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Volkswagen drivers get AI assistant powered by Google

Google has partnered with Volkswagen to provide key artificial intelligence capabilities for a new in-app assistant designed to assist drivers. The AI-powered assistant, available through a smartphone app, allows users to ask questions or point their cameras at vehicle dashboards for immediate, relevant information.

The assistant uses Google’s Gemini large language models, which are capable of processing and generating predictive responses based on human language. The tool was developed by incorporating Volkswagen manuals and YouTube videos related to vehicle maintenance into the AI’s database.

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted the complexity of the project, explaining that it goes beyond simple speech-to-text translation. The AI’s multimodal capabilities, which process text, images, and videos, were essential to its development.

Currently available to around 120,000 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport owners, the assistant will roll out to more models by next year. Google aims to expand its enterprise AI solutions through ventures like this, particularly as cloud computing continues to grow as a key segment of its business.

France appoints Clara Chappaz as first minister for AI and digitalisation

France has appointed Clara Chappaz, the CEO of La French Tech, as its first-ever minister dedicated to AI and Digitalisation, marking a significant step in its quest to become a global leader in AI. That appointment aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s vision to transform Paris into the ‘city of AI.’

Chappaz expressed her enthusiasm for the role, highlighting her commitment to public action on digital and AI subjects. The new ministerial title underscores France’s strategic focus on advancing its AI capabilities, further evidenced by its efforts to foster generative AI enterprises like Mistral AI and H and its plans to host the International AI Summit in February.

France’s national AI strategy, published last year, promises a €500 million investment to establish AI clusters by 2030. Chappaz, 35, has significantly contributed to the tech industry and gender equality during her tenure at La French Tech. She launched an optional parity pact that mandates a 20 percent minimum quota of women on boards of directors by 2025 and requires managers to be trained in diversity and anti-discrimination practices.

Why does it matter?

Amid recent political changes in France, including the National Assembly’s dissolution and Michel Barnier’s appointment as prime minister, Chappaz’s new role is seen as a stabilising move. She will report to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, signalling a potential shift towards integrating AI advancements with educational and research initiatives. Chappaz’s appointment and France’s strategic extensions in AI policies highlight the nation’s intent to lead technological innovation while upholding ethical standards and promoting inclusivity.

Google joins bid to transform UK bond markets

Several global players, including Google, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, and UBS, have teamed up to support a bid to manage the UK’s upcoming real-time bond tape system. The bond tape is designed to consolidate market data, allowing investors greater transparency in bond transactions. This initiative is expected to enhance the UK’s capital markets and provide better visibility of the best deals.

The bond trading market, often fragmented, has seen limited price transparency due to its bilateral nature. A bond tape system, long used on Wall Street, could bridge this gap, helping market participants by offering a clear data feed. British regulators plan to begin the tendering process to select a company to operate this system by the end of 2024, with the expectation of it being fully functional by 2026.

Ediphy, a technology firm in London specialising in fixed income markets, has taken the lead in the effort. Collaborating with key partners like Cboe Global Markets, FactSet, and TP ICAP, Ediphy’s goal is to ensure the system is transparent and fair. Google Cloud could also play a crucial role by storing the system’s data.

While many in the financial sector back the bond tape initiative, exchanges remain hesitant, fearing the impact on their profitable data streams. Ediphy’s CEO, Chris Murphy, stressed that it’s essential to create a balanced and affordable system to avoid delays in its implementation.

OECD and the UN to enhance global AI governance

OECD and the UN have established a significant partnership to enhance global governance for AI. That collaboration recognises the rapid advancement of AI technology and highlights the necessity for cohesive policy ecosystems to tackle its associated opportunities and challenges effectively.

By joining forces, the two organisations aim to provide comprehensive support to member states, ensuring that AI governance evolves with technological progress. The partnership underscores the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders, including scientists and academic institutions, to create a robust framework that addresses the complexities of AI governance. This inclusive approach guarantees that policy responses are well-informed and reflect the multifaceted impact of AI on society.

Furthermore, the OECD and UN will conduct regular assessments of AI-related risks and opportunities to ensure their initiatives remain aligned with the ever-evolving AI landscape. The proactive strategy will empower member states to navigate the intricacies of AI governance while fostering an inclusive approach that addresses both the benefits and challenges.

They share a vision of human-centred AI governance that prioritises safety, security, and trustworthiness, placing human interests at the forefront. This commitment to responsible governance is crucial for effectively managing the risks and disruptions posed by advancing AI technologies.

Why does this matter?

Ultimately, this collaboration emphasises the importance of rigorous scientific assessments and the role of the OECD’s AI Policy Observatory in understanding AI’s implications and fostering responsible innovation. The OECD and UN aim to equip countries with the necessary tools to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks, thereby promoting a globally inclusive approach to AI policy.

UN adopts ‘Pact for the Future’

On 22 September 2024, world leaders convened in New York to adopt the ‘Pact for the Future’ – a comprehensive agreement designed to reimagine global governance in response to contemporary and future challenges.

The ground-breaking Pact includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, aiming to update the international system established by previous generations. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of aligning global governance structures with the realities of today’s world, fostering a more inclusive and representative international system.

The Pact covers many critical areas, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, and gender equality. It marks a renewed multilateral commitment to nuclear disarmament and advocates for strengthened international frameworks to govern outer space and prevent the misuse of new technologies. To bolster sustainable development, the Pact aims to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reform international financial architecture, and enhance measures to tackle climate change by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Digital cooperation is notably addressed through the Global Digital Compact, which outlines commitments to connect all people to the internet, safeguard online spaces, and govern AI. The Compact promotes open-source data and sets the stage for global data governance. It also ensures increased investment in digital public goods and infrastructure, especially in developing countries.

Why does it matter?

The ‘Pact for the Future’ encapsulates a detailed, optimistic vision geared toward creating a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order. The Summit of the Future, which facilitated the adoption of this Pact as an extensively inclusive process, involves millions of voices and contributions from diverse stakeholders. The event was attended by over 4,000 participants, including global leaders and representatives from various sectors, and was preceded by Action Days, which drew more than 7,000 attendees. Such a forum shows firm global commitments to action, including pledges amounting to USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.

Celebrity voices of John Cena and Judi Dench coming to Meta’s AI Chatbot

Meta Platforms is preparing to introduce a new audio feature for its AI chatbot, which will allow users to select voices from five celebrities, including Judi Dench and John Cena. As part of its efforts to enhance user engagement, Meta will offer the voice options across its platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The announcement is expected at Meta’s annual Connect conference, where the company is also set to unveil augmented-reality glasses and provide updates on its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. These developments reflect Meta’s push to integrate AI more deeply into everyday interactions through its various products.

Celebrity voices are set to roll out this week in the US and other English-speaking markets. Meta hopes that this new feature will appeal to users seeking a more personalised experience with its AI chatbot, positioning itself in competition with AI giants like Google and OpenAI.

As part of its broader AI strategy, Meta has shifted focus towards integrating celebrity voices after earlier text-based characters saw limited success. The company is committed to making its chatbot a core feature across its platforms, striving to stay ahead in the competitive AI landscape.

G42 teams up with Nvidia on AI for weather forecasting

UAE-based AI firm G42 has announced a partnership with US chipmaker Nvidia to focus on developing advanced climate technology. A new operational base and lab will be established in Abu Dhabi to create AI solutions that improve global weather forecasting. This collaboration comes as the UAE seeks to diversify its economy away from oil through heavy investment in AI technologies.

UAE’s government-backed G42 has been making strides in the AI sector, forging agreements with various US firms. Recently, G42 and Microsoft revealed plans to open two AI centres in Abu Dhabi, further expanding the Gulf nation’s capabilities in AI research. These developments align with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of advancing technological cooperation with the US.

While the UAE builds on AI collaboration, concerns have emerged in Washington about US technology potentially reaching China. To counter this, the US government has introduced stricter export controls on AI chips to the region. However, this has not hampered the UAE’s ambitions for AI growth and strategic partnerships.

Next week, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit the White House, marking a historic moment. Discussions will centre around regional security and technological cooperation in AI with President Joe Biden, reinforcing the strategic relationship between the two nations.

AI to revolutionise education, says chief scientist

Demetris Skourides, the Chief Scientist, spoke at the Learning Innovation Summit 2024, stressing the significance of ethical AI development. He emphasised the EU AI Act’s role in establishing trustworthy AI systems that focus on ethics, transparency, and accountability. Skourides advocated for AI’s application in education, pointing out its ability to personalise learning, automate tasks, and enhance teaching environments.

He praised rapid AI advancements in Cyprus, with more than 50 companies leveraging the technology across key industries like healthcare and finance. Skourides highlighted the country’s commitment to upholding the EU AI Act, ensuring that AI systems meet the highest standards of accountability and ethics. The Chief Scientist also noted how Cyprus could generate new job opportunities through this AI revolution.

The potential for AI to transform education was a central theme. Skourides discussed the benefits of adaptive learning platforms, which can tailor lessons to individual students’ strengths, enabling each learner to reach their full potential. He urged educators to embrace AI, foreseeing a shift from rote memorisation to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in the classroom.

Finally, Skourides called for a balanced approach to AI development. By equipping future generations with digital skills and ensuring that ethics remain central, AI’s power can be harnessed to drive both economic growth and innovation. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing AI in education and collaborating with industry leaders to create an empowering learning environment.

US officials highlight Africa’s role in global AI

African perspectives are vital for developing AI solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges, according to US officials. At the Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa Conference, the acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Dr Seth Center, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Joy Basu, emphasised the importance of African representation in shaping global AI policies.

The event focused on fostering deeper conversations about AI’s potential role in Africa’s development. Basu praised the diverse voices from across the continent and stressed the need for African leaders to influence AI’s future applications, especially in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. The conference marked a pivotal step in increasing African engagement in critical technology discussions, which are already being supported in global forums like the G20 and the United Nations.

AI could help Africa achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, addressing key challenges across agriculture, healthcare, and education, according to Dr Seth Center. He noted the transformative role AI can play in boosting economic development, reducing poverty, and improving healthcare access. However, collaboration, both regional and global, will be essential to ensuring that AI is developed responsibly.

Startups and entrepreneurs will play a significant role in shaping Africa’s AI landscape, with many countries already crafting national AI strategies. The African Union is also working on governance frameworks to enable cross-border collaboration. These efforts will help unlock opportunities for innovation, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all parts of the continent.

AI transforms travel planning for modern travelers

When planning his summer trip to Amsterdam and Ireland, Jason Brown opted for ChatGPT over traditional travel resources. The founder of People Movers used the AI tool to design a detailed itinerary for his family, outlining activities in Dublin and Galway. He described the experience as ‘fantastic,’ noting how quickly ChatGPT generated organised suggestions for each day. While he implemented many of the AI‘s recommendations, he also appreciated personal connections for uncovering local treasures.

The growing influence of generative AI in travel planning is clear, with tools like Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot becoming increasingly popular. A recent survey found that one in ten Britons have turned to AI for travel arrangements, with many showing interest in using it again. However, challenges persist, as many users reported receiving generic or inaccurate information. Experts stress the need to verify AI-generated content with trusted sources, such as residents or travel agents, to ensure accuracy.

Sardar Bali, co-founder of the AI travel planner Just Ask Layla, argues about the need for accuracy in AI-generated content. His team uses a two-step verification process to enhance reliability, though he admits that errors can still happen. Meanwhile, major companies like Expedia are incorporating AI into their services to simplify complex travel planning by offering personalised suggestions.

However, not all experiences with AI in travel planning have been positive. Freelance writer Rebecca Crowe faced challenges with AI-generated itineraries that were often impractical and outdated, especially when looking for gluten-free dining options. She recommends using AI mainly for inspiration, while also cross-referencing information with trusted blogs and travel guides to ensure accuracy and save time.