Tag Archives: innovation

Transformer Architecture: The Revolutionary AI Innovation Redefining the 21st Century

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Discover Today’s Most Powerful AI Tools

Explore the incredible capabilities of modern AI tools that can summarize documents, generate artwork, write poetry, and even predict protein folding. At the heart of these advancements is the groundbreaking transformer architecture, which revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence.

Unveiled in 2017 at a modest conference center in California, the transformer architecture enables machines to process information in a way that closely resembles human thinking patterns. Historically, AI models relied on recurrent neural networks, which read text sequentially from left to right while retaining only the most recent context. This method sufficed for short phrases, but when dealing with longer and more complex sentences, critical details often slipped through the cracks, leading to confusion and ambiguity.

The introduction of transformers to the AI landscape marked a significant shift, embracing the concept of self-attention. This approach mirrors the way humans naturally read and interpret text. Instead of strictly scanning word by word, we skim, revisit, and draw connections based on context. This cognitive flexibility has long been the goal in natural language processing, aiming to teach machines not just to process language, but to understand it.

Transformers emulate this mental leap effectively; their self-attention mechanism enables them to evaluate every word in a sentence in relation to every other word simultaneously, identifying patterns and constructing meaningful connections. As AI researcher Sasha Ruccioni notes, “You can take all the data you get from the Internet and Wikipedia and use it for your own tasks. And it was very powerful.”

Moreover, this transformative flexibility extends beyond text. Today’s transformers drive tools that can generate music, render images, and even model molecules. A prime example is AlphaFold, which treats proteins—long chains of amino acids—analogously to sentences. The function of a protein hinges on its folding pattern and the spatial relationships among its constituent parts. The attention mechanism allows this model to assess these distant associations with remarkable precision.

In retrospect, the insight behind transformers seems almost intuitive. Both human and artificial intelligence rely on discerning when and what to focus on. Transformers haven’t merely enhanced machines’ language comprehension; they have established a framework for navigating any structured data in the same manner that humans navigate the complexities of their environments.

Source: www.newscientist.com

How ‘James and the Giant Peach’ Can Inspire the Future of Food Innovation

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Liaocheng City, China - February 18: People capturing moments with a stunning glass sculpture of Chinese cabbage in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China. This iconic sculpture stands 9 meters tall and 5 meters wide. Known as 'bai cai' in Chinese, it is a homonym for 'wealth'. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images)

Visual China Group (via Getty Images)

In Roald Dahl’s enchanting novel, James and the Giant Peach, a magical crystal causes a dead peach tree to sprout colossal, juicy peaches. It’s a whimsical thought: what if we could cultivate giant fruits without the hassle of pests or dubious old ladies?

Fast forward to the mid-2030s, where botanists have cracked the code. Scientists have enhanced the classic James peach, harnessing genetics to yield extra-large fruits and vegetables, ultimately creating crops that produce an array of delectable and nutritious foods.

One notable innovation is the fruit salad tree, a marvel developed in the early 2020s. Utilizing ancient grafting techniques, hybrid plants are born by combining branches from different species, allowing trees to bear multiple types of fruit. For instance, a grafted tree can yield both red and golden delicious apples, along with other varieties. In 2013, an innovative horticulturist successfully grafted a tree to produce 250 different types of apples. Citrus hybrids combine lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, while other variations produce plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots.

A remarkable example is the Tomtato, which merges potato roots with tomato foliage. These hybrids arise from closely related plants, such as tomatoes and potatoes, which both belong to the same genus. Additionally, the eggplant also falls under the same classification, showcasing the ease with which thriving hybrids can be created.

By the early 2030s, advanced gene editing and selective breeding will make it feasible to grow fruits from entirely different botanical families. This opens the door to extraordinary plants that can produce bananas, citrus, apples, and peaches from a single tree, tailored to farmers’ and consumers’ preferences.

Gardeners have also turned to Brassica oleracea, a species that generates various types of cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Hybridization was simple, enabling the development of plants yielding these vegetables in diverse areas of a large garden.

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In homage to Roald Dahl’s tale, scientists have created a peach variety yielding fruit the size of a large suitcase.
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While grafting yielded impressive results, it was labor-intensive and costly since each plant required individual attention. The game-changer came in the mid-2030s, with plant geneticists succeeding in creating hybrid superplants from seeds, allowing broader access to multiple harvests from a single crop.

Organizations like PolyPlants are leading the way in novel agricultural practices. As public perception towards gene editing becomes more favorable, people recognize the nutritional benefits. For instance, fruits engineered to be rich in vitamins and nutrients are being developed. A 2022 study focused on creating tomatoes packed with antioxidant-rich anthocyanins, linked to longevity benefits. Other modifications through gene editing have led to polyplants that exhibit enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens, salinity, drought, and insect infestations. By engineering the root microbiome, mycorrhizal fungi are tailored for each crop component, stimulating growth and productivity.

As climate change escalates and traditional crops face threats, large-scale gene editing holds immense importance. PolyPlant’s innovations aim to ensure global food security amidst rising temperatures.

Genomic studies have pinpointed a cluster of genes linked to the size of edible plant components. Grafting techniques enable gene editing in species not directly modified, such as avocados, coffee, and cocoa. These advancements have facilitated the creation of plants that produce oversized fruits.

Honoring Roald Dahl’s legacy, scientists have developed a peach variety that bears fruit as large as a suitcase. A festive tradition has emerged around this giant fruit tree, celebrating the harvest with events encouraging children to enjoy these delightful oversized peaches, cherries, and strawberries.

The crops and trees yielding colossal, nutritious food are not solely for feasting; they play a vital role in addressing nutrition deficits in regions grappling with food insecurity.

Rowan Hooper, Podcast editor of New Scientist and author of How to Spend $1 Trillion: 10 Global Problems We Can Actually Solve. Follow him on Bluesky @rowoop.bsky.social. In Future Chronicles, he imagines the history of future inventions and advancements.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Techno-Capitalists Argue Innovation Can Save the Planet, Yet It’s the Same Mindset That Got Us Here

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ALudus Huxley’s “Brave New World” unveils a society fixated on the principles of science and technology. Set in a futuristic world state, its inhabitants are scientifically engineered to conform to a hierarchical system. Tools of eugenics, psychotropic substances, and classical conditioning are utilized to enhance stability and well-being. Huxley’s narrative does not depict a conventional authoritarian regime, but rather a system in which the quest for freedom and dignity is wholly eradicated. The World State exemplifies a radical technocracy.

This narrative serves as a satire on the repercussions of integrating scientific reasoning into social policy. The World State’s administrators preside over a community governed by rationality and efficiency, and when these ideals clash with human instincts, it is humanity that must compromise. Instead of fostering societies that cultivate joyous individuals, leaders strive to engineer people capable of existing within the systems they are “incubated.”

The notion of reversing our connection to the world in this manner feels profoundly immoral, contrasting starkly with the essence of being human.

However, a parallel to this inverted logic is surfacing globally, especially within the discussions surrounding climate change.

After constructing frameworks that harm the environment around us, we are now suggesting alterations. In his dystopian exposition, Huxley conceived of a society that could only prosper if its inhabitants were rendered entirely non-human. Today, numerous scientists and engineers envision similarly transformed landscapes. In essence, nature itself must yield to the system; we require technology to repair.

The very destruction wrought by current technology propels us towards this technological remedy.

The powerful data centers necessary for artificial intelligence demand vast quantities of energy, a need that is anticipated to surge with the escalating rivalry between the United States and China. Consequently, it is unsurprising that Silicon Valley advocates find themselves leading a campaign to rejuvenate and reinvent the nuclear sector, a technology historically pivotal in reconfiguring nature’s core elements. This creates a totemic allure among those who aim to depend on it to confront the ecological crisis. The past couple of years have birthed a significant revival of commitment to nuclear power, with more than 120 energy and tech companies, 25 nations, and 14 major financial institutions backing nuclear expansion and advancement.

Spanning from liberal Europe to communist China, technologies perceived as detrimental to the planet are thought to be its salvation.

Nevertheless, ecomodernism is substantially more radical and heretical than this so-called “nuclear renaissance.”

Consider geoengineering, for instance. The concept involves managing the planet’s temperature by diminishing greenhouse gases, either by extracting them from the atmosphere and burying them beneath the ocean, or by reflecting sunlight back into space. A notable strategy proposes puncturing sulfates into the upper atmosphere to imitate the insolation effects of significant volcanic eruptions, thereby reducing the solar radiation captured by greenhouse gases rather than the gases themselves. (If your proof of concept is Krakatoa, you know there’s urgency.) Big tech entities are once again leading these initiatives, often experimenting with sulfates over California (regrettably too late for the Palisades) or spraying iron filings into the ocean to stimulate algae blooms that absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

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What further developments can we anticipate in this technologically governed future? The answer is staggering as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence converge into a technoscience of extraordinary capability. Even now, there are indications that we may witness an unparalleled revolution in our relationship with the non-human realm.

And this doesn’t even address the notion of mining the moon and asteroids for water and precious minerals.

Thus, in every conceivable sense, we stand on the threshold of transformation. This change mirrors the reversal of our relationship with the world as illustrated in Huxley’s profound satire. Amid the absence of meaningful discourse regarding social and political transformation, our focus orbits solely around technological innovation. We are venturing into an astonishingly wild new frontier.

TThe dilemma with technofix ideology lies in the fact that the very concepts that have led us to this critical juncture are now perceived as the escape route. The environmental crises we confront are intricately linked to technology, yet our solutions are sought within the realm of technology. The causes are reframed as remedies.

Numerous scientists dismiss this notion as overly simplistic. They contend (not without justification) that irresponsible use of technology poses risks, and the optimal pathway forward lies in instilling a renewed sense of accountability in future endeavors. They argue technology is merely a “tool,” devoid of moral implications. Just as a hammer can be employed to drive in a nail or as a weapon against a neighbor, the hammer itself is neutral; it is one’s actions that matter.

This instrumental perspective on technology, prevalent in the scientific community and mainstream environmentalism, fundamentally misinterprets humanity’s relationship with technology. That relationship is unavoidable; teeth and homo sapiens cannot exist devoid of technology.

Evolving from tool-utilizing ancestors, humans depend on technology in unique ways that other species do not. However, adopting an instrumental view of this relationship is naive and ultimately perilous because it underrepresents the significant influence powerful technologies exert on human sensibility. When armed with that hammer, every issue tends to morph into a nail.

Technofixes represent not only scientific and engineering challenges but also psychosocial phenomena. We must consider the type of relationship we desire with the Earth we inhabit and the technologies proposed to alter it.

This is not a dismissal of technological progress. A holistic response to climate change and the environmental crisis will necessitate the utilization of new technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and optimized batteries for energy storage. Yet, to fully exploit these advancements, we must emphasize the vital distinction between viewing technological interventions as part of broader transformative initiatives and simply addressing climate change through a technical lens.

We must resist instrumentalist, techno-capitalist ideologies and articulate our vision in a manner that honors humanity. The needs we have – teeth of what is essential – must be the focal point of our discourse.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Impact of the Gaza Conflict on Israel’s AI Innovation

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In late 2023, Israel aimed to assassinate Ibrahim Biari, the top Hamas commander in the Northern Gaza Strip, who supported the planning of the October 7th massacre. However, Israeli intelligence could not find Mr. Biari, who was believed to be hidden in a network of tunnels under Gaza.

Israeli officers turned to new military technology infused with artificial intelligence, Israeli and American officials recounted the incident. This technology had been developed a decade ago but had not been utilized in combat. The discovery of Biari prompted new motivations to enhance the tools, leading the engineers of Israeli Unit 8200, akin to the national security agency, to swiftly integrate AI into their technology.

Following this, Israel intercepted Mr. Biari’s communication and tested the AI audio tool. Utilizing that information, Israel ordered an airstrike targeting the area on October 31, 2023, resulting in the killing of Biari. According to Airwars, a London-based conflict monitor, more than 125 civilians were also killed in the attack.

Audio tools were just one example of how Israel leveraged the conflict in Gaza to quickly test and deploy AI-backed military technology.

In the past 18 months, Israel combined AI and facial recognition software to match partially obscured or injured faces to their actual identity, relying on AI to compile potential airstrike targets, developing Arabic AI models, and creating chatbots for scanning and analyzing Arabic language data from text messages, social media posts, and other sources.

Many of these initiatives were collaborations between enlisted soldiers from Unit 8200 and security soldiers from high-tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Unit 8200 acted as a hub of innovation known as the “studio,” linking experts with AI projects.

Despite Israel’s advancements in AI technology, deploying such tools could result in false identifications and arrests, as well as civilian casualties, as Israeli and American officials have pointed out. Some officials have expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI tools, which may increase surveillance and lead to further civilian harm.

European and American defense officials have glimpsed how such technologies will be utilized in future conflicts, contrasting with countries less involved than Israel in experimenting with real-time AI tools in battles.

Hadas Rover, director of the Institute of Responsible AI at the Horon Institute of Technology in Israel and former senior director of the Israeli National Security Council, stated, “It has led to groundbreaking techniques on the battlefield and valuable benefits in combat.”

However, Rover emphasized the serious ethical questions arising from technology and stressed the importance of checks and balances on AI, with humans making final decisions.

An Israeli military spokesperson refrained from commenting on specific technologies due to their classified nature. Still, she affirmed Israel’s commitment to the legal and responsible use of data technology tools, mentioning an ongoing investigation into the strike against Biari.

Meta and Microsoft chose not to comment, while Google clarified that employees fulfilling their reserve duties worldwide are not affiliated with Google.

Israel has previously utilized conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon to experiment and advance military technological tools, including drones, phone hacking tools, and Iron Dome defense systems.

… (continued)

Source: www.nytimes.com

Boosting Innovation and Competition in SMEs through AI: Redefining Work for More Efficiency and Engagement

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Kevin Fitzgerald, managing director of UK Employment Heroes, emphasizes the importance of managers in businesses. He mentions that technology has advanced greatly, especially in the past decade, allowing for the digitization of many administrative tasks. According to Fitzgerald, AI should not be seen as a vague or scary new technology, but rather as a practical way to streamline and automate time-consuming tasks, enabling employees to focus on more valuable and interesting work.

The Employment Hero Survey revealed that 52% of respondents found the platform improved organizational efficiency, with 42% reporting faster processes and 65% using less paper.

By using AI to handle tasks like onboarding and data entry, employees have more time to focus on important aspects like welcoming new recruits and integrating them into the team quickly. Fitzgerald also mentions how AI can help with tasks like organizing employment contracts and setting up new employees in payroll systems swiftly.

Integrating AI into the workplace aligns with the shift towards flexible and hybrid work practices. This approach not only helps manage time effectively but also boosts employee engagement and energy levels.

Using AI for tasks such as payroll and HR automation is part of a long-term trend in digital transformation. Small and medium-sized businesses can now access tools like the Employment Operating System for Employment Heroes, consolidating multiple functions onto one platform for efficiency and cost savings.

AI’s ability to automate routine tasks and handle complex data processing makes it an invaluable tool in enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. By freeing up time and minimizing distractions, employees can engage in deep work, leading to improved efficiency and overall satisfaction.

Fitzgerald emphasizes that AI is user-friendly and embedded in platforms like Employment Heroes, providing powerful tools for staff to enhance their work. Embracing AI not only accelerates productivity but also empowers employees to work smarter, fostering a positive work environment.

Rethink what is possible with Employment Hero and revolutionize the way you work.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Fashion: The Evolution and Innovation of Our Ancestors’ Inventions

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France. Cannes. Gucci. cruise. 2018.

Today, clothes are the means of self -expression and group identity, and we will not go without them.

Photo of Martin Parr/Magnum

Venus figurines are most famous for their sexual characteristics. These frequently pronounced sculptures of women’s forms made about 30,000 years to 20,000 years ago have been interpreted as a ritual rich Ility, the mother of the mother, and the self -portrait. Like a fashion plate, one of them is not generally seen. However, some of them can get a glimpse of the appetite, which is worn by a good-looking stone-oriented woman. One of Russian Kostenki is equipped with a strap-style robe. Others have stringed instruments. And the famous Venus of Willendorf is wearing a woven hat, but it is a very wonderful hat.

These statues are far from our general concepts in the past, covered with animal fur. According to archeologists, the gorgeous details with their clothes are the importance of clothing tens of thousands of years ago and hundreds of thousands of years ago. Olga sofaProfessor Emerita from the University of Illinois University of Urbanhamping. It started as needed and turned into a canvas for aesthetic expressions and meanings to keep people warm. Now, the story of how it happened was added, thanks to some new discoveries.

Clothing is easy to rot, and the oldest archeological site is only around 10,000 years old。 However, as the Venus figurine shows, we can follow the time dating in other ways. These archeological clues have revealed the origin of both simple cape and complex tailoring. largely…

Source: www.newscientist.com

NHS’s Health Innovation Center Honors its Legacy and Embraces Future Innovations

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In a life-size model of a house, a 50,000-pound mannequin capable of breathing, blinking, and coughing awaits a replica ambulance.

The remarkably lifelike technology developed by the model-makers who created the ‘bodies’ for the BBC’s Silent Witness integrates real-world training with simulated environments, including virtual reality, to enhance medical training and address the shortage of student lab time.

Kevin Reilly, technical services manager at the National Healthcare Innovation Center (NHIC), explains the capabilities of human patient simulation: “If you inject them, they’ll react. If they collapse your lungs and intubate you, your lips will become cyanotic. Even in worsening scenarios, we can resuscitate them exactly as we would a real patient.”

Yorkshire and the Humber region has the highest level of overweight individuals, the second highest infant mortality rate, and the third lowest life expectancy in the UK. NHIC, located at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, aims to alleviate NHS staffing shortages, address inequality, and promote regeneration.

NHIC, spanning seven buildings upon completion, plans to serve a population of 7 million people from South Yorkshire to Greater Manchester, offering state-of-the-art facilities and innovative healthcare solutions.

The NHIC celebrates the history of the NHS while looking towards the future, honoring individuals like Daphne Steele, the first black hostel director in Britain, through the newly opened simulation facility.

The center’s innovative approach to medical training includes a ‘community house’ within the Daphne Steele building, allowing trainees to practice in realistic scenarios with a range of mannequins.

NHIC also addresses the need for healthcare workers, including nurses, paramedics, and podiatrists, in the face of NHS staffing challenges.

Local connections and a focus on skill development relevant to the region distinguish Huddersfield as a prime location for medical training, with the NHIC viewed as a groundbreaking project in the North of England.

Robert Steele, son of NHS worker Daphne Steele, praises NHIC’s tribute to his mother’s legacy, recalling her impactful career in healthcare that garnered global recognition.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft’s Cloud Business Experiences Double-Digit Growth as AI Innovation Propels Company Forward

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Microsoft reported better-than-expected profits on Wednesday, driven by growth in its Azure cloud business, as five of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants reveal their quarterly results this week.

“AI-driven transformation is reshaping jobs, outputs, and workflows across all roles, functions, and business processes,” stated Satya Nadella, the company’s CEO, in a press release. Nadella mentioned on a earnings call that Microsoft’s AI business is set to surpass a $10 billion annual run rate next quarter, making it the fastest-growing business in company history to achieve this milestone.

Microsoft’s focus on artificial intelligence garnered attention, with significant investments in Azure, the company’s rapidly expanding division. According to a press release, the division’s revenue grew by 22%. A day earlier, Google’s parent company Alphabet reported a nearly 35% year-on-year growth in its cloud business, reaching $11.35 billion, surpassing analyst forecasts.

Nadella announced that Azure now boasts 39,000 customers, marking an 80% increase year over year. The company has established AI data centers in over 60 regions globally, and Azure-OpenAI usage has more than doubled in the last six months.

The stock prices surged in after-hours trading. Earnings per share were $3.30, exceeding the anticipated $3.10, with revenue standing at $65.59 billion compared to the expected $64.51 billion.

Microsoft’s financial outlay has risen significantly with its emphasis on AI. On Wednesday, the company’s data center finance leases surpassed $108 billion in pre-commencement lease payments.

With soaring investments, Microsoft’s power requirements have soared in recent years. As part of a project to power its extensive data center fleet, the company is revamping Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, known for a partial reactor meltdown in 1979. Microsoft has struck a deal to acquire all power generation capacity from the plant over the next two decades.

However, investors remain cautious about the significant AI bets made by tech giants and seek greater clarity on when these investments will yield returns. The “Magnificent Seven” companies – Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla – with a combined market capitalization of $12 trillion and representing one-fifth of the S&P 500 index, have underperformed the market over the past quarter, with a cumulative 3.5% decline since July.

In a note to investors, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives characterized this quarter as a pivotal test for Microsoft and Azure amid heightened competition in the AI ecosystem.

“Our assessments of Microsoft this quarter are positive as we believe Redmond is taking the lead and accelerating Azure cloud deals with robust momentum into 2025 and beyond,” Ives remarked, referencing Microsoft’s headquarters location in Washington state. “We maintain an ‘outperform’ rating.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft drives sustainable innovation in West London with AI-driven ‘green moonshot’ project

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If you want evidence of Microsoft’s progress towards its environmental “moonshot” goals, look closer to Earth to a construction site on an industrial estate in west London. The company’s Park Royal data center is part of the company’s efforts to drive the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), but its ambitions are The goal is to become carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft says the center will be run entirely on renewable energy, but construction of the data center and the servers it will house will contribute to the company’s Scope 3 emissions (CO2)2. These relate to the electricity people use when using building materials or products like the Xbox. 30% increase from 2020. As a result, the company is exceeding its overall emissions target by roughly the same percentage.

This week, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates argued that AI can help fight climate change because big tech companies are “seriously willing” to pay extra to use clean sources of electricity so they can “say they’re using green energy.” In the short term, AI poses a problem for Microsoft’s environmental goals. Microsoft’s outspoken president, Brad Smith, once called the company’s carbon-reduction ambitions a “moonshot.” In May, he stretched that metaphor to its limits and said that the company’s AI strategy has “moved the moon” for it. It plans to spend £2.5bn over the next three years to expand its AI data center infrastructure in the UK, and has announced new data center projects around the world this year, including in the US, Japan, Spain, and Germany.

Training and running the AI models underlying products like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini uses significant amounts of electricity to power and cool the associated hardware, plus carbon is generated by manufacturing and transporting the associated equipment. “This is a technology that will increase energy consumption,” said Alex de Vries, founder of DigiConomist, a website that tracks the environmental impact of new technologies. The International Energy Agency estimates that the total electricity consumption of data centers is Doubling from 2022 levels to 1,000 TWh (terawatt hours) in 2026. This is equivalent to Japan’s energy demand. With AI, data centers 4.5% of world energy production That will happen by 2030, according to calculations by research firm Semianalysis.

The environment has also been in the spotlight amid concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and human lifespan. Last week, the International Monetary Fund said governments should consider imposing carbon taxes to capture the environmental costs of AI, either through a general carbon tax that covers emissions from servers, or a specific tax on CO2.2 It is generated by the device. The big tech companies involved in AI (Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft) are seeking renewable energy sources to meet their climate change targets. Largest Corporate Buyer Renewable Energy I bought more than half The power output of offshore wind farms in Scotland, which Microsoft announced in May it would invest $10 billion (£7.9 billion) in. Renewable Energy Projects.

Google aims to run its data centers entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving our climate change goals,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who left the company in 2020 but retains a stake in the company through his Foundation, has argued that AI can directly help combat climate change. He said Thursday that any increase in electricity demand would be matched by new investments in green generation to more than offset usage. A recent UK government-backed report agreed, saying that “the carbon intensity of energy sources is an important variable in In calculating AI-related emissions, but adding that “a significant portion of AI training worldwide still relies on high-carbon sources such as coal and natural gas”. Water needed to cool servers is also an issue, A study It estimates that AI could account for up to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water use by 2027. Two thirds This is equivalent to the annual consumption of England.

De Vries argues that the pursuit of sustainable computing power will put a strain on demand for renewable energy, resulting in fossil fuels making up for shortfalls in other parts of the global economy. “Increasing energy consumption means there isn’t enough renewable energy to cover that increase,” he says. Data center server rooms consume large amounts of energy. Photo: i3D_VR/Getty Images/iStockphoto. NexGen Cloud, a UK company that provides sustainable cloud computing, says that in an industry that relies on data centers to provide IT services such as data storage and computing power over the internet, data centers could use renewable energy sources for AI-related computing if they were located away from urban areas and near hydroelectric or geothermal generation sources. “We are excited to join forces with NVIDIA to bring the power of cloud to the cloud,” said Youlian Tzanev, co-founder of NexGen Cloud.

“Until now, the industry standard has been to build around economic centers, not renewable energy sources.” This makes it even harder for AI-focused tech companies to meet their carbon emissions targets. Amazon, the world’s largest cloud computing provider, aims to be net zero (removing as much carbon as it emits) by 2040 and aims to source 100% of its global electricity usage from renewable energy by 2025. Google and Meta are also pursuing the same net zero goal by 2030. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, uses Microsoft data centers to train and run its products.

There are two main ways that large-scale language models, the underlying technology behind chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, consume energy: The first is the training phase, where the model is fed huge amounts of data, often from the internet, to build up a statistical understanding of the language itself, which ultimately enables it to generate large numbers of compelling answers to queries. The initial energy costs of training an AI are astronomical, meaning that small businesses (and even smaller governments) that can’t afford to spend $100 million on training can’t compete in the field. But this cost pales in comparison to the cost of actually running the resulting models, a process called “inference.” According to Brent Till, an analyst at investment firm Jefferies, 90% of AI’s energy costs are in the inference stage – the power consumed when you ask an AI system to answer a factual question, summarize a chunk of text, or write an academic paper.

The power used for training and inference is delivered through a vast and growing digital infrastructure. Data centers contain thousands of servers built from the ground up for specific pieces of AI workloads. A single training server contains a central processing unit (CPU) that’s nearly as powerful as a computer’s, and dozens of specialized graphics processing units (GPUs) or tensor processing units (TPUs), microchips designed to speed up the vast amounts of simple calculations that make up AI models. When you use the chatbot, you watch it spit out answers word for word, powered by powerful GPUs that consume about a quarter of the power it takes to boil a kettle. All of this is hosted in a data center, whether owned by the AI provider itself or a third party. In the latter case, it’s sometimes called “the cloud,” a fancy name for someone else’s computer.

SemiAnalysis estimates that if generative AI were integrated into every Google search, it could consume 29.2 TWh of energy per year, roughly the annual consumption of Ireland, which would be prohibitively financial for the tech company, sparking speculation that Google may start charging for some of its AI tools. But some argue that focusing on the energy overhead of AI is the wrong way to think about it. Instead, think about the energy that new tools can save. A provocative paper published in Nature’s peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports earlier this year argued that AI creates a smaller carbon footprint when writing or illustrating text than humans. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine estimate that AI systems emit “130 to 1,500 times” less carbon dioxide per page of text than a human writer, and up to 2,900 times less carbon dioxide per image. Of course, there’s no word on what human authors and illustrators will do instead: redirect and retrain their workforce in other areas, e.g. Green Jobs – It could be another moonshot.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Indie Developers Shine Bright: Summer Game Fest Showcases Innovation Beyond AAA titles | Games

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IThere's been a lot of speculation regarding the outlook for the games industry in 2024. Following a surge of investment during the pandemic, the industry experienced a temporary boost in growth as people sought entertainment and social interaction while adhering to safety measures at home. However, this year has seen a correction, with studios and companies that expanded too rapidly now scaling back, leading to layoffs and studio closures. Job opportunities for developers have decreased, and games that faced delays due to the pandemic are taking longer to release, resulting in fewer titles compared to the previous year.

The Summer Game Fest, which has taken the place of E3 in Los Angeles, reflects this industry slowdown. What was once a grand trade show is now a more modest event held in smaller venues away from the main convention center. The shift from elaborate press conferences to online livestreams signifies a change in the industry landscape. However, amidst this decline, there is a bright spot in the success of indie games.

Indie games like Palworld, Helldivers 2, and Hades II have emerged as top sellers on platforms like Steam, showcasing the creativity and innovation present in the indie gaming scene. In contrast, big-budget blockbusters from major publishers are facing challenges, with titles like Redfall and Suicide Squad receiving mixed reactions. The industry’s focus on franchised games and live service models is leading to a lack of fresh ideas and risks being taken.

UFO 50, a collection of 50 games. Photo: Mossmouth

However, the indie gaming scene is thriving, with a multitude of creative and unique games being showcased at events like the Summer Game Fest. Titles like UFO 50, Tales of the Shire, and Fear the Spotlight offer players fresh experiences and showcase the diversity of the indie game market. As the industry shifts towards more indie success stories, there is hope for a resurgence of innovative and original content.

While the gaming industry’s major players continue to rely on established franchises and blockbuster titles, it is the indie developers who are driving forward with new ideas and creative approaches. With initiatives like Outersloth supporting indie developers and new entrants like Blumhouse entering the gaming space, there is a sense of revitalization and excitement surrounding indie games.

As the industry evolves, it is clear that the future of gaming lies beyond the traditional giants. With a global community of players and creators, the possibilities for innovation and growth are endless. While the big names may dominate headlines, it is the indie scene that is truly pushing boundaries and shaping the future of gaming.

What to Play

Star Wars: Hunters. Photo: LucasFilm Games/Zynga

For a fresh gaming experience, try out Star Wars: Hunters on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and smartphones. This team-based arena shooter offers diverse characters from the Star Wars universe and engaging gameplay mechanics. With a focus on intuitive controls and immersive visuals, this game is a must-try for Star Wars fans and gamers alike.

Available on: Nintendo Switch, iPhone, Android
Estimated play time: 20+ hours

What to Read

No guns in sight… Catto's Post Office is one of the cosy titles featured on Wholesome Direct. Photo: Inn Shambles Studios

What to click on

Question Block

Elden Ring…can't swim. Photo: Bandai Namco

This week's Question Block explores the dilemma of how video games handle water-related challenges and the consequences of immersion versus gameplay mechanics. The debate over drowning animations and failure states in games highlights the complexities of creating authentic yet engaging gaming experiences.

Whether a game opts for realism or streamlined gameplay, the approach to water mechanics can shape the player’s experience and immersion in the virtual world. As the industry evolves, designers face the challenge of balancing authenticity with player engagement to deliver memorable and enjoyable gaming experiences.

For more insights into game design and industry trends, stay tuned to Question Block and other engaging content related to the evolving world of video games.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Sui Ecosystem’s 1st Global Conference, Sui Basecamp, Showcases Games, Stablecoins, and Product Innovation

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Paris, France, April 10, 2024, Chainwire

Sui Basecamp, the first global conference of the Sui ecosystem, opened today in Paris, welcoming developers and entrepreneurs from around the world to celebrate Paris Blockchain Week. Sui Basecamp, his two-day event held at two venues, will feature his Web2 and Web3 speakers spanning industry verticals from payments to gaming to e-commerce to Major League Sports. Celebrating and exploring the latest developments in Web3, this event takes attendees to presentations on cryptography from the world's leading technologists, fireside chats on improving market liquidity, and panel discussions on real-world technology use cases. You will be invited.

Key announcements from the conference include:

  • Introducing SuiPlay0x1 – A lightweight handheld gaming device designed in collaboration with Playtron. SuiPlay0x1 runs Playtron's device-independent gaming operating system, building compatibility with a variety of hardware configurations, gaming storefronts, and direct download gaming partners. SuiPlay is the first handheld gaming device with native Web3 functionality and is expected to be available in stores worldwide in 2025.
  • first digital lab launches FDUSD, the fastest growing stablecoin in cryptocurrencies, on Sui, becoming the ecosystem's first native stablecoin. Initially deployed on Ethereum and BNB, there are plans to expand to other blockchains, and Sui will be the first blockchain that FDUSD has expanded to since its creation. FDUSD was established in August 2023 and already has a market capitalization of over $3.5 billion. Last week, FDUSD's trading volume was his fifth highest in the entire industry, with daily trading volume exceeding his $8 billion.
  • Enoki – Mysten Labs, an original Sui contributor, announced the launch of the Enoki platform, the gateway to next-generation customer experiences. Within the Enoki portal, businesses can access, leverage, and embed public ledger solutions within their applications, products, and services thanks to his SDK that leverages Sui's native functionality, zkLogin. The following partners will be integrating Enoki at launch:
  • blue fina perpetual DEX with super-fast payments and a seamless trading experience.
  • dry lifeis a blockchain-powered decentralized ride-hailing platform that aims to empower both drivers and commuters.
  • quantum templea digital platform for immersive cultural travel.

This is a two-day event starting on Wednesday, April 10th at 9:30am local time and ending on Thursday, April 11th at 4:15pm Central European Time. On Wednesday nights, registered guests are invited to a Sui Soiree. Enjoy a night of cocktails, snacks and dancing, along with performances by Boyz, a German electronic music record producer, songwriter and DJ, His Noise. Learn more about. sui.io/Basecamp.

About Sui—Sui is a first-of-its-kind Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed from the bottom up to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. An object-centric model based on the Move programming language enables parallel execution, sub-second finality, and rich on-chain assets. With horizontally scalable processing and storage, Sui supports a wide range of applications at low cost and unmatched speed. Sui is a step-function advancement in blockchain and a platform that allows creators and developers to build amazing user-friendly experiences. learn more: https://sui.io

About Mysten Labs—Mysten Labs is a team of leading experts in distributed systems, programming languages, and cryptography, and its founders were senior executives and lead architects of pioneering blockchain projects. Mysten Labs' mission is to create the foundational infrastructure for Web3. learn more: https://mystenlabs.com

About First Digital Labs—First Digital Labs is a brand name of FD121 Limited, a Hong Kong registered subsidiary of First Digital Group. First Digital Labs focuses on cutting-edge research and development dedicated to the innovation and advancement of digital assets. First Digital Labs is the issuer of his FDUSD stablecoin. For more information about First Digital Lab, please visit: https://firstdigitallabs.com/.

About Playtron—Playtron builds a lightweight gaming OS optimized for a new generation of powerful handheld gaming PCs and beyond. Play all your games from any store, including Steam, Epic, and GOG. Playtron's founders oversaw an operational systems team of several hundred people to break the existing mobile monopoly while developing Android for a billion users. Playtron is backed by Samsung Next, Polychain, Circle, Mysten Labs, Alumni Ventures, and others. Playtron-powered devices will ship worldwide later this year, ready to join his next 100 million core and casual gamers.

contact

Sui Foundation
media@sui.io

Source: www.the-blockchain.com

Xuirin Finance Leads the Way in DeFi Card Innovation

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Bankstown, Australia, April 15, 2024, Chainwire

Shurin Financial recently announced a DeFi card. It is an innovative solution designed to integrate the functionality of traditional debit and credit cards with the decentralized financial services offered by DeFi. The introduction of this card aims to facilitate everyday transactions using cryptocurrencies and strengthen its integration into the global payments ecosystem.

Overview of Xuirin Finance’s DeFi card

Xuirin Finance's DeFi card allows users to use cryptocurrencies to perform a variety of financial transactions, including online purchases, bill payments, and cash withdrawals at ATMs. This initiative is part of Xuirin Finance's efforts to increase the accessibility and practicality of digital currencies in daily financial activities.

Pre-sale phase and token distribution

In the first pre-sale phase, Xuirin Finance offered 15 million tokens at a price of $0.03 each, reaching the funding limit of $450,000. After completing stage 1, the company is preparing for the second stage of the token pre-sale. At this stage, he offers 25 million tokens at a price of $0.04 each, with a funding goal of $1 million.

Xuirin Finance’s $500,000 Mega Giveaway

In conjunction with the ongoing presale, Xuirin Finance has announced a mega giveaway with a total prize pool of $500,000. The benefit includes generous rewards for 20 winners, with the aim of engaging and growing the community around Xuirin Finance's services. Participation in the giveaway requires a minimal investment in the pre-sale, but provides additional engagement opportunities to increase your chances of winning.

Main features of Xuirin Finance's services

Focused on increasing the utility of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions, Xuirin Finance has integrated several features into its DeFi card. These features include seamless online shopping, bill payments, and ATM withdrawals with digital currencies. This initiative reflects the company's goal to improve the infrastructure that supports the widespread adoption of decentralized financial technology.

This section also highlights the value that Xuirin Finance offers, but sticks strictly to feature descriptions without hinting at enthusiasm or encouraging investment.

Future outlook for Xuirin Finance

As the pre-sale progresses and Xuirin Finance continues to enhance its services, the company is focused on expanding the practical use of cryptocurrencies in everyday financial transactions. This initiative is in line with ongoing developments in the cryptocurrency space aimed at improving accessibility and convenience for users.

About Ruirin

Shurin Financial is a groundbreaking DeFi platform dedicated to transforming the decentralized finance landscape. With a mission to bridge the gap between traditional finance and his DeFi, his Xuirin is introducing innovative solutions such as DeFi debit cards, AI-enhanced P2P lending, and secure multi-chain DeFi wallets. . Designed to enhance accessibility and user empowerment, Xuirin aims to redefine financial transactions and make them more efficient, transparent, and inclusive.

For more information about Xuirin Finance and to participate in the ongoing presale, users can visit:

Website: https://xuirin.com/

Link tree: https://linktr.ee/xuirin

Users can participate in the Xuirin Finance presale here.

contact

Aleksandar Milenkovic
XUIRIN FINANCE PTY LTD
support@xuirin.com

Source: www.the-blockchain.com

RHUNA Revolutionizes Event and Entertainment Industry with Fintech Innovation: Embracing Blockchain Technology – Latest News, Analysis, TV, Career Opportunities

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Bucharest, Romania, February 19, 2024, Chainwire

Luna is a visionary fintech platform dedicated to revolutionizing the events and entertainment industry through innovative technology.

By integrating Web 3.0 and blockchain technology, RHUNA aims to improve user experience, improve security and transparency, and foster closer and more engaged communities around the world.

UNTOLD Universe is one of the top five music festival organizers in the world, with over 1.5 million attendees each year. Rhuna combines CryptoDATA's innovative technology development expertise and experience with this pioneering platform.

One of the key features RHUNA offers is the introduction of a decentralized ticketing system that leverages the power of blockchain, where tickets are issued as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This ensures authenticity, ownership, and a secure and transparent secondary market. This system effectively eliminates common problems such as fraud and scalping, providing a fairer and more reliable ticketing experience. The modular functionality structure within the ecosystem means that even large event organizers can customize event management, especially ticketing and payments, with incredible speed and accuracy.

The platform also features an integrated digital wallet that supports various cryptocurrencies, allowing seamless trading of tickets, goods, and services. This not only caters to a growing crypto-savvy audience, but also reduces fees and simplifies the payment process.

Smart contracts automate key transactions and contracts, from ticket sales to performer payments, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and trust across all transactions. Additionally, RHUNA values ​​user privacy and control, allowing participants to securely manage their personal data through decentralized identities.

As an industry first, RHUNA introduces a token-based loyalty and rewards program, giving users the opportunity to earn tokens on a variety of activities. These tokens can be redeemed for special experiences, merchandise, or discounts, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement within the RHUNA ecosystem.

The platform also pioneers the use of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) in event planning, giving the community a voice in the decision-making process, from event themes to artist lineups. This democratized approach ensures that RHUNA remains closely aligned with the desires and preferences of its user base.

“The Rhuna project is not just a technical solution. It is an adaptable and dynamic system that interconnects social and technical elements, providing opportunities through solutions that address a wide range of needs. Architecture, Technology, implementation methods, and usage modes are factors that influence the optimization of resources when performing activities.In the current movement, resources such as time, people, materials, and costs are multifaceted within a 3D system. Rhuna is the perfect tool to give everyone access and control. Rhuna is a way for everyone to visualize and actively intervene in them. Luna is a catalyst that makes the abstract tangible and essential for everyone involved in the entertainment industry.” – Bogdan Marunšiš, Global Head of Strategy, CryptoDATA

Bogdan Radulescu, co-founder and CBO of UNTOLD, put it succinctly: “We are pushing the boundaries of festival finance into the 21st century, redefining event organization and engagement for the benefit of organizers around the world.”

The interface will be accessible to participants of all technical backgrounds and will be unveiled at the 9th UNTOLD festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. RHUNA aims to introduce new innovations to the “World Capital of Night and Magic” to enhance the festival experience for over 400,000 attendees.

About crypto data

A leader in technology innovation, CryptoData develops solutions that address real-world challenges and pushes the boundaries of technology to advance society.Users can learn more at cryptodata.com.

About Untold Universe

Known for creating transformative experiences through music and entertainment, UNTOLD Universe invites you to explore enchanting realms. untold.ae.

Users are welcome to join this thrilling journey. RHUNA.iotechnology and entertainment come together to create an unforgettable experience.

For more information and updates, please see below. discord | twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Moderate

contact

Bogdan Radulescu
Hello @rhuna.io


Source: the-blockchain.com

“Merlin Chain receives investment to propel ‘Bitcoin Native’ innovation” – Blockchain News, Opinion, TV, Jobs

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Chainwire, New York, USA, February 5, 2024

Merlin Chain, native Bitcoin Layer2, announced Funding round from 24 investors including OKX Ventures, ABCDE, Foresight Ventures and Arcstream Capital.

Merlin Chain provides a native scaling solution that integrates the ZK-Rollup network, a decentralized oracle network, and an on-chain BTC anti-fraud module. We are committed to enhancing Bitcoin's native assets, protocols, and products at Layer 1 and making Bitcoin fun again.

Merlin Chain is built by Bitmap Tech, a top-notch OG team with a collective market capitalization of over $500 million. BRC-420”blue boxBitmap Tech's collection has become one of Ordinals' most popular assets, rising from a registration cost of $0.15 to an ATH floor of $34,000, reaching the third-largest market capitalization behind BAYC and CryptoPunks.

Bitmap Tech, the team behind Merlin Chain, has been a strong believer in Bitcoin for many years and is very passionate about developing the Bitcoin ecosystem, rather than servicing other ecosystems. Through its work, it aims to bring more users and assets to Bitcoin. Bitcoin name.

This raise will allow the team to continue to strengthen its ecosystem and increase overall liquidity. So far, Merlin Chain has built a strong DApp ecosystem and plans further expansion.

Merlin Chain plans to launch its mainnet this week. After launch, Marlin Chain plans to host numerous staking events and distribute governance tokens through a “fair launch” with the aim of rewarding real users and builders.

About Marlin Chain

Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer2 that integrates the ZK-Rollup network, decentralized oracle network, and on-chain. BTC Anti-fraud module. Merlin Chain is committed to powering Bitcoin's native assets, protocols, and products on Layer 1 through the Layer 2 network to make Bitcoin fun again. Merlin Chainis is a subsidiary product line of his OG team, Bitmap Tech, whose collective market capitalization exceeds $500 million. The BRC-420 “Blue Box” collection under Bitmap Tech has become one of Ordinals’ most popular assets.

Users can start following Merlin Chain twitter For further updates.

contact

jeff
marlin chain
bitmap@bitmap.tech

Source: the-blockchain.com

OpenAI Introduces GPT Store for Buying and Selling Customized Chatbots: AI Innovation

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OpenAI launched GPT Store on Wednesday, providing a marketplace for paid ChatGPT users to buy and sell professional chatbot agents based on the company’s language model.

The company, known for its popular product ChatGPT, already offers customized bots through its paid ChatGPT Plus service. The new store will give users additional tools to monetize.


With new models, users can develop chatbot agents with unique personalities and themes, including models for salary negotiation, lesson plan creation, recipe development, and more. OpenAI stated in a blog post that more than 3 million custom versions of ChatGPT have been created, and they plan to introduce new GPT tools in the store every week.

The GPT Store has been likened to Apple’s App Store, serving as a platform for new AI developments to reach a wider audience. Meta offers similar chatbot services with different personalities.

Originally set to open in November, the GPT Store’s launch was delayed due to internal issues within OpenAI. The company has announced plans to introduce a revenue sharing program in the first quarter of this year, compensating builders based on user engagement with GPT.

The store is accessible to subscribers of the premium ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise services, as well as a new subscription tier called Team, which costs $25 per user per month. Team subscribers can also create custom GPTs tailored to their team’s needs.

During the first demo day for developers, Altman offered to cover legal costs for developers who might violate copyright laws when creating products based on ChatGPT and OpenAI’s technology. OpenAI itself has faced lawsuits for alleged copyright infringement related to its use of copyrighted text to train large-scale language models.

ChatGPT, OpenAI’s flagship product, launched quietly in November 2022 and quickly gained 100 million users. The company also creates Dall-E, an image generation software, but it’s unclear whether the store will allow custom image bots or entirely bespoke chatbots.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Utilizing Cloud Technology as the Building Blocks for AI: Driving Business Innovation with Azure

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The cloud has transformed the way the world operates, yet it doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves for enabling valuable digital experiences.

Businesses of all sizes, including companies like ASOS powered by Microsoft Azure cloud platform, leverage cloud technology to power their operations and deliver customized customer experiences.

One of the most impactful aspects of cloud technology is its ability to democratize access to computing power, allowing disruptors and innovators to enter new industries.

Tosca Colangeli, general manager at Microsoft UK, emphasizes that the cloud makes digital transformation accessible, enabling businesses to scale as needed and disrupt traditional industries.

Cloud technology grants businesses access to computing power over the Internet, eliminating the need for private physical servers on their premises. It also provides enhanced security and flexibility, allowing for tailored resource allocation and disaster recovery.

As much as you use
Colangeli highlights the importance of paying for resources as needed, allowing businesses to adapt to peak trading periods and manage disaster recovery efficiently.

Cloud flexibility has revolutionized business operations and innovation, especially in the face of the rapid changes driven by AI.

ChatGPT took 2 months”

According to Gartner, global cloud spending is projected to account for over 45% of total enterprise IT spending by 2026.

In light of the increasing demand for cloud and AI services, businesses must embrace the cloud as the cornerstone of their operations and embed it within their organizational culture.

Colangeli emphasizes the need for businesses to focus on data as a top priority, as the success of AI is heavily reliant on quality, accessible data.

Additionally, using AI responsibly and adopting a flexible, adaptable approach will be crucial for businesses to stay competitive in the evolving technological landscape.

read more

Source: www.theguardian.com

Engineers’ Provocative Role in Product Innovation

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Jarrett Webb He is the Technology Director at argodesign, where he leads a cross-disciplinary team that designs and builds digital products and experiences.
Product design is at a moment of profound change and redefinition, as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and spatial computing dramatically impact the computing experience. AI in particular may have only a small impact on interface design, but it will have a huge impact on the overall product and ecosystem experience. Spatial computing, on the other hand, changes human-computer interaction and disrupts our understanding of what a computer is.
In this innovation cycle, product design requires a broader view of the interconnections between platforms and technologies, and there is a strong need for engineers and designers to participate in the process together.
Innovation is permanent for any successful product or business. There is a never-ending search to find the next new thing that enhances the user experience, expands product range, increases revenue, or all three at once. Product design is a multidisciplinary process with structures and frameworks to foster innovation, making it less difficult to innovate and increasing your chances of success. Engineers have a role in the process that goes beyond their normal responsibilities of simply validating a technology or concept. Before we discuss non-traditional ways for engineers to participate in product innovation, let’s consider innovation and product design conceptually.

Rather than forcing technology onto the product, the design process flows into the technology. In this way, technology becomes a natural solution.

Product design is a process, not a discipline or a product. It’s easy (understandably) to limit product design to color selection, content layout, and aesthetics. Design is often reduced to just the act of beautifying the user’s interface. Product design is much deeper and broader than visual design assets. For example, product design can provide direction and focus to business strategy, user experience strategy, or technology exploration.
This process establishes guide rails throughout any innovation effort. At the heart of product design is intuitive decision-making to make the best decision at the most appropriate time. Product design reduces risk and leads to more effective innovation through quality decision making.

The progressive role of engineers

Engineers play a strategic role in product innovation, and in addition to being methodical, they need to bring a metaphysical perspective. Our job is to communicate the essence of technology and think strategically about applying technology to problem areas. We are most constructive when we translate the technology “how to make X into Y” into “the types of products and services that can be achieved with technology X.”
For most technology leaders and software developers, this is a reversal of mode from traditional tactical, direct interaction with technology. Switching context from everyday construction and operation is difficult, but paramount to developing successful and innovative products. We are uniquely positioned to generate strategic insights from dense technical details that drive innovative business cases and product experiences.
Innovations must solve business problems such as improving operational efficiency, expanding existing revenue streams, or creating new revenue streams. Problem areas can be customer-facing (e.g., how can we deliver new functionality?) or internally-facing (how can we make processes more efficient?). The problem is of greatest concern. The specific technology or innovation used to solve a problem is often not that important. You can’t lose perspective on your business needs. Otherwise, the activity becomes too academic or a paid hobby.
A common household analogy is hanging pictures. The hole size, bracket, or tool used to hang the picture doesn’t matter as long as the picture is hung straight on the wall. The details of your processes and technologies are important because they relate to how well they solve problems, the cost of doing so, and the overall end-user experience.
Product innovations are experimental and cannot always be expected to yield productive results. It requires a learning curve and patience, as the results are often ambiguous and unclear. Business leaders sometimes struggle with this perspective. This is because this perspective is indeterminate (in terms of results and timelines) and it is difficult to translate pure technology innovation into value creation. A gap develops between technology and product teams, and technology teams struggle to articulate the capabilities and value of technology innovations, resulting in unfulfilled promises, a perception of “technology for technology’s sake,” and a lack of “search for problems.” This gives rise to jokes like “The solution to this problem”. ”
The current hype cycle in AI serves as a great concrete example. The challenge for technology and product executives is how to do more than check the box for AI – how to meaningfully incorporate AI into products. Rather than forcing technology onto the product, the design process flows into the technology. In this way, technology becomes a natural solution.
As technology or technology stack experts, we can convey abstract insights or contribute in a more conceptual context. Engineers add value to the product design process by sharing their expertise on technology properties. Designers use this information to shape and leverage technology in the visual and interaction design process. In this way, engineers inform new interaction models, interface metaphors, and product channels. This commitment creates confidence and conviction in the promise of the design.
Think of digital technology as a material like paint, stone, or wood. In order for craftsmen to create using materials, they need to understand the ontology and phenomenology of the materials. Artists should understand the difference between oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints. This is because each material has different properties that affect how it is created and what it contains. Engineers need to “find the essence” of technology. In this way, they become intermediaries between the abstract nature of design and the pedantic nature of technology. This philosophical perspective is especially important when your product is in a growth stage or uses new technology.
Whether your product is in a growing or stable stage, employing established or emerging technologies, integrating engineers into your product strategy and design process will improve your bottom line. There is a technology perspective that goes beyond the code “factory floor” operations and mechanics, and that sparks innovation. Sometimes this leads to small, impactful moments of innovation, and sometimes it’s a great revolution.

Source: techcrunch.com

Companies in San Francisco are progressing with a new wave of innovation

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The cycle begins anew, with up-and-coming companies taking over prime office space. “I’ve been selling rugs for 17 years, so I have some negotiating skills.”

Connie Loizos

@cookie
/
7 hours

10 years ago, pear VCAt the time, it was a small new venture operating out of a nondescript Palo Alto office enlivened by bright computer-themed art.This costume was sold out last week largest fund As of May, it had quietly signed a deal with file storage giant Dropbox to sublease 30,000 square feet of Class A office space in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood.

It’s one of the fastest-growing companies taking up more space in San Francisco while previous generations of companies have shrunk their physical footprints.

First issue of the San Francisco Chronicle report OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, also just subleased two buildings totaling 486,600 square feet from Uber last week. The ride-hailing giant initially leased four buildings along the street from Dropbox, and will continue to occupy two of the buildings, which the company told the paper is “the right size.”

Meanwhile, OpenAI’s rival Anthropic has also just reportedly Large sublease contract. The plan is for him to take over his entire 250,000 square foot building in downtown San Francisco, which was previously Slack’s headquarters.

Salesforce, which acquired Slack in 2021, is an investor in Anthropic. Meanwhile, his Pejman Nozad, co-founder of Pear VC, was still relatively new to the United States from Iran and selling Persian rugs to Silicon Valley bigwigs when he sent his first check to Dropbox. I rolled one. However, such subleases don’t necessarily start with a handshake deal. When Nozad asked if his connection to Dropbox drew him to Pear’s new space, he scoffed. With space for more than 200 desks, more than 20 conference and call rooms, and a dedicated event space to host speakers, the office “was a business deal for them,” Nozad said. . “The founders were not involved. You know, I’ve been selling rugs for his 17 years, so I have some negotiating skills,” he adds with a laugh.

Certainly, if you are a growing company with deep pockets, this is a good time to enter into a sublease agreement. Sublease rates in prime locations such as Mission Bay and the city’s financial district currently range from $60 to $80 per square foot, said Colin Jaskoci, executive director of commercial real estate services firm CBRE. The higher the floor and the more amenities, the higher the price. Conditions are better for startups willing to sublease space with fewer than five years left on their lease (because they will need to lease it again somewhere else in the not-too-distant future). By contrast, office rents were above the $75 per square foot level in September 2019, before the pandemic upended the city.

There is no shortage of options at this point. San Francisco’s commercial buildings are currently 35% vacant, and more tenants are still leaving than moving in.

However, a turning point appears to be in sight. There was 1.85 million square feet of “negative net absorption” in San Francisco in the third quarter of this year, according to CBRE data. At the same time, market demand reached 5.2 million square feet, the largest increase since the first quarter of 2020. Much of that change is due to companies like OpenAI, Yasukochi suggested, and a flurry of new equipment has begun. The opportunity to rent a swanky space in a more central part of the city for the same or better price than a few years ago prompted him to set up shop. “This is a huge opportunity for companies looking to bring back their employees,” Yasukochi said. (OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has long said he believes hiring employees makes companies more efficient.) convene directly.)

In fact, Yasukochi predicts that if the economy improves and interest rates fall in the second half of the new year, tech companies in particular will recover more quickly, and cities will also be dragged along. “Many technology companies quickly shed excess employees, along with real estate and other costs,” says Yasukochi. He also said that tech companies are generally “faster to cut back, but also faster to grow.” I can’t think of any other industry where technology is driving so much growth. ”

Worth noting: Yasukochi doesn’t necessarily think these tech companies will grow in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. The district has led a resurgence of interest in San Francisco this year, enthusiastically embracing the nickname “Celebrity Valley” due to its concentration of AI communities, but most of those teams “congregate in restaurants and bars.” “We’re training,” he observes. The state of their apartment. There’s not much office space there. ”

Pictured above: 1800 Owens Street in San Francisco. It’s home to Dropbox’s headquarters and is currently home to Pear VC’s San Francisco office.

Source: techcrunch.com