Daily AI NEWS - July 6, 2024
AI, Emissions, and Patents

Google's emissions have surged nearly 50% since 2019, primarily due to AI technologies. The energy-intensive infrastructure required for AI is significantly impacting greenhouse gas levels.

The growth in AI could lead to higher utility costs for consumers. Infrastructure demands are rising as AI technologies expand, potentially offsetting recent declines in utility bills.

AI’s environmental footprint is concerning, with projections indicating increased energy and water usage by 2030. Tech companies are even abandoning emissions pledges to gain a competitive edge in the AI market, further exacerbating the climate impact.

The latest advancements in generative AI are showcasing global dynamics and raising intriguing questions. According to the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization, China dominates generative AI patent filings, outpacing other countries significantly. With the release of its first report on GenAI patents, WIPO highlights China's leading position in this rapidly evolving field.

Meanwhile, web browsers are embracing the AI trend by incorporating Large Language Model (LLM) functionalities, though some companies remain skeptical. Vivaldi, for example, has fundamental issues with this approach, suggesting their reservations against fully integrating AI.

On a more philosophical front, emerging evidence is challenging traditional notions of consciousness. Recently, theories proposing universal consciousness are gaining traction, suggesting entities without brains could exhibit cognition. This could also mean AI may attain a form of consciousness in the future, reshaping our understanding of both technology and mind.

WhatsApp's future update could introduce a feature via its Meta AI that allows users to create personalized avatars. This potentially revolutionary addition enhances user engagement by providing unique, customized avatars.

AI skills remain in high demand. Relevant competencies include knowledge in machine learning, data analysis, and natural language processing. Being proficient in these areas could significantly help in landing a job in the AI sector.

For an innovative approach to presentations, utilizing AI can provide fresh perspectives. Incorporating AI in your workflow could enhance the creative aspect of your projects, potentially leading to more compelling work presentations.

Apple and Microsoft have forged close ties with OpenAI to get ahead in the AI race, but their agreements with the ChatGPT maker differ markedly. Apple is focusing on integrating AI into its existing ecosystem, while Microsoft is leveraging AI to boost its cloud and productivity services through offerings like Copilot+ laptops.

Supreet Kaur's journey through 15 AI interviews before securing a Microsoft offer highlights a significant shift in the AI job market. Companies now expect higher levels of experience and specialized skills, reflecting the rapid evolution of AI technologies and applications.

Cloudflare has launched a strategic move against Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI by offering free tools to block all AI crawlers. This response comes after Microsoft's controversial claim that all public internet content is "freeware" for AI training, sparking debate over data use and privacy.

AI is amplifying social media disinformation, raising concerns about its impact on public discourse. A legal expert suggests amending US law to make social media companies civilly liable when they fail to implement effective safeguards against disinformation.

The ongoing antitrust lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice against Google has significant implications. Apple's deal with Google, which positions Google's search engine as the default on Safari, is under threat, and Google is now looking for ways to cut its reliance on Apple for search revenue to mitigate potential impacts.