Hey Synapticians,

Here we go, it's Monday, and we're off for another AI-crazy week.

We’re starting with Perplexity and TikTok: why this shift? Is it related to losing their competitive edge following the introduction of GPT Search? Altman is tempering expectations about AGI—isn't that odd, especially after publishing a memo on his blog claiming to know how to achieve AGI? In the AI4Good section, the Pentagon is exploring AI to enhance the efficiency of the kill chain. Finally, we’ll talk about Amazon, which, unlike SpaceX and its rocket, is struggling to get its drones off the ground…

This week's theme is image creation using AI; truly useful in all kinds of jobs, so read up, but most importantly, try it out!

Top AI news

1. Perplexity AI Proposes Merger with TikTok US
Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine and chatbot supported by Jeff Bezos, has submitted a bid to merge with TikTok's U.S. operations, owned by China's ByteDance. This proposal comes as the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law mandating TikTok's ban unless it divests its U.S. business due to national security concerns. Perplexity AI, valued at $8 billion after its latest funding round, suggests forming a new merged entity with additional capital partners. Analysts, however, view the bid as unlikely to succeed, given the expected deal valuation exceeding $40 billion. Elon Musk is also considered a strong contender for the acquisition.

2. Altman Warns Against AGI Overexpectations
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged the public to lower expectations about artificial general intelligence (AGI), clarifying that OpenAI has not developed AGI and won’t be releasing it anytime soon. In response to growing hype around AI, Altman stated, “We have some very cool things for you, but please chill and cut your expectations by 100x!” His remarks come amid increasing speculation about AGI’s imminent arrival, fueled by rapid advances in AI technologies. Altman emphasized the need for a balanced perspective, highlighting that while AI innovation continues, AGI remains a long-term goal rather than an immediate reality.

3. Pentagon Accelerates Kill Chain with AI Integration
The Pentagon is increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate its "kill chain," the sequence of steps from identifying to neutralizing enemy targets. Initiatives like Project Maven employ machine learning to swiftly analyze data from various sources, improving target identification. Additionally, the U.S. military is testing autonomous weapon systems, such as the AI-powered "Bullfrog" machine gun, designed to counter drone threats. While these advancements aim to enhance operational efficiency against modern threats, they also raise ethical and strategic questions regarding the level of autonomy granted to weapon systems and the necessity of human oversight in lethal decision-making processes.

Bonus. Amazon Halts Drone Deliveries in US After Crashes
Amazon has temporarily paused its drone delivery services in Texas and Arizona following two crashes of its MK30 drones during tests in Oregon last December. The crashes, which occurred in light rain, were caused by a software malfunction, with one drone catching fire upon impact. While Amazon states these incidents are not the primary reason for the suspension, the company is implementing software updates to enhance the safety of its fleet. Employees at the affected sites will continue to be paid during the pause, and operations will resume once the updates are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Meme of the Day

Impact of AI on leadership…

Theme of the Week

Image creation with AI - Concept definition
AI-based image generation has revolutionized creativity by democratizing access to professional visuals. Using methods like GANs and diffusion models, AI enables anyone to create stunning images from simple descriptions. This technology impacts industries from art to medicine, enhancing accessibility and innovation. Explore how tools like DALL·E and MidJourney are shaping the future of visual creativity.

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