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Hello Niuralogists!

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Welcome to this week’s edition, where we delve into the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence to bring you the latest advancements. We’ll explore how these updates impact various aspects of our lives, from work and business environments to policy-making and personal experiences. In this edition, we highlight intriguing developments, including OpenAI’s introduction of free fine-tuning for GPT-4o and an AI assistant designed to enhance teamwork and collaboration.

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 For a deeper dive into these topics, keep reading…

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OpenAI Introduces Free Fine-Tuning for GPT-4o

OpenAI has introduced free fine-tuning for GPT-4o, allowing developers to customize the model for enhanced performance and accuracy with up to 1 million tokens per day available at no cost through September 23. This marks the first time developers can fine-tune GPT-4o, enabling improvements in the model's structure, tone, and domain-specific instructions for AI applications. While fine-tuning typically costs $25 per million tokens on paid usage tiers, it's temporarily free. OpenAI highlights that even with just a few dozen training examples, developers can expect significant results. Additionally, Google's Gemini API offers 1.5 billion tokens daily for free on its Gemini 1.5 Flash model and 1.6 million tokens on its Gemini 1.5 Pro model. The impact of this advancement is already evident, as a company with early access to fine-tuning produced Genie, achieving state-of-the-art scores on SWE-bench benchmarks. With free fine-tuning now available to all developers, the stage is set for a new generation of more intelligent and efficient AI bots.

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AI Assistant Enhances Teamwork for Improved Collaboration

MIT researchers have developed an AI assistant designed to enhance teamwork by aligning the roles and beliefs of human and AI agents working together. This system, presented in a paper at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) and published on IEEE Xplore, allows for more effective collaboration in fields like search-and-rescue, medical procedures, and video games. By using a theory of mind model, the AI can infer the plans and understanding of team members, intervening when necessary to ensure tasks are completed efficiently. This innovation aims to prevent confusion and mistakes, improving overall team performance.

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Developing AI with Human Brain Cells

Swiss startup FinalSpark has introduced a groundbreaking service that allows scientists to rent cloud access to "biocomputers" made from human brain cells for $500 a month. These biocomputers, composed of organoids (clusters of human brain cells), can operate and compute for up to 100 days, mimicking natural neural processes. AI models are trained using dopamine for positive reinforcement and electrical signals for negative reinforcement. FinalSpark claims that these biocomputers could be up to 100,000 times more energy-efficient than traditional silicon-based technology. While this innovation could significantly reduce AI's energy consumption, it also raises ethical concerns, particularly the possibility that these brain cell clusters could develop consciousness.

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OpenAI Partners with Condé Nast, Sparking Debates on the Future of Publishing

OpenAI has forged a multi-year partnership with Condé Nast, the publisher of Vogue, The New Yorker, and Wired, in a deal that could reshape the media landscape. This collaboration gives OpenAI access to Condé Nast's vast content archive, while the publisher gains advanced AI tools for content creation and advertising. As traditional media and tech companies increasingly collaborate, concerns arise about AI potentially becoming a competitor to traditional journalism. The deal also coincides with growing scrutiny over the use of copyrighted material in AI training, highlighted by a recent lawsuit from The New York Times against OpenAI. For Condé Nast, this partnership represents a strategic shift towards digital innovation, aiming to enhance operations while preserving its editorial standards. The outcome could set a new precedent for future tech-media collaborations.

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AI Boosts Walmart's Productivity by 100 Times

Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon recently revealed that the company is leveraging generative AI to boost productivity, updating 850 million product catalog entries 100 times faster than traditional human methods. During Walmart's Q2 earnings call, McMillon also highlighted AI-driven enhancements in customer search and seller support, including a new AI-powered shopping assistant on Walmart’s app and website that can answer queries like “Which TV is best for watching sports?”. Additionally, Walmart is testing an AI-driven experience for U.S.-based marketplace sellers, with more details to come. The company is committed to expanding AI use across all areas of its global operations, sparking discussions about the future of jobs and productivity in the age of AI.

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