🗞️ AI News Recap

Hey TEDchats Fam!

Happy Monday! In the fast-paced world of AI, it's essential to pause, breathe, and reflect. Keeping up with every AI development can overwhelm, that’s why taking a breather to recap top news is key. Our weekly recaps ensure you're informed and ready for what's next.

🐇 QUICK BITES — THE PAST WEEK

The EU Completes World's First AI Regulation!

The European Union has officially approved the world's first comprehensive AI regulation, aiming to set a global standard. This landmark AI Act will come into force across the EU in the coming weeks but will only be fully enforceable after two years. Overall, it introduces a risk-based approach that bans certain "unacceptable" AI uses while imposing strict requirements on high-risk applications (see the EU’s announcement).

Nvidia's Record Profits Signal AI Chip Demand

Nvidia's record-breaking profits in Q1 2025, totaling $26.044 billion in revenue and $14.881 billion in profit, underscore the immense demand for their AI chips. For years, Nvidia has been a trailblazer in AI technology, setting industry standards with GPUs like the Hopper H100 and the upcoming Blackwell B200. To stay ahead of the curve and meet the surging demand for advanced AI infrastructure, Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, announced a bold strategy: the company will now release new AI chips annually. This shift not only accelerates Nvidia's AI GPU roadmap but also involves revamping their entire chip lineup, including CPUs, networking NICs, and switches. This commitment promises to provide a continuous stream of cutting-edge technology, ensuring Nvidia remains at the forefront of the race for AI supremacy (see Nvidia’s announcements here and here).

Elon Musk's xAI Secures $6 Billion in Funding

Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, was excited to unveil its $6 billion Series B funding round, with notable investors including Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Sequoia Capital. This funding marks a significant milestone following substantial advancements, including the rollout of its AI chatbot Grok-1 and subsequent enhancements. With intentions to allocate the funds towards product launches, expanding infrastructure, and accelerating R&D efforts, xAI is poised for sustained growth and innovation. Additionally, Elon Musk revealed on X that the company's pre-money valuation stood at $18 billion (see xAI’s announcement).

OpenAI Lands a Groundbreaking Partnership with News Corp!

OpenAI has entered a groundbreaking multi-year deal with News Corp, providing access to archives from major outlets like The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and The New York Post. Valued at over $250 million, this partnership aims to enhance AI training and user query responses with high-quality journalism. This move highlights OpenAI’s strategy of forming key alliances with top media firms, including the Financial Times, despite ongoing legal battles over copyright concerns with others, such as The New York Times. Additionally, News Corp will contribute journalistic expertise to ensure the highest standards of reporting, signaling a significant step in the integration of AI and traditional media (see OpenAI’s announcement here and WSJ’s announcement here).

FCC Proposes $6M Fine for Deepfake Robocalls During New Hampshire Primary

Following indictments by grand juries in four New Hampshire counties, Steven Kramer, a Democratic consultant, stands accused of orchestrating robocalls in January. These automated calls, employing an artificial intelligence simulation of President Biden, urged Democratic voters to refrain from participating in the state's presidential primary. Kramer now faces nearly two dozen charges, ranging from impersonation of a candidate, classified as a misdemeanor, to voter suppression, classified as a felony. This alarming incident highlights the increasing use of advanced AI in political manipulation. Consequently, the FCC has proposed a significant penalty for the illegal robocalls: a $6 million fine for spoofing (see the FCC's announcement).

Autonomous Ships Set Sail with AI

Orca AI, a London-based startup, has secured $23 million in funding to scale its autonomous navigation technology, which has already demonstrated a 33% reduction in ‘close encounters’ and significant fuel savings for ships (see Orca AI’s announcement).

Microsoft Unveils New AI Innovations at Build 2024

Microsoft Build 2024 unveiled groundbreaking AI advancements, envisioning a world where computers autonomously handle tasks. At the conference, held both in Seattle and online from May 21 to 23, attendees witnessed pivotal developments. Notably, Copilot AI agents emerged as virtual assistants automating tasks like email monitoring and employee onboarding. Additionally, Microsoft introduced Phi-3-vision, a mobile-friendly AI model capable of text and image analysis, and announced an Edge feature for real-time video translation (see Microsoft's stream of announcements here).

Scale AI Soars with a $1B Boost for Providing AI Training Data

Scale AI, which delivers high quality training data for AI applications, secures a staggering $1 billion Series F round, catapulting its valuation to $13.8 billion. This funding surge underscores the critical role of data in the AI revolution, attracting major backers like Amazon and Meta. Despite last year's layoffs, Scale AI's value has nearly doubled, reflecting investors' fervor for AI advancements (see Scale’s announcement).

Snap's AI Chatbot Clears Privacy Hurdles in the UK

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has concluded its investigation into Snap's AI chatbot, My AI, confirming that the social media giant has addressed privacy concerns, especially those related to children's data. While Snap implemented significant measures and parental controls to ensure safety, the ICO warns the industry to proactively assess risks before launching generative AI tools (see the ICO’s announcement).

Truecaller and Microsoft Team Up for Personalized AI Call Responses

Truecaller now lets users create an AI version of their own voice to answer calls, thanks to a partnership with Microsoft's Azure AI Speech. This feature allows Truecaller's AI Assistant to learn from a recorded clip, adding a personalized touch to call responses. Initially introduced in 2022, the AI Assistant screens calls, informs users of the call's purpose, and allows users to decide whether to answer or let the assistant respond (see Truecaller’s announcement).

FCC Pushes for AI Disclosure in Political Ads

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new rule requiring political ads to disclose AI-generated content, emphasizing transparency for consumers. This initiative, led by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, aims to ensure the public is informed about the use of AI in campaign advertisements on cable, satellite TV, and radio. While this proposal marks the first step towards regulation, streamers like YouTube remain outside FCC's jurisdiction (see the FCC’s announcement).

Adobe's AI-Powered ‘Generative Remove’ Lands in Lightroom

Adobe has unveiled a groundbreaking new feature for Lightroom called Generative Remove, powered by its Firefly AI technology. This tool allows users to effortlessly edit objects out of photos, regardless of the complexity of the background. Whether it's removing stains from a patterned shirt, erasing wrinkles from a tablecloth in food photography, or eliminating unwanted reflections in water, Generative Remove handles it all with precision. The Generative Remove feature is now available as early access, promising to simplify and elevate the photo editing experience for users (see Adobe’s announcement).

Make a Call, Get an Answer — It’s That Simple!

Arc Search's new feature, Call Arc, allows users to obtain quick answers through a phone call. This AI-powered tool aims to make voice search more engaging, offering instant responses when you hold the phone to your ear and ask a question (see The Browser Company’s retro-style commercial).

OpenAI Faces Controversy Over Scarlett Johansson’s AI Voice

In a recent controversy, Scarlett Johansson claims OpenAI developed a ChatGPT voice, named Sky, that closely resembles her own voice. Despite her refusal to voice the AI, Johansson alleges the similarity has caused confusion among friends, family, and the public, according to NPR. She has taken legal action and demanded transparency from OpenAI. OpenAI, denying intentional resemblance, has temporarily removed the Sky voice, citing respect for Johansson's concerns. An NPR tech correspondent has shared Johansson’s statement on X (see the post here).

Google Introduces Ads to 'AI Overviews' Search Feature

Google has announced that its AI-generated search summaries will now include ads. In a recent update, the company revealed plans to test search and shopping ads within AI Overviews for users in the US. For instance, if you search for ways to remove wrinkles from clothes, the AI Overview might not only provide AI-generated tips but also display a "Sponsored" section showcasing products like wrinkle spray from retailers such as Walmart and Instacart. While this aims to enhance ad relevance, it could potentially clutter the user experience meant to provide quick, concise information. Google plans to gather feedback from advertisers and the industry to refine this new ad format (see Google’s announcement).

Google Addresses Concerns: Removing Bizarre AI Answers from Search Results

Earlier this month, Google made AI Overviews accessible to all U.S. users and introduced new generative AI features aimed at enhancing search efficiency. However, the rollout may have been rushed, as many users reported encountering unusual responses from Google's AI, such as suggestions to apply glue to pizza or eat rocks. Consequently, Google is now manually disabling AI Overviews for specific searches as quickly as possible to address the issue (read more).

🧰 AI TOOLBOX — RECAP

👋 UNTIL NEXT TIME

Our weekly recaps provide a moment to catch your breath and stay on top of the latest AI news. Stay tuned, stay informed, and keep embracing reflection in navigating the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence. It's your essential guide in the fast-paced tech landscape.