Market & Regulation
Mira Murati Testifies Against Sam Altman in Court
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Why it matters
- →Highlights internal conflicts and trust issues within OpenAI's leadership.
- →Raises concerns about the integrity of AI safety protocols.
- →Reflects broader industry challenges in managing AI development responsibly.
Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, testified in court that CEO Sam Altman lied about the safety standards of a new AI model. During the Musk v. Altman trial, Murati revealed that Altman falsely claimed the model did not need a safety board review, contradicting OpenAI's legal counsel. This testimony is part of broader allegations against Altman, including dishonesty and undermining executives. Murati's actions to ensure safety compliance highlight the internal challenges she faced at OpenAI.
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Google shuts down Project Mariner
Google has officially shut down Project Mariner, an experimental feature designed to automate web tasks. Initially launched in December 2024, Project Mariner could handle up to 10 tasks simultaneously. Its technology has now been integrated into other Google products like Gemini Agent and AI Mode, which continue to offer similar functionalities. This move suggests Google is consolidating its AI efforts, possibly to make room for new features expected at the upcoming I/O event. While Project Mariner itself is no more, its capabilities live on in Google's broader AI ecosystem.
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Google AI Search Now Includes Reddit Quotes
Google is enhancing its AI Search capabilities by integrating perspectives from firsthand sources like Reddit and other social media platforms. This update aims to provide users with more authentic and relatable information by linking search queries to real conversations. By doing so, Google hopes to reduce the need for users to manually append 'Reddit' to their searches for genuine advice. The inclusion of creator names and community identifiers in search results adds a layer of transparency and trust. This shift marks a significant move towards more conversational and community-driven search experiences.
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Chrome's AI Features Consume 4GB Storage
Google Chrome users are discovering that enabling certain AI features can lead to a significant 4GB storage consumption due to the download of a weights.bin file. This file is part of the Gemini Nano AI model, which powers features like scam detection and writing assistance by running locally on devices. While this approach enhances privacy by avoiding cloud data usage, it can be problematic for users with limited storage. Google has provided a way to disable these features to prevent the file from re-downloading, but clearer upfront communication about storage needs could have mitigated user confusion.
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AI Leaders Discuss Industry Challenges at Milken Conference
At the Milken Global Conference, key figures from the AI industry highlighted significant challenges facing the sector, including chip shortages and energy constraints. Christophe Fouquet of ASML emphasized the ongoing supply limitations in chip manufacturing, affecting major tech companies like Google and Microsoft. Meanwhile, Google Cloud's Francis deSouza discussed innovative solutions like space-based data centers to address energy issues. Eve Bodnia introduced a novel approach with energy-based models, suggesting a shift from traditional language models. These discussions underscore the evolving landscape and the need for new strategies in AI development.
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Revolut Alumni Raise $6M for Palm-Scan Startup
A group of former Revolut employees has launched a new startup, Five, which aims to revolutionize payments with biometric technology. By allowing users to pay with a simple wave of their hand, Five is tapping into the growing interest in contactless and secure payment methods. The startup has successfully raised $6 million in seed funding, indicating strong investor confidence in its innovative approach. This funding will likely accelerate the development and deployment of their palm-scan payment technology, potentially setting a new standard in the payments industry.
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CodeWords raises $9M to simplify workflow automation
CodeWords, a London-based startup, has secured $9 million in seed funding to advance its AI-driven platform that simplifies workflow automation for non-technical users. By allowing users to create complex automations through simple prompts, CodeWords aims to bridge the gap between basic no-code tools and more intricate automation platforms. This funding will help expand their operations, including opening a new office in San Francisco. With 500,000 workflows already running monthly, CodeWords is positioning itself as a key player in making sophisticated automation accessible to small businesses and non-technical teams.
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