another crazy day in ai

Another Crazy Day in AI: Midjourney offers free trials

Aug 21, 2024
3 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

We’re halfway through the week, and it's a great time to catch up on AI!

Settle in for an evening of discovering the latest advancements and news in artificial intelligence.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Midjourney's website now open to all: get 25 free image generations
Master Generative AI with DeepLearning.AI's Founder
Tech Giants push back on California's AI bill
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Midjourney launches public web access

Photograph of a man on the moon painting on a laptop, lunar landscape in the background, astronaut suit with art supplies scattered around

Image Credit: Wowza (made with Midjourney) / Prompt: Photograph of a man on the moon painting on a laptop, lunar landscape in the background, astronaut suit with art supplies scattered around

What new ideas could you bring to life with 25 free AI-generated images?

Midjourney, the renowned AI image generation service, has just taken a significant step forward by opening its website to all users, including a generous free trial for newcomers.

VentureBeat's Executive Editor, Carl Franzen, delves into this development, highlighting how Midjourney is now offering 25 free image generations to new users. Previously, access was limited to Discord and an exclusive "alpha" website, but now anyone can easily dive into the world of AI image creation.

Here's what you can expect:

Open Access: Midjourney's website is now available to all users, offering 25 free image generations.
User-Friendly Sign-Up: New users can register via Google or Discord, simplifying the onboarding process.
Image Creation Features: Users can generate images in sets of four by entering text prompts, with adjustable settings for aspect ratio, stylization, weirdness, and variety.
Organizational Tools: The platform includes features to organize previously generated images and engage with other users through a chat function.
Account Management: Existing users can log in using their Discord accounts to maintain their image history and can merge accounts for added flexibility.

Now, as Midjourney faces growing competition from other image generators like Elon Musk's xAI and Ideogram 2, along with legal challenges from artists, this open-access approach is a game-changer.

So, what are you waiting for? The only way to find out is to give it a try yourself. Dive in, let your imagination run wild, and unlock your true artistic potential with Midjourney's new web platform.

Read the full article here.

Watch Midjourney's Video on X here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Master Generative AI with DeepLearning.AI's Founder

/DeepLearning.AI

Andrew Ng's new course, "Generative AI for Everyone," offers a comprehensive introduction to generative AI. Designed for both beginners and professionals, this course covers how generative AI works, its applications in business, and its societal impact. With hands-on exercises, learners will get to experiment with AI tools and develop strategies for effectively incorporating AI into their work and life.

Check it out here.

Tech Giants push back on California's AI bill

/Greg Bensinger on Reuters

This article explores the controversial California AI bill, SB 1047, which aims to regulate AI development. While some tech giants like Google and Meta advocate for AI regulation, they oppose this bill due to concerns about its impact on innovation and open-source models. The article delves into the bill's provisions, the reactions from lawmakers and tech leaders, and the ongoing debate about how best to manage AI's risks without stifling progress.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Midjourney 6.1: latest version of the leading AI image generation platform

STORI: personalizes marketing strategies for branding, content, and social media

mood2music: suggests songs and playlists based on your mood

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

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

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: Groundbreaking copyright trial starts

Aug 20, 2024
3 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Good evening! After a busy Tuesday, we’ve curated a selection of the latest AI stories and updates for you.

We hope these reads help you unwind and keep you up-to-date with the latest in tech.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

AI and Copyright: a historic trial begins
Elon University rolls out AI guide and ElonGPT for responsible use
Fine-tuning AI to boost economic growth
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: AI's First Legal Test: What’s at Stake

Wix Media / Gavel

What could the first trial testing AI and copyright laws mean for the future of technology?

This week, the first-ever AI copyright trial, Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence, begins, setting the stage for how courts might handle the complex intersection of AI and copyright law. Aaron Moss, Founder and Editor of Copyright Lately, explores the implications of this groundbreaking case, which will determine if using copyrighted material to train AI tools is fair use.

What you should know:

Historic Significance: This trial is a landmark event, setting a precedent for how courts will interpret copyright law in the age of artificial intelligence.
Who’s Involved: Thomson Reuters and West Publishing are challenging Ross Intelligence, a legal tech startup, accusing it of using their proprietary content without permission to train its AI system.
Legal Focus: The trial centers on whether Ross’s use of Westlaw’s legal summaries and headnotes infringes on copyright or if it qualifies as fair use under the law.
AI’s Impact: A major question is whether AI’s method of learning from copyrighted material constitutes a transformative use or simply reproduces existing content.
Wider Consequences: The verdict could shape the future of AI development and data usage, influencing how tech companies approach copyright and potentially altering industry standards.

Though it might lack the glamour of high-profile trials, the Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence case is a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over AI and copyright law. This trial stands to define how courts will balance the interests of content creators with the innovative potential of AI technologies. As we follow this case, its outcome will not only resolve the specific dispute between these parties but also offer valuable insights into how similar issues might be approached in the future. The ruling could set a significant legal precedent, guiding the industry’s approach to data use, licensing, and the ethical implications of AI advancements. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the broader tech community and legal experts will be keenly watching for the implications this case will have on the future of technology and intellectual property.

Read more here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Elon University rolls out AI guide and ElonGPT for responsible use

/Avery Sloan on Elon News Network

Elon University has introduced a comprehensive AI student guide to promote ethical AI usage, along with ElonGPT, a new AI tool designed to help students navigate the academic environment responsibly. Elon’s Director of AI, Mustafa Akben, emphasizes that AI should not replace human work and that each professor retains autonomy over its classroom use. The guide also covers how AI can be utilized in careers, with a focus on fostering productive and ethical AI practices.

Read more here.

Fine-tuning AI to boost economic growth

/David Rotman on MIT Technology Review

The future of AI could be pivotal in reviving economic productivity, but it requires significant adjustments, according to economists like Chad Syverson. While AI’s impact on productivity remains uncertain, the technology's potential to transform industries like manufacturing is immense. However, current AI models fall short in domain-specific knowledge needed for manufacturing, highlighting the need for industry-specific AI advancements to drive true economic growth.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Jotlify: turn research into compelling stories, insights, and audio

Dezyn: convert diagrams into interactive experiences

Talktune: sharpen speaking skills with AI-driven mock interviews

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

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

Another Crazy Day in AI: Echoes of history in today’s world

Aug 15, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Aug 16, 2024

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

It’s Thursday evening—just a little longer until the weekend!

We’ve lined up some interesting content for you. Hope it makes your night a bit brighter!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

AI's journey: repeating history or creating new paths?
X introduces Grok-2 with enhanced AI features
Manufacturing faces data challenges amid AI advancements
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: From Replication to Innovation: AI’s Next Step

AI-generated image using Canva; prompt: "the word AI inside a very old tv" + Canva magic expand

Is AI just following in the footsteps of past inventions, or can it truly lead us into new creative territory?

Kris Kashtanova, a Senior Creative AI Evangelist at Adobe, recently started a series called AI for Good on LinkedIn to explore how AI can be used positively in our lives. In the second episode, she chats with Rob de Winter, an Adobe Certified Instructor, who shares some thought-provoking insights after a visit to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. Rob reflects on how inventions like the phonograph and radio evolved from simple imitations to powerful tools that reshaped our world. He draws a parallel to how AI is often judged today—by how well it can mimic reality. But Rob challenges us to think bigger. He envisions a future where AI isn’t just about making perfect copies but becomes a true partner in creativity, helping us brainstorm, handle the boring stuff, and focus on what really matters: creating something new and meaningful.

His thoughts in a nutshell:

Historical pattern: New technologies often start by imitating existing forms before developing unique applications.
Examples: Edison's phonograph led to radio; movies began imitating theater; TV started as "radio with pictures."
Current AI focus: Generating realistic images that imitate photography.
Future potential: Integrating AI into the creative process for brainstorming and handling tedious tasks.
Vision for AI: Supporting creativity and giving users full control, rather than just replicating existing media.

The big question is: How do we get there? Rob thinks we need more tools that really support creativity, not just ones that copy what we've already got. The possibilities are exciting - we might be on the verge of unlocking whole new realms of human creativity.

So, what do you think? Are we using AI to its full potential, or are we just scratching the surface? How would you use AI to boost your creativity?

Watch the episode here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

X introduces Grok-2 with enhanced AI features

/Ivan Mehta on TechCrunch

Elon Musk's xAI has launched Grok-2 and Grok-2 mini in beta, introducing new image-generation capabilities on the X platform. Available exclusively to Premium and Premium+ users, Grok-2 promises improved reasoning and AI-powered features for X. Early user feedback highlights concerns over potential misuse, especially with political content, ahead of the upcoming U.S. election. xAI plans to offer both models to developers via an enterprise API later this month.

Read more here.

Manufacturing faces data challenges amid AI advancements

/Jim O'Donnell on TechTarget

AI's role in manufacturing is evolving, with new technologies like generative AI offering fresh opportunities. However, long-standing data quality issues persist, posing challenges to fully deploying AI. A recent report by Honeywell highlights the cautious optimism among manufacturers, who see AI's potential but remain wary of risks like data inaccuracies and the unique challenges posed by generative AI. Despite these hurdles, AI continues to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Venturekit: AI-generated business plans with research, tasks, and financials

Profundo: AI research assistant for data collection, analysis, and reporting

Taplio: grow your LinkedIn with AI-driven content, scheduling, and analytics

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

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉