That is at this time’s version of The Obtain, our weekday e-newsletter that gives a every day dose of what’s happening on the earth of know-how.
Individuals are frightened that AI will take everybody’s jobs. We’ve been right here earlier than.
It was 1938, and the ache of the Nice Despair was nonetheless very actual. Unemployment within the US was round 20%. New equipment was reworking factories and farms, and everybody was frightened about jobs.
Had been the spectacular technological achievements that have been making life simpler for a lot of additionally destroying jobs and wreaking havoc on the financial system? To make sense of all of it, Karl T. Compton, the president of MIT from 1930 to 1948 and one of many main scientists of the day, wrote within the December 1938 challenge of this publication in regards to the “Bogey of Technological Unemployment.”
His essay concisely framed the controversy over jobs and technical progress in a method that continues to be related, particularly given at this time’s fears over the affect of synthetic intelligence. It’s a worthwhile reminder that worries over the way forward for jobs aren’t new and are greatest addressed by making use of an understanding of economics, reasonably than conjuring up genies and monsters. Learn the total story.
—David Rotman
This high-tech mouthguard would possibly assist forestall concussions
When athletes or troopers have a concussion, essentially the most useful plan of action is to easily get them off the enjoying discipline or out of the motion to allow them to recuperate. But a lot about head accidents stays a thriller, together with the the reason why some impacts lead to concussion whereas others don’t.
New measuring units, such because the Impression Monitoring Mouthguard, are being developed that would assist ship a wealth of details about head impacts. By giving a right away warning that an individual must be faraway from motion or play, they may assist defend troopers and athletes alike from mind harm. Learn the total story.
—David Hambling
Be a part of us to debate vital AI points in Europe and past
Synthetic intelligence took the world by storm in 2023. Its future—and ours—can be formed by what we do subsequent. Register now to hitch MIT Expertise Assessment journalists for a free LinkedIn Reside dialogue tomorrow at 11am ET as they discover what’s subsequent for AI in Europe, the US, and past.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to seek out you at this time’s most enjoyable/essential/scary/fascinating tales about know-how.
1 X has blocked all searches for Taylor Swift
It’s a heavy-handed try to cease the circulation of AI-generated express photos of her. (FT $)
+ X is reportedly engaged on a brand new content material moderation HQ in Texas. (Bloomberg $)
+ The viral AI avatar app Lensa undressed me—with out my consent. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
2 Huge Tech is determined to sever its dependence on Nvidia’s chips
Sadly for them, it’s not as straightforward as merely constructing their very own semiconductors. (NYT $)
+ Japan is investing closely in its personal chip manufacturing strains. (FT $)
+ Huawei’s 5G chip breakthrough wants a actuality test. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
three China has permitted dozens of AI fashions for public use
Regulators permitted 14 up to now week alone. (Reuters)
+ The US is spooked, and needs cloud corporations to flag international shoppers. (Bloomberg $)
+ 4 issues to find out about China’s new AI guidelines in 2024. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
four Meta is optimistic about going head-to-head with Apple
The conflict of the blended actuality headsets is beginning to warmth up. (WSJ $)
+ 2024 hasn’t been plain crusing for Apple to date. (Economist $)
+ These minuscule pixels are poised to take augmented actuality by storm. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
5 A George Carlin “AI comedy particular” was, in reality, written by a human
Confronted with a lawsuit, the video’s creators admitted an algorithm had not generated the fabric. (NYT $)
6 US spies are sifting via huge quantities of public information
They’re lastly tapping into OSINT information. (Bloomberg $)
+ Leaked datasets are a trove of knowledge, if you realize what you’re in search of. (Motherboard)
7 Decarbonizing the financial system is less complicated stated than accomplished
The authorized obstacles are even harder to navigate than the excessive prices. (The Atlantic $)
+ That doesn’t imply it’s not value pursuing, although. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
eight Instacart is utilizing gross AI-generated meals images
Which makes the whole platform look spammy. (Insider $)
9 BeReal is courting celebrities now
The issue is, they aren’t precisely recognized for his or her authenticity. (Wired $)
10 What it takes to develop meals in house
Mmm, tasty 3D-printed meals! (The Guardian)
+ Future house meals might be produced from astronaut breath. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
Quote of the day
“Organizations wish to say, ‘Yeah, we’ve got a chief AI officer,’ as a result of that makes them look good.”
—Advisor Randy Bean means that firms’ rush to capitalize on the AI increase is usually a type of company bragging, he tells the New York Instances.
The massive story
How existential danger turned the most important meme in AI
June 2023
Who’s afraid of the massive dangerous bots? Lots of people, it appears. Tons of of scientists, enterprise leaders, and policymakers have just lately made public pronouncements or signed open letters warning of the catastrophic risks of synthetic intelligence, from deep studying pioneer Geoffrey Hinton to California congressman Ted Lieu.
We’ve been right here earlier than: AI doom follows AI hype. However this time feels totally different. What have been as soon as excessive views are actually mainstream speaking factors, grabbing not solely headlines however the consideration of world leaders.
Has AI actually grow to be (extra) harmful? And why are the individuals who ushered on this tech now those elevating the alarm? Or is the looming specter of regulation in charge? Learn the total story.
—Will Douglas Heaven
We are able to nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction in these bizarre occasions. (Bought any concepts? Drop me a line or tweet ’em at me.)
+ Patrick Swayze traditional Street Home has had a 2024 makeover.
+ I don’t know when you’ve seen, however taprooms are fairly fancy lately.
+ The champagne bottles onboard the fateful Titanic are nonetheless intact. How?
+ Blissful 57th anniversary to the Mantra-Rock Dance, the apex of San Francisco’s hippie period.
+ A Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot is within the pipeline, in keeping with, err, Dolly Parton.
