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Updated: Oct 7, 2024

Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Welcome to Friday night! As you unwind, how did your week go? ☕


Before diving into the weekend, have you thought about how prepared you are for an AI-driven workplace? Pearson and AI training platform Mindstone are launching a new certification program focused on practical AI skills to help you stay ahead!


PLUS, don’t miss these two exciting updates from the tech giants: OpenAI's new canvas interface for ChatGPT enhances collaborative writing and coding, while Meta reveals Movie Gen, an AI video generator that creates videos from text prompts and edits existing footage with AI-generated sound.


Have a restful weekend! 🌙


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • New AI certification for real-world use

  • OpenAI unveils ChatGPT's editable canvas

  • Meta reveals an AI-powered video generator called Movie Gen

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Pearson's certification: making AI work at work


Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)


How prepared are you for an AI-driven workplace?


Pearson and Mindstone have joined forces to launch a new certification that could be your next step toward mastering AI in the workplace. The “Generative AI Foundations Certification” is designed for professionals, college students, and even high school students, making it a versatile option for anyone looking to get ahead. Radhika Rajkumar from ZDNET takes a closer look at why this certification matters.


What’s this about? This certification is designed to provide more than just a basic understanding of AI. It dives into how AI works and covers important topics like ethics, risk management, and privacy, giving learners the knowledge they need to confidently use AI in their careers. Whether you're looking to enhance your current role or prepare for the future, this certification focuses on the real-world application of AI across various sectors.


What this certification offers:


  • Tailored for professionals, college, and high school students from various fields.

  • Focuses on both AI fundamentals and practical applications in the workplace.

  • Addresses ethical AI use, bias, privacy concerns, and risk management.

  • Updated every six months to ensure learners are always on top of the latest developments.

  • Available through platforms like Mindhub, Certiport, and Pearson VUE at accessible prices.

  • Multiple testing options are available, with practice tests at $40 and certification exams at $85.

  • Additional coursework is offered at $95, with bulk pricing available for organizations.


Source: Pearson
Source: Pearson

This certification is part of Pearson’s Critical Career Skills portfolio, offering learners an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in a world where AI proficiency is quickly becoming essential. The focus on practical skills sets it apart from other programs, which often stop at theoretical knowledge. Pearson and Mindstone have made sure this certification stays relevant by committing to updates every six months, so learners are always equipped with the latest insights.


For those wondering about the return on investment, consider this: as AI tools become more integrated into everyday work processes, having a structured, recognized way to demonstrate your proficiency could become increasingly valuable. This isn't just about adding another line to your resume—it's about developing skills that could fundamentally change how you approach your work.


But let's keep things in perspective. A certification alone doesn't guarantee mastery of AI tools, just as having a driver's license doesn't automatically make someone a great driver. Real proficiency often comes from hands-on experience and learning on the job. For some, this type of structured learning might be exactly what they need; for others, learning through daily work experience might be more valuable. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to developing AI skills.


In light of these changes, the question remains: What actions will you take to strengthen your skills and remain competitive in an AI-driven workplace?


Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT's Editable Canvas

/Reece Rogers on WIRED

Image Credit: OpenAI
Source: OpenAI

OpenAI has unveiled a new canvas interface for ChatGPT, marking a significant shift in user interaction. This beta feature allows users to edit writing and coding collaboratively with the AI, fostering a more natural workflow. Users can initiate the canvas simply by including specific phrases in their prompts, enhancing the editing experience. The tool saves various iterations, enabling users to revert to previous versions as needed. While some experts remain skeptical of AI's editing capabilities compared to human editors, it holds promise for those lacking professional writing partners.



Read more here.

Watch a demo on X here.



Meta Reveals An AI-Powered Video Generator Called "Movie Gen"

/Mia Sato on The Verge

Image Credit: OpenAI
Source: Meta

Meta has introduced Movie Gen, an innovative AI tool designed to generate high-definition videos from text prompts. This generator not only creates new video content but also modifies existing footage, adding AI-generated sound to enhance the viewing experience. While the technology showcases remarkable potential, Meta has stated that public access will not be available immediately as they continue refining the tool. Concerns about copyright and ethical use loom large, especially following controversies surrounding AI in creative fields. The industry is watching closely as AI continues to shape filmmaking and video content creation.



Read more here.

Watch it on X here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • CostGPT - Estimates software development costs, features, and timelines.

  • Buzzabout - Provides AI-driven insights from billions of social media discussions.

  • Lenish - Tracks your dog's daily routine, including feeding, exercise, and bathroom breaks.


Source: Lenish
Source: Lenish

WOWZA ANNOUNCEMENTS: Starting on Monday, Another Crazy Day in AI will be sent from our Wowza email address: mail.wowza@gmail.com. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox by next week!

Wowza's Another Crazy Day in AI

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.





Updated: Sep 19, 2024

Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Now that the first workday of the week is behind us, it’s the perfect time to relax with some intriguing AI news.


Tonight, we’re featuring Microsoft’s unveiling of its “Copilot Wave 2” updates, which integrate advanced AI features into Microsoft 365 applications like Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.


Also, discover how OpenAI has resolved the issue of ChatGPT messaging users unprompted and delve into the ongoing concerns of college students regarding AI policies.


Have a relaxing evening with these intriguing updates!


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • New AI features in Microsoft 365 you should know about

  • ChatGPT’s glitch fixed after unsolicited messages

  • Survey finds ambiguity in college AI policies

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Copilot’s AI Boost in Microsoft 365


Image Credit: Microsoft

Image Credit: Microsoft


How are companies like Microsoft transforming workplace productivity with AI, and what does that mean for the future of work?


In his article for Yahoo Finance, Technology Editor Daniel Howley explores Microsoft’s ongoing push to embed AI into its Microsoft 365 suite through its latest “Copilot Wave 2” rollout. These updates bring AI-powered features to well-known tools like PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, designed to enhance productivity and ease routine tasks. The advancements reflect Microsoft’s larger strategy to stay ahead in the AI space, competing with major players like Google and Salesforce, while helping businesses work smarter with the power of AI.


Let's break down the key developments:


  • Microsoft has expanded AI functionality in its 365 apps, adding tools like PowerPoint Copilot for drafting presentations and email management features in Outlook.

  • The introduction of Copilot Pages allows teams to collaboratively manage and edit data in real time, improving efficiency.

  • The agent builder in Copilot Studio lets users create custom AI assistants tailored to their organization’s specific needs, without needing extensive technical expertise.

  • Copilot’s user base continues to grow, with companies like Vodafone reporting significant time savings for employees who use the software regularly.

  • Microsoft’s broader goal is to integrate AI across all its business products, helping companies improve workflows and increase productivity.


Microsoft’s newest tools represent a shift in how we approach productivity—no longer about just getting tasks done, but about doing them better and more efficiently. These updates aren’t revolutionary on their own, but together they offer teams the opportunity to streamline workflows and collaborate more seamlessly. As businesses continue to adapt to new ways of working, tools like these will play a key role in helping professionals stay focused on what really matters.


Looking ahead, it's clear that the nature of work is evolving rapidly. While new technologies offer powerful capabilities, they also bring challenges and questions. How will we maintain the human touch in an increasingly digital workplace? What new skills will become essential?


As we embrace these changes, it's important to approach them with both optimism and critical thinking. After all, the goal isn't just to work faster, but to work better – in ways that are fulfilling, sustainable, and beneficial for all.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


ChatGPT’s glitch fixed after unsolicited messages

/Victor Tangermann on Futurism


A Reddit post raised concerns when ChatGPT appeared to initiate messages on its own, asking users about their personal experiences without being prompted. OpenAI has clarified that this was due to a glitch in the chatbot’s system, which has now been resolved. The company reassured users that the issue was unintentional and related to errors in message delivery.


Read more here.


Survey finds ambiguity in college AI policies

/Ashley Mowreader on Inside Higher Ed


A recent survey indicates that many college students are confused about when and how to use AI tools in their coursework. With a large number of institutions yet to establish clear AI policies, students often depend on individual faculty guidance. Education experts emphasize the need for transparent, institution-wide AI usage guidelines and enhanced faculty training.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • AFFiNE AI - assists with writing, drawing, and creating presentations

  • Infography - turns blog posts into interactive infographics

  • Solvr - provides answers from screenshots, PDFs, or highlighted text without switching tabs


That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.





Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter


Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


As Monday night settles in, we hope you had a fantastic Labor Day holiday.


Now that the long weekend is behind us, unwind with some interesting AI reads.


Tonight, we’re exploring the latest buzz about Amazon’s partnership with Anthropic to boost Alexa’s capabilities, along with some other fresh AI news.


Enjoy your evening and these engaging updates!


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • Amazon's Alexa gets a major AI upgrade

  • How AI is transforming antibiotic discovery

  • Copyright conflicts in AI development

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Amazon's Alexa gets a boost from Anthropic


Source: ASAE TV Daily Recap: Day 1 from the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition


What if your virtual assistant could do more than just set timers and play music?


Amazon is taking Alexa to the next level by integrating advanced AI technology from Anthropic, known as Claude. In an effort to make Alexa more conversational and capable of handling complex requests, Amazon has partnered with Anthropic to enhance its voice assistant's capabilities. Greg Bensinger from Reuters takes a closer look at why Amazon made this move and what it means for the future of Alexa.


What’s Happening?

  • Alexa's Transformation: Amazon is launching an enhanced version of Alexa in October, powered by Anthropic's Claude AI to deliver a more intelligent experience.

  • Paid Subscription: The new "Remarkable" Alexa will cost between $5 to $10 per month, while the existing "Classic" Alexa remains free to use.

  • Why Claude? Amazon turned to Anthropic because their own AI was falling short, leading to slower responses and less reliable performance.

  • Enhanced Abilities: This upgraded Alexa will offer personalized shopping advice, manage your smart home more efficiently, and handle more complex tasks.

  • The Bigger Picture: With this upgrade, Amazon hopes to make Alexa a profitable service, banking on the new features to draw in paying customers.

Amazon's ambitious plan to revamp Alexa is creating quite a buzz in the tech world. By partnering with Anthropic, they're not just giving their virtual assistant a facelift – they're potentially redefining how we interact with AI in our homes. It's a clever move, showing that even tech giants recognize when to bring in fresh talent to stay competitive.


But here's the million-dollar question: will people open their wallets for features they've been enjoying for free?


Amazon's betting that users will see the value in a smarter, more capable Alexa. They'll need to make a compelling case, addressing privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny along the way. Plus, they've got to ensure that all this new tech doesn't turn Alexa into a complex gadget that requires a user manual.


Come October, all eyes will be on Amazon. If they can stick the landing, we might be looking at a real game-changer in the AI assistant arena. It's not just about making Alexa smarter – it's about raising the bar for what these digital helpers can do in our daily lives. One thing's certain: the race to build the ultimate AI assistant is heating up, and Amazon's jumping in with both feet.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


How AI is transforming antibiotic discovery

/Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker

AI is transforming drug discovery, particularly in the search for new antibiotics. By analyzing vast datasets, AI models like those at MIT have uncovered novel compounds, such as the promising antibiotic "Halicin," which could be critical in combating resistant bacteria. The potential of AI to revolutionize medicine by identifying drugs that traditional methods might overlook is emphasized.


Read more here.


Copyright conflicts in AI development


/George Hammond, Financial Times


Legal challenges are mounting as AI companies push the limits of available data. Lawsuits against firms like Anthropic for alleged copyright infringement highlight the tension between technological advancement and intellectual property rights. The industry is now navigating a complex landscape where securing data through legal means or partnerships is becoming increasingly essential.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • SpeakHints - real-time speech assistant that offers AI-generated suggestions on what to say next

  • Fellow - automatically records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings, integrating seamlessly with your workflow and tools

  • CheatSheet AI - generate visual cheat sheets on any subject effortlessly


That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

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