The term generative AI refers to a relatively new field of AI that can create human-like content, from pictures and videos to poetry and even computer code. To achieve this, several different techniques are used. These have mostly evolved over the last 10 years, building on earlier work carried out in the fields of deep learning, transformer models and neural networks. All of them rely on data to effectively ‘learn’ how to generate content, but beyond that, they are built around quite different methodologies. Here’s my overview of some of the categories that they fall into, as well ..read more

AI’s capability to generate realistic text and images is well known, but it can also produce lifelike sounds. In recent years, AI-driven technology for creating music, voice, and sound effects has made significant strides. Though this may not yet pose a threat to professionals in the industry, it offers a range of practical solutions for those needing background sounds or voiceovers for their projects. So here’s my roundup of five that have impressed me most with their capabilities to create realistic-sounding voices and audio effects or even catchy pop songs. And if none of them quite fit y ..read more

Although I firmly believe AI is a hugely transformative technology that will change the world in many ways, it’s also clear that there is a lot of hype and hot air around the subject! It’s something that inevitably occurs with any exciting technology, particularly when there’s a lot of money to be made. This is no surprise, given that past studies have shown that startups that mention ‘AI’ attract 15 percent to 50 percent more investment than those that don’t! So, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between what’s real and what is being concocted by marketing ..read more

Generative AI tools have quickly become transformative to many businesses, with their power to create words, pictures, video, sounds and even computer code, augment human skills and automate routine work. If you’re considering how your organization can use this revolutionary technology, one of the choices that have to be made is whether to go with open-source or closed-source (proprietary) tools, models and algorithms. Why is this decision important? Well, each option offers advantages and disadvantages when it comes to customization, scalability, support and security. In this article, we’ll ..read more

Generative AI offers exciting new ways for video game developers to create engaging content, realistic visuals, and immersive gameplay experiences. In this article, we’ll explore how generative AI can enhance and accelerate game development – with a few examples. What Can Generative AI Do? Let’s break down some of the main elements of game development and see how generative AI can facilitate the process: Procedural generation. By leveraging algorithms to create vast, intricate, and unpredictable environments, games can potentially deliver a unique, dynamic experience in each gameplay ..read more

Generative AI doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The rapid advancements we’ve seen in generative AI over the past year or so have been made possible by other tech breakthroughs. Cloud computing, for example, democratizes access to AI technologies. 5G amplifies the potential of generative AI by facilitating real-time analytics and AI processing. And the Internet of Things provides a rich source of data for generative AI models to mine. In other words, generative AI has been aided and influenced by many other technologies. But what about the flip side? How might generative AI itself accelerate other t ..read more

Generative AI, the technology made famous by ChatGPT, will profoundly change the landscape of banking operations. According to McKinsey, generative AI could add between $200 and $340 billion in value for banks per year (9–15 percent of operating profits). In this article, we’ll see how banking giant Morgan Stanley has begun to harness generative AI – and explore broader use cases for generative AI in banking and finance. Introducing Morgan Stanley’s New AI Assistant In 2023, Morgan Stanley launched a new internal AI assistant based on OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. Calle ..read more

Sex and technology have long been intertwined – millions of us use dating apps to find partners, and some of the earliest commercial online activity revolved around pornography. So, it’s not surprising that generative AI – technology that enables computers to create realistic, lifelike content in many forms – is already creating new avenues for exploring digital sex and intimacy. From chatbots and image generators to AI-enabled sex toys and even lifelike, functional robots, new opportunities for exploring intimacy and fantasy are quickly becoming a reality. Of course, this raises some import ..read more

In a landscape where generative AI is hailed as the frontier of technological innovation, Yann LeCun, Chief AI Scientist at Meta, presents a contrarian viewpoint that challenges the status quo. It was a pleasure to meet Yann LeCun in London this week and listen to his keynote at the Meta AI Day, where he offered a candid critique of generative AI’s limitations and charted a course toward what he believes is the future of artificial intelligence: Objective-Driven AI systems. His assertions are not just opinions but are based on years of pioneering work in AI and machine learning. The Shortc ..read more

Grocery delivery and pickup service Instacart is not shy about adopting new technologies. So, it makes sense that the company has embraced generative AI across the business. In this article, we’ll explore how Instacart is using generative AI to deliver a better service to customers and drive its business forward. The “Ask Instacart” Feature One of the first ways Instacart deployed generative AI was its Ask Instacart feature, an AI search tool underpinned by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Embedded directly in the Instacart app’s search bar, Ask Instacart is designed to help customers answer questions ..read more