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Deciphering AGI: Google DeepMind’s Quest for a Clearer Definition

The AGI Conundrum

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) stands as one of the most enigmatic and debated terms in the realm of technology. This concept, often described as AI that parallels or surpasses human abilities in a variety of tasks, lacks a universally accepted definition. This ambiguity has sparked controversy and confusion within the tech community.

Google DeepMind’s Taxonomy of AGI

To demystify AGI, Google DeepMind researchers have stepped forward with a groundbreaking paper. They propose not just a single definition but an entire taxonomy of AGI definitions. Their approach began with analyzing existing AGI definitions to extract their core features. This led to the creation of a five-tier hierarchy of AGI levels: emerging, competent, expert, virtuoso, and superhuman. Notably, current advancements like ChatGPT and Bard are classified as ’emerging AGI’.

The New Definition: Depth and Breadth

This initiative provides much-needed clarity in a field riddled with vague interpretations. DeepMind emphasizes that AGI must exhibit both general-purpose utility and high performance. It must not only perform a range of tasks but also learn them, assess its performance, and seek help when needed. The focus is more on what AGI can do rather than how it operates.

The Future of AGI: Autonomy and Ethical Considerations

While this new framework offers clarity, it also sparks discussions about the future of AGI. The DeepMind team clarifies that AGI does not necessarily mean autonomy. Additionally, the ethical implications and the very purpose of pursuing AGI remain topics of debate. Some critics, like Timnit Gebru, question the rationale behind striving for a technology with potentially limitless scope and intelligence.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Better Understanding

Google DeepMind’s contribution to defining AGI marks a significant step towards resolving longstanding confusions. It encourages a shift from vague, speculative discussions to more focused, meaningful conversations about the future of AI. However, as AGI continues to evolve, the need for ongoing reassessment of its definition and implications remains crucial.

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SOURCE: Google DeepMind wants to define what counts as artificial general intelligence | MIT Technology Review

BlackRock’s Bold Stance on Crypto ETF Approval

BlackRock’s Argument for Equal Treatment of Spot Crypto ETFs

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $9.42 trillion in assets under management, has made a compelling case to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the approval of spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Their argument hinges on the precedent set by the SEC’s previous approval of ETFs featuring crypto futures. BlackRock’s application emphasizes that since these futures ETFs are priced based on the underlying spot market (like Ethereum), it logically follows that spot crypto ETFs should also be approved.

The SEC’s Delay and the Potential Impact of Approval

While the SEC has been hesitant to approve these funds, which offer indirect exposure to crypto assets such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, industry analysts are optimistic about an imminent approval. This anticipated green light is expected to usher in significant capital inflows into the bitcoin and crypto markets. However, the SEC has traditionally viewed crypto futures ETFs differently from spot crypto ETFs, citing distinct regulatory frameworks under the 1940 and 1933 Acts. BlackRock counters this by arguing that these legal distinctions do not materially impact the nature of the underlying assets, whether they be ETH futures or spot ETH.

Industry Expectations and Competition for Approval

Top ETF analysts like James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas from Bloomberg are predicting a high likelihood of SEC approval for a fund before January 2023. Meanwhile, Steven Schoenfield, a former BlackRock managing director, suggests that SEC approval for BlackRock’s spot bitcoin ETF application could funnel an additional $200 billion into bitcoin markets. Schoenfield also points out that the SEC is likely to approve multiple applications simultaneously to avoid giving any single entity a first-mover advantage. This scenario sets the stage for intense competition among firms, including those more deeply embedded in the crypto ecosystem than BlackRock, as they vie for a share of the burgeoning digital assets market.

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SOURCE: BlackRock tells SEC it ‘must’ approve spot crypto ETFs given precedent – TheStreet Crypto: Bitcoin and cryptocurrency news, advice, analysis and more

NextGen Federal Systems Secures Major Air Force Contract for AI-Driven Weather Planning

Groundbreaking Contract Award for AI-Enhanced Weather Forecasting

NextGen Federal Systems, a research division known for its innovative solutions, has recently clinched its first Small Business Innovation Research Phase III award from the Air Force, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. With a contract ceiling of $16.5 million and potential extensions over four years, this award stands as the largest contract for NextGen’s Research and Development division to date. The work, centered around advancing weather intelligence for the Air Force, will be partly conducted by the company’s Ohio-based R&D elements, as noted by Daryl Everding, head of the division.

Advancing Weather Intelligence Through Machine Learning

This cutting-edge project is set to develop a cyber-secure weather machine learning operations production platform, featuring a “global synthetic weather radar.” The aim is to meet the specific weather mission needs of the Air Force, leveraging the power of machine learning, a key branch of artificial intelligence. The work encompasses various facets, including machine learning, data science and engineering, and software development. Bob Farrell, NextGen Technical Director, expressed excitement about this groundbreaking project, emphasizing the goal to enhance weather intelligence capabilities for military operations.

NextGen’s Commitment to AI Innovation and Collaboration

NextGen’s work in this project aims to provide accurate and timely weather intelligence for military planning and execution. Based in Morgantown, W. Va., the company has been at the forefront of machine learning operations, contributing to U.S. strategic programs with accurate weather insights. Chetan Desai, NextGen’s chief operating officer, underscored the company’s pride in leading innovation in weather forecasting and machine learning. With a focus on continued collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and other stakeholders, NextGen is poised to create more groundbreaking solutions in the field. The company’s commitment to innovation is further highlighted by its support of the Advanced Technical Exploitation Program with the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, through its office in Beavercreek, opened in 2016.

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SOURCE: NextGen Federal Systems research division lands its first SBIR Phase III award (daytondailynews.com)

OpenAI’s Journey Towards GPT-5: A Blend of Ambition and Challenge

The Shift in Development Strategy for GPT-5

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has made a surprising turnaround from his earlier statement at an MIT event in March. Initially claiming that the development of GPT-5 wasn’t on the horizon, Altman has now revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that OpenAI is indeed working on GPT-5. Although it’s not clear if the model is currently being trained, it is evident that more data, drawn from public online sources and proprietary private datasets, will be crucial for its development. This aligns with OpenAI’s recent call for collaboration on private datasets and their efforts to secure valuable content from major publishers.

The Data Dilemma and Computing Challenges

One of the primary challenges facing the development of GPT-5 is the need for high-quality data. After extensively scraping the internet for GPT-4, OpenAI now faces the reality that the available high-quality online data is limited and might run out by 2026. To counter this, the company is exploring partnerships for private data access. Another significant hurdle is computing resources. The demand for graphics processing units (GPUs), essential for training these advanced models, has skyrocketed. However, Altman revealed the recent acquisition of Nvidia’s latest H100 chips, which could ease some of these constraints.

Beyond Training: The Future of GPT-5 and AI

While OpenAI gears up for the development of GPT-5, securing funding, chips, and data, there is no set timeline for its release. Training a model like GPT-5 could take weeks or months, followed by extensive testing and fine-tuning. OpenAI is not just focused on version upgrades; they continue to enhance their current technology, evidenced by the launch of custom chatbots and GPT-4 Turbo, which offers updated information and improved capabilities.

The Competitive Landscape and the Search for Breakthroughs

The AI field is bustling with activity, with companies like Google DeepMind and startups like Anthropic and Character.AI working on their own advanced models. This competitive environment is also drawing government attention towards regulating AI for reducing risks related to algorithmic bias, privacy, and intellectual property rights.

In the quest for AI advancement, OpenAI and the wider AI community recognize that simply scaling up models and data might not be sufficient. New ideas and breakthroughs are needed to achieve significant improvements. As Altman admits, predicting the capabilities of upcoming models like GPT-5 remains a challenge, underscoring the blend of uncertainty and excitement in the AI domain. As the technology evolves, the goal remains to solve complex problems and transcend beyond the capabilities of current AI models.

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SOURCE: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Says His Company Is Now Building GPT-5 (singularityhub.com)

Crypto Wallet Security Breach: A Surprising Discovery

A Forgotten Password Leads to a Major Flaw

The digital currency world was shaken by a startling revelation: an overlooked code flaw in millions of crypto wallets, unearthed by a tech entrepreneur’s forgotten Bitcoin password. Attempting to recover $600,000 in Bitcoin, the entrepreneur approached Unciphered, specialists in unlocking electronic funds. Their investigation, however, uncovered a far more significant issue—a major vulnerability in BitcoinJS, a key player in generating cryptographic keys for wallets.

Widespread Risks and Vulnerabilities

The flaw lies in the generation of cryptographic keys, where insufficient randomness has rendered a multitude of wallets vulnerable. The most at risk are wallets created before March 2012, estimated to contain around $100 million in BTC. These wallets are susceptible to attacks even by average computer users. Further, wallets created up until the end of 2015, holding approximately $50 billion in BTC, face a risk, with about 2% being highly susceptible. Eric Michaud of Unciphered starkly noted, “BitcoinJS is terribly broken up till March 2014. Anyone directly using it is on the very high end of risk to attack.”

Proactive Steps to Combat the Threat

In response to this alarming discovery, Unciphered has taken steps to alert the public and advise wallet owners to transfer their funds to more secure storage. They have joined forces with Blockchain.com to update and notify over 1.1 million users possessing vulnerable wallets.

The Bigger Picture: Security in the Crypto Space

This incident not only underscores the latent risks with any new and possible still immature technology, but also emphasizes the importance of robust security measures. As the crypto market continues to expand, it becomes imperative for investors and users to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their digital assets. The vulnerability in BitcoinJS serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for continuous scrutiny and improvement in cryptocurrency security protocols.

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SOURCE: Millions of crypto wallets at risk due to overlooked code flaw – ReadWrite

Streamlining USDC Access on dYdX Chain with Circle and Noble

Easier USDC Movement on dYdX Chain

The dYdX Chain, a prominent player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, is making significant strides in enhancing user experience, particularly in the movement of USDC (USD Coin). This development comes as a result of a collaboration between Circle, the issuer of the stablecoin USDC, and Noble, a specialized blockchain within the Cosmos ecosystem. The integration aims to simplify and secure the process of transferring USDC directly to the dYdX Chain.

Circle’s Cross Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) Integration

The cornerstone of this initiative is Circle’s Cross Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP), set to launch on Noble’s mainnet soon. CCTP introduces an innovative mechanism that allows users to transfer USDC across supported blockchains through a burn and mint process. This approach eliminates the need for custodial bridging, streamlining the entire process. CCTP’s testnet phase on Noble commenced on November 3, with the mainnet launch scheduled for November 28.

Enhancing User Experience on dYdX’s v4 Software

This partnership is poised to significantly improve the user experience (UX) for dYdX’s version 4 software, also known as dYdX Chain. The integration of USDC on Noble, coupled with the upcoming launch of CCTP, is expected to unlock substantial UX benefits, simplifying transactions and collateral management on the platform.

DeFi Accessibility: A Core Goal

Nathan Cha, the marketing lead at dYdX Trading, emphasized that a key principle of DeFi is to increase accessibility for all users. The collaboration with Circle and Noble reflects dYdX’s commitment to this principle, facilitating easy access to USDC for its users. This partnership signifies a step forward in making DeFi more user-friendly and accessible, aligning with the overarching goal of decentralized finance to democratize financial services.

Broader Integration in the Cosmos Ecosystem

This move is part of a broader effort to enhance access within the Cosmos ecosystem. dYdX previously integrated Axelar, a cross-chain communication protocol, along with its transaction builder Squid, to improve onboarding for Cosmos app chains. These initiatives reflect a growing trend in the DeFi space to create more interconnected, efficient, and user-friendly platforms.

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SOURCE: dYdX is working with Circle to give Noble users better access to USDC

Disney’s Magical Leap into NFTs with Disney Pinnacle

Disney and Dapper Labs: A New Era of Digital Collectibles

Disney, the entertainment titan, is joining forces with Dapper Labs, known for NBA Top Shot, to launch a groundbreaking NFT collectibles platform: Disney Pinnacle. This innovative venture draws inspiration from Disney’s iconic physical pins, transforming them into digital collectibles on the Flow blockchain. Disney Pinnacle is set to feature beloved characters and properties from Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars, bringing a digital twist to the cherished tradition of pin collecting.

Bringing Beloved Characters to the Blockchain

Disney Pinnacle promises an array of digital pins featuring fan-favorite characters like Buzz Lightyear, Woody from “Toy Story,” Disney Princesses, and Darth Vader. While Marvel’s inclusion remains uncertain at launch, the platform will initially focus on Disney’s rich repository of iconic characters. This initiative marks a significant step in blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, making these characters more accessible in the digital realm.

A Mobile-First Approach to NFT Trading

Unlike Top Shot, which started on the web, Disney Pinnacle is designed primarily for mobile use. This approach aims to provide an enhanced, smartphone-friendly experience for both casual fans and dedicated collectors. The platform will balance accessibility with exclusivity, offering both standard and limited edition digital assets. Disney Pinnacle is not just an NFT platform; it’s an all-encompassing gateway to the Disney universe.

Beta Testing and Future Launch Plans

Disney Pinnacle’s waitlist is now open, with plans to gradually onboard users for beta testing. While the full public launch timeline remains undefined, the platform aims to refine the user experience before its grand debut. Dapper Labs’ partnership with Disney, facilitated by Ridhima Kahn, signifies a strategic collaboration blending traditional entertainment with blockchain technology.

Reviving the NFT Market with Disney Magic

As the NFT market shows signs of resurgence, Disney Pinnacle arrives at an opportune moment. Dapper Labs CEO Roham Gharegozlou envisions a future where digital ownership is more seamless and integrated, moving beyond the early stages of NFTs. This collaboration between Disney and Dapper Labs is set to revolutionize the digital collectibles market, ushering in a new era of digital ownership intertwined with beloved pop culture icons.

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SOURCE: Disney Opens Nft-based Digital Collectibles Market For Star Wars, Pixar And Princess Pins

“Edith”: Reviving Édith Piaf through AI Magic

Hollywood Embraces AI: A New Era for Biopics

Following significant strides in AI regulation in Hollywood, Warner Music Group is set to break new ground with “Edith”, a biopic of the legendary French singer Édith Piaf. This innovative project, more than six decades after Piaf’s passing, is poised to reignite her legacy using advanced AI technologies to replicate her unique voice and image. The film, spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s, will transport audiences to Paris and New York, culminating in Piaf’s life and career.

AI at the Forefront: A Revolutionary Portrayal

Unlike previous portrayals, such as the acclaimed “La Vie En Rose” starring Marion Cotillard, “Edith” will harness the power of artificial intelligence to bring Piaf’s character to life on screen. In partnership with Piaf’s estate, the film aims to offer a fresh, animated perspective of her life, enriched with archival footage, stage performances, and personal interviews for an authentic narrative experience.

Training AI with Piaf’s Legacy

To capture the essence of Piaf’s voice and presence, Warner Music Group has utilized videos and recordings, some dating back over 80 years, to train AI models. This technological feat promises a unique and immersive portrayal of the ‘Sparrow of Paris’, as envisaged by scriptwriters Julie Veille and Gilles Marliac.

A Timeless Story for New Generations

The project’s vision extends beyond mere entertainment. Veille emphasizes the goal to acquaint new generations with Piaf’s remarkable life story, highlighting her resilience, defiance of norms, and enduring impact on music. With seven films already depicting her life, “Edith” aims to stand out by leveraging animation and technology to make Piaf’s story resonate with audiences across all ages.

Celebrating Piaf’s Enduring Legacy

Édith Piaf, born Édith Giovanna Gassion in 1915, remains an iconic figure in French music and modern chanson. Her influence in cabaret and as a trailblazing woman in music continues to inspire, a legacy that “Edith” aspires to honor and perpetuate.

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SOURCE: Edith Piaf Biopic in the Works, AI Will Be Used ​​to Recreate Her Unique Voice (movieweb.com)

The Dawn of GPT-5: A Leap Towards Superintelligence

OpenAI’s Ambitious Journey to GPT-5

OpenAI is embarking on an ambitious project to develop ChatGPT 5, or GPT-5, which CEO Sam Altman believes could achieve superintelligence. In a recent Financial Times interview, Altman revealed that the next-generation AI model’s realization hinges on continued investment from Microsoft, their long-standing partner. This venture represents a significant leap in AI development, requiring massive funding, computing resources, and extensive data training.

Microsoft: A Key Player in AI’s Future

Microsoft’s role in this AI evolution is pivotal. Already investing over $10 billion, the tech giant is reshaping its business model around AI integration. With Copilot becoming a core feature in Windows and other Microsoft applications, the investment not only fuels OpenAI’s ambitions but also advances Microsoft’s strategic move into the AI domain. Altman’s vision extends beyond mere technological advancement; he sees intelligence as the ultimate product, with AI being seamlessly woven into everyday technology.

Surpassing Human Intelligence: The Promise of AGI

GPT-5 aims to transcend the current limitations of AI, moving towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). This involves not just replicating human knowledge but also the capacity for original thought and complex reasoning. This evolution has sparked debates among governments and regulators over the ethical implications and potential risks of such powerful AI.

Preparing for a Superintelligent Future

The development of GPT-5 is an intricate process, demanding more data and processing power than ever. Altman plans to use a mix of publicly available online data and purchased datasets, including unique written materials. While the exact capabilities and timeline for GPT-5 remain uncertain, its training could take years, leaving time for societal preparation and regulation before its public release. As OpenAI forges ahead, the world watches with anticipation and a hint of apprehension about this next chapter in AI’s story.

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SOURCE: OpenAI is building next-generation AI GPT-5 — and CEO claims it could be superintelligent (yahoo.com)

Escalating the AI Talent War: OpenAI’s Million-Dollar Attraction

Million-Dollar Incentives for Google’s AI Experts

OpenAI, known for its revolutionary AI applications like ChatGPT, is intensifying the competition for top AI talent. In a bold move, OpenAI is reportedly offering Google’s leading AI researchers pay packets worth millions. These lucrative offers, as detailed by The Information, include not just monetary rewards but also cutting-edge tech resources such as AI accelerator chips for testing.

OpenAI’s Soaring Valuation and Employee Benefits

OpenAI’s aggressive recruitment strategy coincides with its remarkable growth in valuation. Bloomberg reported that the company is exploring an employee share sale that could value it at a staggering $86 billion. This follows a recent share sale that pegged OpenAI’s value between $27 billion and $29 billion, according to TechCrunch. Successful hires from Google could reap the benefits of this growth, with compensation packages ranging from $5 million to $10 million post the latest share sale.

Winning Over Top Talent from Tech Giants

OpenAI’s allure has already been effective, with several former Google and Meta talents joining its ranks. Notably, five ex-Google researchers were acknowledged in OpenAI’s blog post announcing ChatGPT last November. As per data from LeadGenius and Punks & Pinstripes, OpenAI has onboarded around 93 professionals previously affiliated with Google and Meta, including 59 and 34 former employees, respectively.

Lucrative Job Offers and a Focus on AI Safety

A glimpse into OpenAI’s recruitment strategy is visible in its job listings. For instance, a research engineer position with the superalignment team offers a salary between $245,000 and $450,000, alongside “generous equity” and other perks. Jan Leike, head of this team, emphasizes the need for candidates passionate about AI safety, possessing critical thinking skills, machine learning knowledge, and coding expertise.

OpenAI’s Continued Expansion and Silence

As OpenAI continues to expand its team and influence in the AI sector, it remains silent on these recruitment tactics. This strategy reflects the company’s commitment to leading the AI revolution by attracting the brightest minds in the industry.

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SOURCE: OpenAI recruiters are trying to lure Google AI employees with $10 million pay packets, report says | Business Insider India