Hi Synapticians!

Hope your week is off to a good start! 😉

Lots of cool things today (see later), and the key info is Google's dominance, as they announce not one but five major updates.

The first is called What People Suggest, which allows Google Search to display testimonials from people who have searched for similar medical information, like "How to treat a cold…" #Useful… or not useful? 😉 The goal behind this? Capturing users who typically turn to Reddit for such queries. The second is the addition of new features to their Health Connect API, including allergies, medications, vaccinations, and lab results, all in the standard FHIR format. The third one (which we absolutely love!): they’re launching open TxGemma models, which (in a nutshell) will analyze chemical structures and predict treatment effectiveness. The fourth is related to robotics—check out the first top news below. And finally, the last is a great update to NotebookLM (we’re big fans of this tool): check out the tweet of the day.

Happy reading!

Top AI news

1. When will we start talking to robots daily?
Google’s Gemini Robotics integrates AI with robotics, allowing machines to understand and execute verbal commands. This marks a shift where AI moves from digital applications to real-world tasks. Other companies like OpenAI and Nvidia are also advancing in this space. While robots may soon assist in warehouses and hospitals, challenges like safety and adaptability must be addressed before they enter homes. The future of human-robot interaction is approaching faster than expected.

2. Exploring St. Peter’s Basilica in Minecraft Education through AI restoration
Minecraft Education introduces 'Peter Is Here,' an interactive experience allowing students to explore and restore St. Peter’s Basilica using AI. Developed with Microsoft and the Vatican, the project combines history, digital restoration, and immersive learning. Students engage in hands-on restoration tasks, uncover historical artifacts, and learn about cultural preservation. The initiative highlights AI’s role in safeguarding heritage while making history accessible to all. With structured educational resources, it transforms classrooms into interactive history lessons.

3. Elon Musk’s xAI acquires Hotshot, an AI video startup
Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has acquired Hotshot, a startup specializing in AI-powered video generation. Hotshot has developed three advanced models—Hotshot-XL, Hotshot Act One, and Hotshot—over the past two years. The company will now integrate its technology into xAI’s Colossus supercomputer. Hotshot’s independent service will shut down, but users can download their videos until the end of March. This acquisition strengthens xAI’s position in AI-generated content and could significantly impact the future of automated video production.

Bonus. AI-driven storytelling redefines interactive gaming experiences
Operative Games has unveiled The Operative, a groundbreaking AI-driven interactive storytelling platform. Using its proprietary StoryEngine, the game allows players to engage with lifelike characters through phone calls, texts, and video chats. These AI-powered characters remember past interactions, react emotionally, and adapt the story in real time. Founded by industry veterans from Disney and Pandora, Operative Games aims to revolutionize narrative-driven gaming. The game’s immersive experience eliminates the need for downloads, operating entirely via server-based interactions. This innovation could redefine how players experience and influence game narratives.

Tweet of the Day

Theme of the Week

AI & Robotics. The startup
Agility Robotics develops humanoid robots designed to work in human-centric environments. Their primary product, Digit, automates physically demanding and repetitive tasks, addressing labor shortages in industries such as logistics, warehousing, and retail. Digit's human-like form allows it to navigate existing infrastructure without requiring major modifications. The company aims to enhance productivity and workplace safety through robotics, creating collaborative solutions that complement human workers.

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