wowza | Wowza

2 days ago4 min read

Another Crazy Day in AI: Keeping up with the workplace

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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!!!

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.

Sep 273 min read

Another Crazy Day in AI: AlphaChip’s role in next-gen hardware

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Welcome to Friday night! As you wind down and reflect on your week, how did everything go for you?

Before diving into the weekend, let’s take a look at what Google is spotlighting this edition with their DeepMind, Gemini, and Workspace.

Tonight's highlight is their AlphaChip—which optimizes chip layout design, slashing the time needed from months to just hours! Make sure to also snag a free handbook to master prompting with Gemini, and explore how over 185 GenAI use cases are empowering different sectors to drive innovation and enhance productivity. 🚀

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. ✨

Here's another crazy day in AI:

The AI behind next-gen chips
A free handbook to mastering prompts with Gemini
101+84 real-world GenAI use cases across sectors
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: How AI is Building Superhuman Chips

Source: Google DeepMind + Canva Mockups

What if the chips powering our devices were designed by AI?

Google DeepMind researchers Anna Goldie and Azalia Mirhoseini have introduced AlphaChip, an AI-driven tool that's transforming the way computer chips are designed.

This AI-powered method uses reinforcement learning to design chip layouts in just hours—a task that used to take months of human effort. These layouts are already being used in Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), fueling some of the most advanced AI systems today, and they’re quickly being adopted by the wider chip design industry.

Here’s what AlphaChip has made possible:

Dramatically speeds up chip layout design from months to hours.
Plays a key role in designing Google’s TPUs, which power AI models like Gemini and Imagen.
Industry leaders like MediaTek are using AlphaChip to build next-gen mobile chips.
It learns and improves with each layout, resulting in increasingly efficient chip designs.
Paving the way for AI to enhance even more stages of the chip design process.

Left: Animation showing AlphaChip placing the open-source, Ariane RISC-V CPU, with no prior experience. Right: Animation showing AlphaChip placing the same block after having practiced on 20 TPU-related designs.

The impact of AlphaChip is both impressive and far-reaching. By automating one of the most intricate tasks in chip design, it has reduced the time required to create complex layouts from months to mere hours. Since its inception, AlphaChip has been instrumental in designing multiple generations of Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), the hardware behind powerful AI models like Gemini. Major industry players, including MediaTek, have adopted this technology to enhance the efficiency of their mobile chip designs.

But AlphaChip is more than just a tool for speeding up chip design. It’s inspiring new research into how AI can optimize other stages of the chip creation process, from logic synthesis to manufacturing. As the technology advances, it’s poised to improve the performance and efficiency of chips across various sectors, paving the way for faster, more energy-efficient devices. By addressing long-standing challenges in engineering, AlphaChip shows how AI can revolutionize real-world problems in practical, measurable ways.

Read the full blog here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

A free handbook to mastering prompts with Gemini

/Google Workspace

Discover how to write effective prompts to enhance your productivity using Gemini for Workspace. This quick-start handbook offers foundational skills organized by role and use case, allowing you to master the basics efficiently. Whether you’re looking to save time or focus on high-impact work, this guide helps you harness the power of AI to streamline your daily tasks.

Read more and download the handbook here.

101+84 real-world GenAI use cases across sectors

/Brian Hall, Google Blog

Explore how top companies, governments, and startups leverage Google's AI solutions to drive innovation and enhance productivity. This comprehensive update expands on 101 use cases by adding 84 more, showcasing the versatility of generative AI across sectors like customer service, data analysis, and creative production. Notable examples include Alaska Airlines' chatbot and General Motors' AI assistant, illustrating the transformative potential of AI in real-world applications.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Replio - Turn surveys into AI-driven conversational interviews.
Fluency - Automatically generate process documentation while you work.
Nuvio - Manage income, expenses, and cash flow with an AI-powered platform.

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!!!

Sep 254 min read

Another Crazy Day in AI: The intelligence age

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

It’s Wednesday night, the perfect time to reflect as we reach the week’s midpoint—how has your week been treating you so far?

OpenAI's CEO shares a transformative view for the "intelligence age" and its potential impact on technology and society. We also have an interesting article cowrote and shared by one of our study group members, exploring the intricacies of data ingestion for generative AI applications. Plus, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's predictions about AI suggest that we will see changes that are "unimaginable" in just 3-5 years.

As you wrap up your day, take a look at these insights.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

OpenAI's CEO discusses the future of Superintelligent AI
Challenges in data ingestion for GenAI pipelines
Schmidt’s vision: everything, everywhere, all at once
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Altman’s Bold Vision: The Intelligence Age

Source: Sam Altman, The Intelligence Age

Could we be just a few thousand days away from superintelligent AI?

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT), recently shared his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence. In a blog post that's got everyone talking, Altman painted a picture of a future where AI doesn't just assist us—but fundamentally changes how we live and work. Samantha Kelly from CNET unpacked Altman's predictions and gives us a closer look at what he believes the "Intelligence Age" will bring.

Let's dive into the main points:

Altman believes we’re on the verge of an "Intelligence Age," where superintelligent AI transforms society.
Superintelligent AI could help solve global challenges like climate change, establish space colonies, and unlock groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
These advancements will be gradual but may ultimately feel like science fiction becoming reality.
The development of this "Intelligence Age" depends on reducing computing costs and building the infrastructure to support it.
Altman emphasizes the need to balance AI's benefits with potential risks. Without proper infrastructure, AI could become a scarce resource, potentially leading to global conflicts or only benefiting the wealthy.
Not all tech experts share Altman’s optimistic outlook. While Altman and other tech leaders see great promise, skeptics like Noam Chomsky and Rodney Brooks argue that AI may never surpass human intelligence.

Read the full blog here.

Altman's vision of the future certainly gives us a lot to think about. While the idea of AI solving major global problems is appealing, it's essential to approach these predictions with a level head. The path to superintelligent AI — if it's even possible — is likely far more complex than a simple timeline suggests.

As we consider this potential future, we must balance the promise of AI with its practical and societal implications. How will it affect jobs, privacy, and social structures? What safeguards need to be in place? These are questions that demand careful thought and wide-ranging discussion.

Whether or not Altman's predictions come to pass, one thing is clear: AI will continue to play an increasingly significant role in our lives. It's up to all of us — not just tech leaders, but also citizens, policymakers, and ethicists — to engage in this conversation. We need to think critically about how we want AI to be developed and used. The future of AI isn't predetermined; it’s something we will shape through our choices, policies, and values.

Read Altman's full blog here.

Read the full article on CNET here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Challenges in Data Ingestion for GenAI Pipelines

/Pierre Villard on Datavolo (Source: Wowza's AI Study Group member, Caroline Holden—she actually cowrote this piece!)

Successfully launching a generative AI application requires a deep understanding of data ingestion processes, which can often be more complex than anticipated. The article emphasizes the necessity of efficient parsing and chunking to prevent AI hallucinations and ensure high-quality outputs. Key factors, such as document types and data representation, play a vital role in determining the right strategies for data handling. Moreover, compliance with privacy regulations through PII anonymization and the preservation of access permissions are critical components in managing data responsibly. Datavolo’s insights offer practical solutions to navigate these challenges and optimize the generative AI pipeline for better performance and scalability.

Read more here.

Schmidt’s Vision: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

/Ron Haruni on Wall Street Pit

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, paints an optimistic picture of an impending technological transformation that will touch every aspect of society. He argues that while many are disillusioned by current global issues, the tech sector continues to push the boundaries of innovation and progress. Schmidt suggests that in the next three to five years, AI may equal the sum of human intelligence, leading to changes that will alter “everything, everywhere, all at once” in ways that are currently unimaginable. His perspective is one of excitement tempered by caution, urging society to prepare for the ethical, social, and economic implications of these rapid changes. The call to action resonates throughout his discussion, inviting policymakers and citizens to engage actively in shaping the trajectory of this technological revolution.

Read more here.

Watch his interview on ADH TV here.

Watch his Fireside Chat at the DenAI Summit here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Pdf2Audio - Open-source tool that converts PDFs into podcasts, lectures, and summaries.
Blaze - Generates and posts social media content across platforms, transforming briefs into complete marketing campaigns.
OpenMusic - Next-gen model that creates high-quality music tracks from text descriptions, allowing you to generate unique audio pieces with just a few words.

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!!!