Dappier, a startup focused on helping publishers monetize their content with AI companies, has launched an interactive banner ad unit that embeds its search chatbot, Ask AI, directly into online ads. This allows readers to ask questions about the content they are reading while generating new revenue streams for publishers. The ad unit is being distributed through Consumable and will be used by major players such as Google, Multimerica Media, and Q1 Media. Dappier's CEO, Dan Goikhman, stated that this format aims to provide publishers with tools to create engaging opportunities for monetization.
https://www.adweek.com/media/ai-dappier-ads-publisher-revenue/Google is planning to bring its Gemini AI technology to TV sets that run on its software, according to a report from Bloomberg. This move comes as the tech giant continues to expand its presence in the smart home market. Meanwhile, Dell has unveiled a rebranding effort aimed at making personal computers more appealing to consumers, while Intel has announced new laptop chips designed to extend battery life. Qualcomm is also set to release AI-enabled computer chips for devices priced around $600. Samsung has added generative AI capabilities to its best-selling TV lineup, and iPhone supplier TDK has rolled out new batteries to keep pace with the growing demand for artificial intelligence.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/telcos-media-tech/google-bring-gemini-ai-tv-sets-running-its-softwareNvidia announced the introduction of "RTX Neural Shaders" which utilize AI to render game characters with high detail, a task that is notoriously difficult due to the ease with which small errors can be spotted on digital humans. The company also introduced a suite of technologies enabling "autonomous characters" to perceive, plan and act like human players, allowing them to assist in planning strategies or adapting tactics to challenge players and create more dynamic battles. This move comes as part of a broader trend at CES 2025, where tech giants such as AMD, Google and Samsung are unveiling AI tools aimed at enhancing entertainment for both content creators and consumers.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/nvidia-founder-jensen-huang-unveils-next-generation-of-ai-and-gaming-chips-at-ces-2025-1.7166979DeepMind, led by researcher Alex Brooks, is working on ambitious plans to develop massive generative models that simulate the real world. The team aims to create "world models" that can understand and predict the effects of actions in various domains such as visual reasoning, simulation, and planning for embodied agents. This technology could be used to power real-time interactive entertainment tools, potentially integrating with Google's large language model Gemini. DeepMind is also exploring its potential application in video games, collaborating with Google teams Veo and Genie, which can simulate 3D environments in real time.
https://gizmodo.com/google-wants-to-simulate-the-world-with-ai-2000546555Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Meutia Hafid, officiated the opening of an AI center at Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java. The facility is equipped with tools to enhance the use of AI technology in sectors such as food, health, agribusiness, logistics, and manufacturing. The minister highlighted the importance of developing digital talents to achieve Indonesia's goal of becoming self-sufficient in food production, citing a projected need for nine million digital talents by 2030. Brawijaya University's rector, Professor Widodo, expressed hope that the AI center would intensify research on cutting-edge technology and develop digital talents in Indonesia through collaborations with companies such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google. The facility offers training and certification programs in areas like machine learning and natural language processing, available to students, lecturers, and professionals.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340222/minister-seeks-ai-contributions-to-indonesias-food-security-goal?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightThe debate over the use of copyrighted material in training generative AI models continues, with advocates arguing that remixing and altering content constitutes fair use. This argument has been central to companies like Anthropic's defense against lawsuits from music publishers. The publishers are seeking a court injunction to prevent Anthropic from using copyrighted music lyrics in its models, citing concerns that the technology could be used to generate music without the consent of the original creators. Companies like OpenAI and Google have made their money on platforms and network effects, not by selling copyrighted material, leading to tension between Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Publishers are fighting for more control over their content, with some companies exploring revenue-sharing models, but the issue remains unresolved.
https://gizmodo.com/anthropic-agrees-to-stop-claude-chatbots-ability-to-spit-out-lyrics-from-copyrighted-songs-2000545452The increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to lead to a significant surge in energy consumption, potentially outpacing supply and hindering its development. Data centers that support AI models such as GPT-4 and Gemini currently account for around 3% of the US's annual electricity usage, but this share is projected to more than double in the next five to ten years. According to estimates, AI's energy consumption could reach 93 terawatt-hours by 2030, surpassing Washington State's total energy consumption in 2022.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/01/03/world/ai-energy-demands/Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state transport department to increase the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce road accidents. The government has signed an agreement with Google to implement this plan, which aims to enhance security and sustainability in the sector. As part of this initiative, over 13,000 outdated government vehicles will be scrapped, while older buses will be replaced or retrofitted with LNG or CNG kits. Additionally, a new electric vehicle policy is set to be released within three years, and bike taxi and maxi cab services are being introduced to improve urban mobility. Fadnavis also emphasized the need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure bus safety in accident-prone areas.
A new study has raised concerns about the potential misuse of anthropomorphic AI agents, such as chatbots and digital assistants, which have access to vast amounts of intimate psychological and behavioral data. The research cited an example of Meta's AI model, Cicero, which can infer and predict human intent in conversations, potentially allowing companies like Meta to influence users' decisions by auctioning off their intent to advertisers. Dr. Yaqub Chaudhary from the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence emphasized that these AI assistants may serve the interests of companies rather than individuals, raising concerns about data privacy and manipulation. The study's findings have sparked worries among internet users who are sharing more personal information with AI than they would with a regular Google search, making them vulnerable to being manipulated by persuasive AI-powered advertising.
https://www.ndtv.com/science/rise-of-intention-economy-ai-tools-to-manipulate-you-into-making-decisions-study-finds-7363948