This week in TechCrunch’s AI newsletter, we’re live from the TC Disrupt conference in San Francisco, featuring top speakers from the AI sector. Highlights include a discussion with Perplexity’s CEO on their rapid growth despite legal challenges, and insights from Zoox’s co-founder about the future of autonomous vehicles. Panels will address AI-driven disinformation and the ethical dilemmas facing the industry. News includes Apple’s AI update for devices, funding success for Bret Taylor’s AI startup, and research on generative AI’s environmental impact. Lastly, Google has unveiled a model that translates handwritten notes into digital text, promising to enhance user experience while raising concerns about potential misuse. Sign up for updates to stay informed!
Welcome to this week’s update from the TechCrunch AI newsletter. This week, our team is at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 conference in San Francisco, where we have a fantastic array of speakers from the world of AI, academia, and policy.
One of the highlights includes an onstage interview with Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine that is hitting a remarkable 100 million queries per week. However, it faces challenges, including a lawsuit from News Corp’s Dow Jones over alleged content theft.
Kirsten Korosec, our transportation editor, will speak with Jesse Levinson from Zoox, an Amazon-owned robotaxi company, as they gear up for their next big steps in autonomous vehicle technology.
A panel discussion will address the rising tide of disinformation caused by AI tools, featuring experts like Pamela San Martin and Imran Ahmed. They’ll discuss how these tools can be misused by various actors to create deepfakes and spread false information.
Additionally, we will hear from leaders in the field, including Cara CEO Jingna Zhang and AI Now Institute co-executive director Sarah Myers West, as they explore the legal and ethical challenges posed by AI’s rapid growth. Expect insightful conversations from various thought leaders, including U.S. AI Safety Institute director Elizabeth Kelly and California Senator Scott Wiener.
In other news, Apple has recently launched its AI-powered features through a software update for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Bret Taylor’s startup, Sierra, just raised $175 million, reaching a valuation of $4.5 billion. Google is expanding its AI Overviews in Search to over 100 countries, providing users with quick information summaries.
Moreover, researchers warn that the growth of generative AI could generate e-waste equivalent to 10 billion iPhones each year by 2030. On a positive note, the Open Source Initiative has released a formal definition for open source AI, marking a significant step in that field.
This week’s featured research comes from Google, which developed a model called InkSight to convert handwriting into digital form. Although it still has some flaws, it performs fairly well even in tough lighting conditions.
Lastly, the nonprofit lab Cohere has released a new family of text-generating models called Aya Expanse, touted for their multilingual capabilities and innovative training techniques.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of AI, and remember, if you enjoy our content, subscribe to get it delivered straight to your inbox!
What is Disrupt 2024?
Disrupt 2024 is a big tech conference where people gather to learn about the latest trends in technology, especially in artificial intelligence.
What can I expect from the AI panels?
The AI panels will feature experts discussing new ideas, breakthroughs, and challenges in the field of artificial intelligence.
Who are the speakers for the AI panels?
The speakers include industry leaders, researchers, and innovators who are making significant contributions to AI.
How can I attend the AI panels?
You can attend the panels by registering for Disrupt 2024 online and choosing the sessions you want to join.
Will there be opportunities for questions from the audience?
Yes, there will be chances for the audience to ask questions and engage with the speakers during the panels.
