GenAI News 20 Jan 2025
The tech to build the holodeck
A visit to an elderly mother in Germany highlighted the capability of Gaussian splatting, a novel 3D capture technique creating lifelike 3D models with your phone. This technology, developed in 2023 by European scientists, uses millions of fuzzy, translucent blobs to capture the precise color, location, scale, and transparency of objects, enabling photorealistic 3D reconstructions. Major tech firms like Niantic, Google, Snap, and Meta are utilizing this breakthrough for various applications, from mapping and geospatial games to volumetric video capture and metaverse spaces. Gaussian splatting could democratize 3D capture, improve creative flexibility, and potentially lead to a “photoreal holodeck” experience powered by generative AI. While challenges like data size for video remain, the technology is advancing rapidly, promising transformative possibilities for immersive experiences.
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Published: January 19, 2025
British start-up Synthesia hits $2.1bn valuation on AI video boom
Synthesia, a leading British generative AI start-up, has reached a $2.1 billion valuation after raising $180 million in a recent funding round. The company creates realistic human faces and speech through AI technology, eliminating the need for traditional cameras, actors, or film studios. This latest funding round, led by New Enterprise Associates and supported by investors such as GV and the World Innovation Lab, brings Synthesia’s total capital to over $330 million. Recognized as one of the UK’s most promising AI start-ups, Synthesia plans to utilize the funds for expanding its AI-powered video platform in markets like Japan, Australia, Europe, and North America. Additionally, the investment will support product development and talent growth. Established in 2017, Synthesia aims to develop interactive, real-time, and personalized AI video experiences. The success highlights the UK’s favorable environment for tech company growth, with AI-focused venture capital in Britain increasing by 31% to $4.2 billion last year.
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Published: January 14, 2025
AI Dungeon Master experiment exposes the vulnerability of Critical Role’s fandom
A research paper by graduate student Pavlos Sakellaridis explored the use of ChatGPT as a Dungeon Master for D&D games, using datasets such as The Sunless Citadel module and Critical Role transcripts. The paper raises ethical questions about consent in training Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, as it relied on fan-transcribed data from Critical Role, a popular web series. The work highlights the vulnerability of fan-generated content, precariously situated within copyright boundaries, especially concerning its use for AI training. This issue connects to broader concerns in the industry, including the environmental impact of AI, exploitative practices, and unauthorized use of creative works. Critical Role has explicitly opposed AI integration, while other companies, including Hasbro, grapple with its implications.
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Published: January 18, 2025
Apple pauses AI summaries of news notifications, acknowledging a big flaw that drew backlash from publishers
Apple has temporarily paused the AI summarization feature in its news notifications following backlash from media companies over significant errors. The feature, part of Apple’s generative AI platform Apple Intelligence, will be unavailable in iOS 18 beta 3 updates for news apps on iPhones, Macs, and iPads. This decision comes after the BBC reported inaccuracies, with a notable incident where the AI summary incorrectly stated that a suspect in a murder case had shot himself. Apple announced plans to work on improvements and reintroduce the feature later. The suspension highlights challenges in AI technology used by major tech companies, which often face similar issues in maintaining accuracy and combating misinformation.
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Published: January 18, 2025
Google signs deal with AP to deliver up-to-date news through its Gemini AI chatbot
Google has signed a deal with The Associated Press (AP) to enhance its AI chatbot, Gemini, by providing real-time news updates from AP. This initiative marks Google’s first agreement with a news publisher. AP’s Chief Revenue Officer Kristin Heitmann expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing the mutual benefit of accurate and timely news distribution. Financial details of the partnership remain undisclosed, and it’s uncertain how Google will present the news content. The deal comes amid concerns in the journalism industry about AI companies using news content without permission and competing for ad revenue. AP has previously partnered with OpenAI to license its news archive, highlighting a trend of AI and news organization collaborations. While these partnerships provide essential revenue, experts warn they may also undermine news outlets' control over their content.
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Published: January 16, 2025