Elon Musk has confirmed that the AI chatbot Grok will be available to X’s Premium+ subscribers next week. Grok, created by X’s owner, promises to have a unique personality and the ability to answer “spicy” questions. It will also have access to real-time knowledge via the X platform. The addition of Grok to the Premium+ subscription could help boost sign-ups, as X is facing an advertiser exodus and revenue is needed.
Stability AI has introduced Stable Video Diffusion, a new generative AI tool that allows users to create videos from a single image. The tool, currently available for research purposes, incorporates two image-to-video models capable of generating 14 to 25-frame videos at speeds of 3 to 30 frames per second and a resolution of 576 × 1024. While the tool has some limitations, such as the inability to generate perfect photorealism or legible text, it represents a significant advancement in generative AI video models. Stability AI plans to showcase potential applications in sectors like advertising, education, and entertainment.
Spotify is threatening to leave Uruguay if a new bill regarding artist remuneration is not changed. The bill states that performers of streamed music are entitled to financial remuneration, which Spotify opposes. The company argues that it already pays a significant portion of its revenue to rights holders and paying artists more would make its business unsustainable. It remains to be seen if Uruguay’s government will amend the bill.
The average iPhone sales price in the US is declining, according to a report by CIRP. The average retail price peaked at $988 in the March quarter and has since decreased. The introduction of new models and the decline in sales of older flagship phones contributed to this trend. It remains to be seen if Apple can increase average selling prices in the upcoming holiday quarter.
The Atomic Stealer malware (AMOS), historically targeting Windows users, has expanded to Mac devices as per Malwarebytes. Labeled ClearFake, this campaign misleads victims through malicious ads on compromised websites, impersonating browser updates from major tech brands to distribute the malware, which then steals various types of personal data.
OpenAI has appointed Sam Altman as CEO following his shock firing last Friday. Earlier, it seemed Altman might join Microsoft, but after negotiations, this no longer appears to be the case. The situation caused chaos, with OpenAI employees threatening to quit and join Microsoft. In response, Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott addressed the situation in a memo to employees, reassuring them of the company’s commitment to AI and OpenAI’s work. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also expressed support for OpenAI and Altman’s return as CEO.
Google’s Bard Extension for YouTube can now understand the content of videos, allowing users to have more meaningful conversations about them. This update expands on the extension’s previous function as a conversational video search tool. YouTube is also separately testing a feature that lets users ask questions about videos, with a chatbot providing summaries, recommendations, and additional information. The Bard Extension’s YouTube capabilities are now available for all users.
The reasons behind Sam Altman’s initial departure from OpenAI as CEO remain unclear. Speculations range from concerns about the potential risks of AI to possible conflicts with Quora CEO. Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that the decision may have been driven by a gradual erosion of trust and discomfort within the board, rather than a specific incident. Altman’s numerous outside AI ventures and his ability to consistently get his way were also mentioned as potential factors. The board, however, failed to provide specific examples or details, leaving the true reasons unknown.
Microsoft has confirmed that users of Windows 10 can now access the generative AI-powered assistant, Copilot. To install it, users need to be part of the Windows Insider tester program and have eligible devices. However, availability is limited to certain markets, and there are some issues, such as compatibility with multi-monitor setups and the position of the taskbar. This move by Microsoft aims to appeal to the large number of Windows 10 users and potentially attract investors.
Paris Hilton’s media company, 11:11 Media, has pulled out of its partnership with X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about antisemitic content on the platform. This adds to the list of high-profile brands, including Apple and Disney, that have stopped advertising on X due to similar concerns. X’s ad business is projected to see a significant decline in revenue as advertisers reconsider their spending. In an attempt to attract subscribers, X has partnered with Paris Hilton to create a custom icon for Premium users.