Author: akshay rahalkar
In the relentless pursuit of more efficient artificial intelligence (AI), quantization has emerged as one of the most widely used techniques. This method, which reduces the number of bits needed to represent information, enables AI models to perform computations with less strain on hardware, making them faster and more cost-effective. However, recent research reveals that quantization has its limits, and the industry may be nearing them. What Is Quantization? Quantization, in the context of AI, involves lowering the precision of numerical representations used in models. To understand it better, consider an everyday analogy: If someone asks you for the time,…
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has recently secured an impressive $6 billion in funding, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This significant infusion of capital underscores xAI’s ambitious plans to revolutionize AI technology and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of generative AI. Record-Breaking Investments from Top-Tier Backers The latest funding round saw contributions from 97 investors, each committing a minimum of $77,593. Although the filing didn’t disclose all participant identities, xAI later confirmed that prominent firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, BlackRock, Fidelity, Kingdom Holdings, Nvidia, AMD, Morgan Stanley, and Sequoia…
In a bold countermeasure against the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) push to address antitrust violations, Google has unveiled a set of proposed solutions aimed at easing competition concerns in the search engine market. The company’s counteroffer seeks to avoid the drastic measures suggested by the DOJ, including the sale of its Chrome browser or the unbundling of its Android ecosystem. Instead, Google has focused on revising its contractual agreements and modifying app distribution practices to promote a fairer competitive landscape. DOJ’s Stance on Google’s Search Monopoly The DOJ has been vocal about its concerns regarding Google’s dominance in the…
OpenAI has made a big splash with its final reveal of the 12-day “shipmas” event, launching the o3 model family, which is poised to significantly advance the state of AI. As the successor to its earlier o1 “reasoning” model, o3 promises to push the boundaries of AI capabilities. But how close is it to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? Let’s take a closer look at what o3 offers, the potential implications for AGI, and what makes this announcement stand out in the AI world. Introducing o3: The Next Step in AI Evolution The o3 model is not just a single model—it’s…
Qualcomm recently emerged victorious in a legal dispute with Arm, after a federal jury in Delaware ruled in favor of the chipmaker in a case regarding its 2021 acquisition of Nuvia, a startup founded by three former Apple engineers. This legal battle, which has been ongoing for over two years, centered on claims that Qualcomm breached its licensing agreement with Arm by acquiring Nuvia and continuing to use Arm’s licensed chip designs in Nuvia’s technology. Although the jury sided with Qualcomm, the case is far from over, and further proceedings are expected. The Legal Dispute: Qualcomm’s Acquisition of Nuvia In…
In the world of mobile gaming accessories, innovation often seems to take the backseat to convenience and affordability. However, Josh King, a 19-year-old who started with a simple 3D-printed gamepad prototype, has caught the attention of gamers and tech enthusiasts alike with his idea for a revolutionary mobile gaming controller. What started as a passion project now has a place at OhSnap, a company already known for its stylish and functional magnetic accessories. And the result is something that could redefine the mobile gaming experience. The Genesis of the Idea When Josh King first shared his ambition of revolutionizing mobile…
Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, has embarked on an ambitious new venture in the realm of artificial intelligence. Shear is at the helm of Stem AI, a startup that aims to revolutionize the way AI interacts with human behavior, preferences, and ethics. This groundbreaking initiative has already attracted significant backing, including investment from renowned venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Stem AI: A Vision in Stealth Mode While Stem AI is still operating under the radar, public records provide glimpses into its formation and objectives. Official documents reveal that Stem AI was incorporated in June 2023 and filed…
Google has recently unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its artificial intelligence lineup: the experimental “reasoning” AI model, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental. This development, while still in its nascent stages, marks a significant step forward in the AI reasoning space. However, early testing indicates room for improvement as the model continues to evolve. A Glimpse into Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental The new model is accessible via Google’s AI Studio, the company’s platform for prototyping AI applications. Designed for multimodal understanding, reasoning, and coding, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental aims to tackle some of the most complex challenges in domains…
In a compelling case highlighting the intersection of technology and law enforcement, Google Street View has played a role in shedding light on a missing person investigation in Spain. According to reports from the BBC and The New York Times, images captured on the platform revealed details that became part of the investigation—a testament to how everyday technology can contribute to solving crimes. The images in question are still visible on Street View, offering a glimpse into how such tools can inadvertently become vital resources for investigators. How Google Street View Contributed The Street View images depicted scenarios that raised…
The US Senate’s recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) could mark a critical turning point for DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer. While the legislation stops short of an immediate ban, it establishes a one-year timeline for DJI to address national security concerns or face automatic restrictions on its products in the US. The Countdown Begins Under the new NDAA provisions, DJI and its competitor Autel Robotics have one year to convince a national security agency that their products do not pose a risk to US security. Failure to do so would lead to their inclusion on…