Adobe announced it will introduce a free web-based app in 2025 to help creators of images and videos get proper credit for their work, especially as AI systems increasingly rely on large datasets for training. The app will enable users to affix ‘Content Credentials,’ a digital signature, to their creations, indicating authorship and even specifying whether they want their work used for AI training.
Since 2019, Adobe has been developing Content Credentials as part of a broader industry push for transparency in how digital media is created and used. TikTok has already committed to using these credentials to label AI-generated content. However, major AI companies have yet to adopt Adobe’s system, though Adobe continues to advocate for industry-wide adoption.
The initiative comes as legal battles over AI data use intensify, with publishers like The New York Times suing OpenAI. Adobe sees this tool as a way to protect creators and promote transparency, as highlighted by Scott Belsky, Adobe’s chief strategy officer, who described it as a step towards preserving the integrity of creative work online.
US scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work in machine learning, which has significantly contributed to the rise of AI. This emerging technology is praised for its potential to revolutionise areas such as scientific research and administrative efficiency but has also raised concerns about its impact on humanity, including fears of being outsmarted by machines.
Hinton, widely recognised as a pioneer in AI, gained attention last year when he resigned from his role at Google to speak more openly about the potential dangers of the technology. From California, he acknowledged the dual-edged nature of AI, emphasising its advantages in areas such as healthcare while also warning about its possible risks. He voiced concerns over the uncertain capabilities and limitations of AI, reflecting similar worries expressed by Hopfield.
Hopfield, a professor emeritus at Princeton University, developed an associative memory model designed to reconstruct data patterns. He pointed out that complex systems can display behaviours that are not easily predictable based on their fundamental components. Both he and Hinton stressed the need for caution in response to the rapid advancements in AI technology.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences acknowledged their contributions for applying principles of physics to create methods that are foundational to modern machine learning. They will split a prize of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million) for their work, which has significant implications for science, engineering, and daily life.
AI Fund, led by renowned computer scientist Andrew Ng, has made its first investment in India by backing Jivi, an AI healthcare startup based in Gurugram. Jivi uses AI to assist with diagnoses, treatment suggestions, generating health reports, and administrative tasks. The fund did not reveal the exact amount invested or the stake it acquired in the company.
India‘s AI industry is experiencing significant growth, projected to more than double in value to $22 billion by 2027. According to a report by Nasscom-BCG, the healthcare and financial services sectors are set to dominate the market, with products and startups accounting for a substantial share.
AI Fund has previously invested in notable platforms like Podcastle and Octagon AI. This latest move marks a continued expansion into sectors where AI is becoming increasingly vital for innovation and efficiency.
Andrew Ng, who heads AI Fund, brings vast experience from his leadership roles in AI projects at Google and Baidu. He joined Amazon‘s board earlier this year, further solidifying his influence in the AI and tech space.
Uber is set to launch an AI assistant for its drivers in the United States in early 2025, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4.0, aimed at supporting drivers with queries related to electric vehicles (EVs). The assistant will initially help answer questions on topics such as where to charge EVs and which models to buy. In time, the AI may expand its capabilities to include other uses.
The assistant will be accessible from the Uber driver app and will offer personalised responses based on a driver’s location, needs, and available government incentives. Future updates are expected to include voice interaction, allowing drivers to speak directly to the AI, with audio responses.
Uber also announced an ‘EV mentorship program’ to encourage experienced EV drivers to help guide others interested in making the switch to electric vehicles. Mentors will receive financial incentives for sharing their knowledge and insights about owning and driving EVs.
As part of its broader focus on climate action, Uber is enhancing its Uber Green service, with an EV-only option in 40 cities. Riders can now choose electric vehicles in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Paris.
Companies in Japan are increasingly turning to AI to manage customer service roles, addressing the country’s ongoing labour shortage. These AI systems are now being used for more complex tasks, assisting workers across various industries.
Ridgelinez Ltd, a Fujitsu subsidiary, and Autobacs Seven Co have launched trials for ‘Rachel,’ an AI assistant that recommends products based on customer needs, specific car models, and available stock. The system, developed by Tokyo-based Couger Inc, is designed to ease the burden on car sales staff, allowing them to focus on more specialised tasks while the AI handles routine queries.
In other sectors, Oki Electric Industry and Kyushu Railway have introduced a trilingual AI assistant capable of speaking Japanese, English, and Chinese. This system provides passengers with station maps and assists with transfer information. Meanwhile, Tokyo startup Sapeet Co has developed an AI system that simulates customer interactions for training staff at jewellery stores, helping to improve customer service skills.
These AI solutions are playing a key role in addressing the labour shortage, allowing human employees to focus on more advanced tasks while AI systems manage routine customer service functions.
Duos Technologies Group, through its subsidiary Duos Edge AI, has entered a strategic partnership with Accu-Tech to expand the deployment of edge data centres across the US. This collaboration aims to meet the rising demand for faster data processing and improved connectivity in underserved areas.
With Accu-Tech’s established distribution network, Duos Edge AI plans to accelerate the rollout of its advanced computing solutions. President Doug Recker sees this as a key moment in providing critical technology to local communities. The growing edge computing market, expected to reach $43.4 billion by 2027, highlights the importance of this venture.
CEO Chuck Ferry emphasises the alignment between Duos’ vision and the need for innovative infrastructure to support local businesses. By partnering with Accu-Tech, Duos ensures both reliable installation and efficient operation of its edge data centres.
The first edge data centres are expected to be operational by Q4 2024. The collaboration is set to improve connectivity and optimise performance, bringing advanced technology to underserved regions across the country.
Foxconn is constructing the world’s largest facility in Mexico for bundling Nvidia’s GB200 superchips, a crucial component of Nvidia’s upcoming Blackwell computing platform. The Taiwanese electronics giant, known for assembling Apple’s iPhones, has been capitalising on the surge in demand for AI technology by manufacturing servers designed for AI processing.
Nvidia has already started shipping samples of its Blackwell chips and expects substantial revenue from these in the coming months. Foxconn executives highlighted the enormous demand for Nvidia‘s Blackwell platform, with many industry players seeking to adopt this next-generation AI computing technology.
The manufacturing plant in Mexico will have substantial capacity, building on Foxconn’s existing investments in the country. The company’s production capabilities are equipped with advanced liquid cooling technologies necessary for supporting AI servers, ensuring they meet the growing needs of the AI sector.
In addition to its focus on AI, Foxconn is diversifying its operations by expanding into the electric vehicle market. The company plans to leverage its technological expertise to become a leading EV contract manufacturer, producing vehicles under its Foxtron brand while helping automakers with manufacturing.
Google is gradually rolling out new security features to protect user data, focusing on preventing unauthorised access in cases of theft. The latest tools, which include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, were announced in May and are becoming available on various Android devices.
Theft Detection Lock uses AI to lock the screen when it detects movement commonly associated with theft, such as someone snatching the phone. Offline Device Lock automatically secures the screen if a phone remains offline for a while, while Remote Lock allows users to lock their phone remotely using only their phone number, even if they can’t log into Find My Device.
Some users have reported seeing the features on devices like the Xiaomi 14T Pro, though others may need to wait as Google rolls out these updates over time. Users are encouraged to ensure their Google Play Services are updated to potentially access these features sooner.
The new security options are supported on Android 10 and up for Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, while Remote Lock works on devices running Android 5 and higher.
South Korean tech giant, Samsung, has issued an apology to its customers and investors after missing market expectations for its third-quarter earnings. The electronics giant reported a consolidated operating profit of KRW9.1 trillion ($6.64bn), falling short of the KRW10.33 trillion ($7.65bn) predicted by analysts. Despite this, the company’s sales saw a 6% rise compared to the previous quarter, totalling KRW79 trillion ($58bn).
Vice-chairman Jun Young-hyun expressed concerns over the company’s performance, emphasising the need to regain its technological competitiveness. The statement acknowledged Samsung’s struggle to keep up with market demands, particularly in the rapidly expanding AI chip sector, where rivals like Nvidia have surged ahead. Samsung’s stock fell a further 1.3%, compounding its 20% decline earlier this year.
Samsung has held the title of the world’s largest memory chipmaker for over 30 years but faces increasing competition in both traditional and advanced chip sectors. The delay in the launch of its high-bandwidth memory (HBM3E) chips has been one of the challenges contributing to its weaker performance, with rival SK hynix making significant gains.
Industry analysts highlight that Samsung’s slower response to the AI chip boom has made it more dependent on lower-margin legacy chips. The company’s memory and contract chip manufacturing divisions have both struggled against competition from Chinese manufacturers and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). More detailed earnings figures are expected later this month.
Tesla is at a pivotal juncture as CEO Elon Musk is set to reveal the long-awaited Cybercab robotaxi at Warner Bros. Hollywood studio on Thursday. While there are rising doubts about electric vehicle growth, the announcement has reignited interest in Tesla’s stock. The Cybercab will function autonomously on Tesla’s ride-hailing platform, enabling vehicle owners to generate income by utilising their cars as self-driving cabs—an idea Musk describes as a combination of Airbnb and Uber.
Tesla intends to leverage its current camera-based technology and AI for the Cybercab, steering clear of the costly radar and lidar systems used by competitors. Musk is confident that improvements in this technology will allow Tesla to penetrate a tough market where others have faced substantial losses. Investors are keen to view a prototype and learn about the timeline for mass production and profitability. They also seek clarity on the regulatory hurdles and safety issues surrounding the existing partial automation system, known as Full Self-Driving (FSD).
While expectations for the event are high, analysts caution that the announcement may lack immediate deliverables or financial impact. Many observers do not anticipate a fully functional product at this stage, noting Tesla’s history of optimism regarding its FSD technology. The company may also provide updates on more affordable vehicle options and its humanoid robot, Optimus, during the event.
Since Musk announced the shift to robotaxis in April, Tesla shares have surged nearly 50%. However, concerns linger about competition from electric vehicle rivals and the stock’s inherent volatility. The journey to market for self-driving vehicles has proven complicated and expensive for other companies, with Waymo being the only US firm currently operating uncrewed robotaxis. Analysts highlight that reaching high levels of automation without driver supervision will encounter considerable technological, safety, and regulatory challenges, raising doubts about the timeline for achieving Musk’s ambitious goals.
