Welcome to this week’s edition of AI Weekly News, your go-to source for the latest updates in the world of artificial intelligence. From groundbreaking releases and major appointments to significant policy proposals and notable departures, we’ve got you covered. Dive into the key highlights from May 13-19, 2024, and stay informed about the advancements shaping the future of AI.
OpenAI Releases GPT-4o, A Faster Model Free for All ChatGPT Users
OpenAI has unveiled GPT-4o, an upgraded version of its renowned GPT-4 model. According to OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, this new model offers improved speed and enhanced capabilities in text, vision, and audio. GPT-4o will be free for all users, with paid subscribers enjoying up to five times the capacity limits. This model’s text and image functionalities are available now on ChatGPT, with voice features resembling a real-time assistant.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted GPT-4o’s multimodal capabilities, allowing it to understand and generate content from voice, text, or images. Developers can access the API, which is half the price and twice as fast as GPT-4 Turbo. OpenAI’s strategic launch was timed just before Google I/O, setting the stage for an AI showdown.
Read more about OpenAI’s GPT-4o
NASA Names First Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
NASA has appointed David Salvagnini as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Salvagnini, who also serves as NASA’s Chief Data Officer, will lead the agency’s AI efforts, ensuring the responsible use of AI technology. This role aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order on AI’s safe and secure development. Salvagnini’s extensive experience in technology and intelligence positions him well to guide NASA’s AI strategy and collaborations.
His responsibilities include advancing AI tools for missions, data analysis, and autonomous systems. Salvagnini’s appointment underscores NASA’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of AI innovation.
Read more about NASA’s new AI Officer
Senate Study Proposes $32B Yearly for AI Programs
A Senate working group has recommended a $32 billion annual investment in AI programs, emphasizing the need for a cross-government AI R&D effort. This proposal includes funding for AI infrastructure, national security risk assessments, and initiatives like the National AI Research Resource. The report highlights the importance of AI in maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge and outlines several ambitious projects, such as AI grand challenges and improvements in government services.
While not yet a bill, this roadmap provides a comprehensive vision for the future of AI funding in the United States.
Read more about the Senate AI funding proposal
OpenAI Cofounder Ilya Sutskever Announces Exit
Ilya Sutskever, cofounder and chief scientist of OpenAI, has announced his departure from the company. Sutskever, a key figure in the development of OpenAI’s models, will be succeeded by Jakub Pachocki. Sutskever’s decision follows his involvement in last year’s dramatic events at OpenAI, where he played a role in CEO Sam Altman’s brief ousting and subsequent reinstatement.
Sutskever plans to pursue a new project, details of which he will reveal later. His exit marks a significant change for OpenAI, especially following the launch of GPT-4o.
Read more about Ilya Sutskever’s departure
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