ML implementation and training. Additionally, NETL is collaborating with the tech industry to develop advanced AI computer models for better problem-solving and energy efficiency.

A White House report reveals that approximately 10% of workers in the United States are in jobs at the highest risk of being disrupted by artificial intelligence (AI). The report highlights the vulnerability of workers with lower education and income levels, which could further amplify inequality. To prevent repeating past mistakes and not adequately responding to changes in technology, the White House plans to engage with labor unions to ensure preparedness. Experts believe that AI will both complement and replace certain jobs, with the report acknowledging that AI can already perform tasks previously done by humans. The report emphasizes the importance of policy decisions in addressing inequality and ensuring AI benefits workers.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), making it the first time the Assembly has regulated the emerging field. Led by the United States, the resolution highlights the importance of protecting and promoting human rights in all aspects of AI. Over 120 Member States supported the resolution. It calls for upholding human rights in both online and offline environments and urges the development of regulatory and governance approaches for safe and responsible AI use. The resolution also acknowledges the challenges faced by developing nations in technological development and calls for cooperation and support to bridge the digital divide.

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans has opened an interactive exhibit called "Voices From the Front." The exhibit utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to allow visitors to have virtual conversations with World War II veterans. Visitors can ask questions, and the AI technology matches them with appropriate recorded answers from the veterans. The exhibit aims to provide a personalized and immersive experience for visitors as the number of living WWII veterans decreases. The project took four years to develop and was inspired by similar interactive interviews with Holocaust survivors. This exhibit is part of the museum's ongoing efforts to preserve and share the stories of WWII veterans for future generations.