Another Crazy Day in AI: Midjourney offers free trials

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

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TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Midjourney launches public web access

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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: Must-read books for forward-thinking leaders

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Another Monday is in the books! Take a break and check out the latest in AI.

We’ve got some interesting updates for you to enjoy as you wind down for the night.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

• Books to guide your corporate strategy

• Writing better with AI: tips and tricks

• AI models ranked by risk levels

• Some AI tools to try out

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TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Must-read picks for Boards and CEOs

Image Credit: Unsplash / Christin Hume

How prepared are you to lead your organization through the challenges of AI and corporate ethics?

Steve Hawald's latest insights from the "Forward-looking Boards & CEOs" Newsletter spotlight two game-changing books every executive should consider. These reads offer practical advice for CEOs, board members, and top executives looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business world. Whether you're looking to harness the power of AI or rethink corporate ethics, these books have you covered.

Let's break it down:

• Top recommended books:

  • "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" by Ethan Mollick

  • "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World" by Alison Taylor

• "Co-Intelligence" highlights:

  • Explores practical AI integration in business

  • Introduces "Centaurs" concept for dynamic human-AI task allocation

  • Calls for proactive AI strategy to avoid potential catastrophe

• "Higher Ground" insights:

  • Advocates for resetting corporate ethics beyond compliance

  • Recommends human rights impact assessments

  • Guides navigation of political risks in business

• Both books recognized by Financial Times and other prestigious publications

• Selections aim to equip leaders with knowledge for visionary, purposeful, and sustainable leadership

The future of leadership is being written now, and these books offer you a chance to be its author. Arm yourself with the knowledge to transform challenges into opportunities, and lead your organization into a future where AI and ethics form the bedrock of sustainable success.

The bottom line? These books aren't just fancy paperweights for your office. They're your secret weapons for staying ahead of the curve, impressing at your next board meeting, and maybe even making the world a slightly better place while you're at it.

Source: Hawald, S. (2024). 2024 Boards CEOs CXOs Summer Essential Books: "AI Co-Intelligence" and "Higher Ground" Make the List! Forward-looking Boards & CEOs Newsletter. Board-CEO Research Insights + Vision© Newsletter©. Steve Hawald CEO CIO Advisory LLC.

Read more here.

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OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Writing better with AI: tips and tricks

/The Nerdy Novelist on YouTube

In this video, The Nerdy Novelist discusses how AI can enhance your writing skills, but only if you combine it with hard work and creativity. He introduces four archetypes of creators—Lazy Larry, Get-Rich Gwen, Hard Work Harold, and Tiffany—to illustrate different approaches to AI and success. The key takeaway is that while hard work is essential, using AI strategically can boost your productivity and improve the quality of your work.

Watch the video here.

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AI models ranked by risk levels

/Will Knight on WIRED

This article explores a recent study by researchers, including Bo Li from the University of Chicago, who have developed a benchmark to assess the risks associated with popular AI models. The study ranks AI models based on their likelihood to generate harmful or unethical content, revealing significant differences between them. The findings suggest that while some AI models are better at adhering to safety standards, others have a long way to go, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and ongoing improvements in AI safety.

Read more here.

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SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

• FlowKitten: validate business ideas with feedback from a professional or a brutally honest friend

• AKOOL: AI platform for personalized visual marketing and advertising

• LedgerUp: automated bookkeeping and financial management

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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.