Welcome to our AI Weekly News update for the week of May 20th to May 26th, 2024. This week, we saw significant advancements and notable incidents in the AI world, from xAI’s massive funding round and a hefty fine for an AI robocaller, to Spotify’s innovative AI DJ feature and Microsoft’s launch of AI-powered PCs. Dive into these stories to stay informed on the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
xAI Secures $6 Billion in Series B Funding
xAI has successfully raised $6 billion in its Series B funding round, attracting key investors like Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Sequoia Capital. This funding will propel xAI’s development of advanced AI systems, including the Grok-1.5 model with long context capability and Grok-1.5V with image understanding. xAI aims to bring its first products to market, enhance infrastructure, and accelerate R&D efforts, all in pursuit of understanding the true nature of the universe.
Read more about xAI’s Series B funding
$6M Fine for AI Robocaller Cloning Biden’s Voice
The FCC has proposed a $6 million fine for a scammer who used AI voice-cloning technology to impersonate President Biden in illegal robocalls during a New Hampshire primary election. This case highlights the dangers of generative AI platforms and serves as a stern warning against using AI for fraudulent activities. The FCC’s swift response underscores the agency’s commitment to preventing the misuse of AI in telecommunications.
Learn more about the AI robocaller fine
Spotify Tests Spanish-Speaking AI DJ
Spotify is experimenting with a new AI DJ that speaks Spanish, expanding its popular personalized song selection feature. Discovered in the app’s code by reverse engineer Chris Messina, this new AI DJ, named “DJ Livi,” aims to cater to the large Spanish-speaking demographic globally. Although still in the testing phase, this development reflects Spotify’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experiences through AI technologies.
Discover more about Spotify’s AI DJ
Microsoft Unveils Copilot+ PCs with Advanced AI
Microsoft has introduced a new line of Copilot+ PCs, designed to handle AI tasks more efficiently by processing them locally. These PCs, created in partnership with manufacturers like Acer and Asustek, signal Microsoft’s strategic push into AI-driven hardware. The Copilot+ PCs, priced at $1,000, will be available starting June 18 and aim to set new standards in personal computing by reducing dependence on cloud data centers.
Read about Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs
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