The SEC Newgate AI Weekly

Microsoft sets its sights on consumer AI leadership by hiring industry heavyweight Mustafa Suleyman

The Co-Founder of DeepMind and former CEO of AI start-up Inflection will spearhead a brand-new consumer AI unit. This move, coupled with the acquisition of a significant portion of Inflection's staff, underscores Microsoft's serious intent to challenge Google in the AI space. Key figures joining Microsoft include Inflection's Chief Scientist, Karén Simonyan, who will assume the same role at Microsoft's AI group. The new unit will assemble a team of AI engineers, researchers, and large language model builders credited with "many of the most important contributions in advancing AI over the last five years."  Their focus: integrating AI across its consumer products like Copilot, Bing, Edge, and potentially new AI-powered offerings (GenAI) – a sign of Microsoft's commitment to revolutionise consumer experiences through intelligent technology.

The EU sets a global precedent with landmark AI regulation

In a landmark move, the European Union (EU) has passed the world's first major legislation to regulate artificial intelligence. This regulation is expected to come into effect in May 2024.

The EU's AI regulation is significant for two key reasons. Firstly, it establishes a global benchmark for AI regulation. This means other countries can look to the EU's approach as a model for developing their own AI laws. Secondly, the regulation aims to ensure the responsible development and use of AI. It prohibits certain high-risk AI applications and outlines requirements for the development and use of others.

This legislation marks a significant step towards a future where AI is developed and used ethically and responsibly. It will be interesting to see how other countries around the world respond to the EU's lead.

OpenAI teases major advancements in AI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently offered a glimpse into the future, hinting at significant advancements on the horizon.  While specifics haven’t been mentioned, Altman confirmed continued development on GPT-4 and teased an even "smarter" GPT-5 – potentially signifying a major leap in the capabilities of these powerful language models. This isn't all – OpenAI is also working on another, currently unnamed project, further fuelling speculation that they might be on the verge of ground breaking breakthroughs in AI. 

OpenAI's GPT series has already pushed the boundaries of what AI can do, generating realistic text and code.  If Altman's hints hold true, GPT-5 and this unnamed project could represent a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence, potentially impacting fields like natural language processing, creative content generation, and even software development. We'll be watching closely to see what innovations OpenAI unveils next!

Apple considers licensing Google's Gemini technology

Exciting news for Apple users! The company is reportedly in talks to license Google's powerful generative AI technology, Gemini. This move signifies Apple's growing ambition in the field of AI, where they already leverage machine learning for features like Siri suggestions, autocorrect, and photo recognition.

By integrating Gemini with existing products or developing entirely new AI services, Apple could significantly impact user experience across its devices. This potential partnership also highlights the intensifying competition in the field of AI, and its potential to revolutionise how we interact with technology in the future.

AI's impact in healthcare and care for the elderly

Exciting advancements in AI extend to healthcare, with a pilot program by an NHS hospital trust demonstrating AI's effectiveness in improving breast cancer diagnosis. The AI tool, Mia, successfully identified early signs of cancer missed by human doctors, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

Additionally, South Korea is pioneering AI companions for seniors, addressing loneliness in its aging population. These AI dolls offer emotional support, medication reminders, and safety checks, showcasing AI's potential not only in technology but also in fostering social connections and addressing societal challenges.

Stay tuned as AI continues to transform industries and enrich lives across the globe.