AI Pulse #69: AI Overviews in Google Get Gemini Upgrade, KoBold Metals Raises $527M for AI Exploration, + MORE
Hi everyone! Happy new year👋. Ready to dive into the latest in AI and innovation? This issue is packed with fascinating updates you won’t want to miss!
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Latest Funding News
In this week’s highlights, Google Search might soon feature eye-catching, Gemini-inspired animations in its AI overviews. Meanwhile, KoBold Metals, an AI-powered mineral exploration company, has secured a massive $527M in funding to revolutionize resource discovery. Keep reading for all the latest tech and AI news!
Top Trending AI News
1. Google Search AI Overviews To Get Gemini-Inspired Visual Upgrade
Publisher: Android Police
Published: 12/29/2024
Google’s AI Overviews get a visual update with a new Gemini-style loading animation, enhancing user experience but still in limited testing.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Google’s AI Overviews get a new look.
2️⃣ AI Overviews spread globally.
3️⃣ Gemini-style animation enchants users.
4️⃣ Google tests, but release uncertain.
5️⃣ Google’s AI efforts pay off with improvements.
2. Silicon Valley Quells AI Doom Movement in 2024
Publisher: TechCrunch
Published: 1/1/2025
Andreessen optimistic about AI, advising Trump on deregulation; fears of AI doom wane as tech advances.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ AI optimism dominates despite concerns.
2️⃣ Andreessen advises rapid AI development.
3️⃣ SB 1047 veto reflects AI regulation challenge.
4️⃣ AI risks seen as overblown by some experts.
5️⃣ New AI regulation efforts anticipated in 2025.
3. Facebook And Instagram Roll Out AI-Generated Users No One Requested
Publisher: Rolling Stone
Published: 12/30/2024
Meta plans to integrate AI avatars as users on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to engage youth amid challenges and criticism.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Meta bets big on AI despite past flops.
2️⃣ AI chatbots flop fails to woo young users.
3️⃣ Meta plans AI “users” for Facebook, Instagram.
4️⃣ Meta’s AI shift raises user attachment concerns.
5️⃣ Zuckerberg aims for AI leadership amid critiques.
4. Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks Suggest New AI Image Upscaling Technology
Publisher: IGN Articles
Published: 1/2/2025
2025 starts with more Nintendo Switch 2 leaks and a patent revealing AI tech for 4K textures on game cartridges; launch expected April 2025 at earliest.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Nintendo Switch 2 leaks reveal new tech and patents.
2️⃣ Switch 2 to offer AI image upscaling for better graphics.
3️⃣ Nintendo confirms Switch 2 backward compatibility.
4️⃣ Switch 2 release not expected before April 2025.
5️⃣ New Switch features larger screen, magnetic Joy-Cons.
5. Windsurf Cascade Leverages AI to Simplify Coding for Beginners
Publisher: Fast Company
Published: 1/2/2025
Windsurf Cascade leverages AI to enable beginners to effortlessly code games and apps, eliminating the need for prior coding experience.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ AI makes coding games easy for all.
2️⃣ Windsurf Cascade turns ideas into apps.
3️⃣ No coding experience needed anymore.
4️⃣ Free tool for aspiring game developers.
5️⃣ Create and share apps instantly.
6. World’s 8 Weirdest Robots Unveiled
Publisher: Live Science
Published: 1/1/2025
2024’s robots range from humanoid AI and tiny spider-bots to injectable nanobots and robot pets like Casio Moflin.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ 2024 robots are weirder than ever.
2️⃣ Injectable nanobots can deliver drugs inside the body.
3️⃣ Robots now mimic unsettling human movements.
4️⃣ Some robots designed for social and rescue tasks.
5️⃣ Moflin, a pet robot, bonds with humans.
7. Exploring the World of Embodied AI: Bridging Minds and Machines
Publisher: Live Science
Published: 12/29/2024
Embodied AI combines machine learning and sensors to interact with real-world data, used in drones, self-driving cars, and automation, advancing through experiences and data.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Embodied AI responds to real-world data.
2️⃣ It uses sensors and AI for tasks.
3️⃣ Learning from physical experiences is key.
4️⃣ Embodied AI’s history began in the 1950s.
5️⃣ It may improve customer chatbot experiences.
8. Intel to Launch 24GB Battlemage GPU in 2025, Doubling VRAM for AI Tasks
Publisher: Tom’s Hardware
Published: 12/29/2024
Intel plans a 24GB Battlemage GPU for 2025, targeting professionals with advanced VRAM for data, research, and development.
1️⃣ Intel plans 24GB GPU for 2025.
2️⃣ New GPU targets professional market.
3️⃣ Demand outstrips supply for Intel B580.
4️⃣ Intel’s GPU to compete with RTX 2000 Ada.
5️⃣ Insider info reveals Intel’s 24GB VRAM GPU.
9. OpenAI’s New Model Hits Human Level on General Intelligence Test
Publisher: Gizmodo
Published: 12/29/2024
OpenAI’s o3 AI model scores 85% on ARC-AGI, matching human intelligence and surpassing previous AIs, marking a significant step toward achieving AGI.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ AI model scores like a human on intelligence test.
2️⃣ OpenAI’s o3 makes big leap in AI progress.
3️⃣ New AI could change jobs and problem solving.
4️⃣ o3’s success sparks debate on AI’s future.
5️⃣ Understanding AI minds becomes more urgent.
10. Nvidia Acquires AI Firm Run:ai for $700M, Moves Software to Open Source
Publisher: Tom’s Hardware
Published: 12/30/2024
Nvidia completes Run:ai acquisition, aiming for vertical integration in AI by open-sourcing Run:ai’s software, amidst industry pressure.
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ Nvidia buys AI firm Run:ai to boost software side.
2️⃣ Run:ai’s GPU software goes open-source after Nvidia deal.
3️⃣ Nvidia’s Run:ai deal aims at bigger AI market share.
4️⃣ Run:ai to support more than Nvidia GPUs post-acquisition.
5️⃣ Nvidia’s AI strategy includes open-source software shift.
AI Image of the Week
Prompt: /imagine A minimalist low-poly 3D depiction of a person wearing a geometric AI headset, surrounded by colorful, blocky virtual landscapes, with abstract shapes and simplified textures, vibrant colors, playful aesthetic.
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