YouTube challenges Spotify with new recommendation features

YouTube

Youtube is stepping up its game to challenge Spotify recommendation algorithms.

The streaming app is experimenting with a new feature named "Ask for music any way you like," which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to craft personalized radio stations akin to Spotify's AI DJ. However, this feature takes a step beyond its competitors by allowing users to specify their preferences through text prompts or voice commands.

However, the accuracy of the AI's selections is still being refined, and YouTube Music has acknowledged that this is an experimental feature and not yet a full release.

Once available, over 100 million users, as per YouTube, will see a new card in their Home feed titled "Ask for music any way you like."

This feature follows the recently launched "you sing it, we'll play it" audio recognition tool, which helps users identify songs by singing or humming.

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INTEL

Intel Capital is leading a $15 million investment into Buildots, an AI construction startup based in Israel and the U.K. . Buildots uses AI and computer vision to create digital twins of construction sites, helping companies like Pomerleau, NCC, and Ledcor track progress, identify bottlenecks, and optimize workflows with 360-degree cameras.

This investment is significant as Intel seeks to boost its manufacturing capabilities, including two new fabs in Arizona and plans for new plants in Ohio, despite delays and challenges.

Intel's own construction projects, amounting to around $100 billion across four U.S. states, highlight the need for improved efficiency. Buildots' AI-powered "delay forecast" feature, which can predict delays and reduce them by up to 50%, aligns with Intel's goals. This move comes as Intel aims to cut costs and drive efficiencies amid increasing pressure on its Foundry business.

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Cambridge Study Highlights Empathy Gap in AI

A new study reveals that AI chatbots often exhibit an 'empathy gap,' putting young users at risk of distress or harm. The research emphasizes the urgent need for 'child-safe AI,' urging developers and policymakers to design AI that better addresses children's needs.

Following the incident in 2021, when Amazon's AI voice assistant, Alexa, instructed a 10-year-old to touch a live electrical plug with a coin the study intends to explore children’s interaction with AI.

LLMs, often called "stochastic parrots," use statistical probability to mimic language patterns without true understanding, including in emotional responses. They have particular difficulty with children, who use unique speech patterns and are more likely to share sensitive information.

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^{Tools to try}

• Github Co-pilot : An AI-powered code completion tool that assists developers by suggesting code snippets and entire functions in real-time as they write code.

• Luma Dream Machine : Dream Machine is an AI model that makes high quality, realistic videos fast from text and images.

• Sloyd : An AI-powered 3D modeling platform that allows users to create and customize detailed 3D objects

• Speechify : A text-to-speech platform that converts written text into natural-sounding audio

• Superhuman : An email client designed for speed and efficiency, offering advanced features like AI-powered features.

^{Seasoned Insights}

• NVIDIA Research to Showcase Advances in Simulation and Generative AI at SIGGRAPH Read more

• Bird Buddy’s new AI feature. Read more

• Google is redesigning its search engine, putting AI at the forefront of the new experience.. Read more

• OpenAI is grappling with persistent safety concerns. Read more

• AI's Energy Demands Are Spiralling. Welcome to the Era of Hyper-Consumption on the Internet. Read more

^{Remote Vacancies in Tech}

• ML Engineer at Desia, UK

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Bondex, UK

• ML Engineer (Generative AI Specialist) at Aimpoint Digital, UK

• AI Developer at CGI, UK

• Data Scientist at Kipi.bi, US

• Data Analyst (Entry Level) at Engtal, US