AI in September: Treaties, Tech, & Transformation

Written By Katie Michael

UK Signs First AI Regulation Treaty

The United Kingdom has become the first country to sign the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, an international treaty created by the Council of Europe. This legally binding agreement is designed to safeguard human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the age of AI. Countries such as the US, EU, and Israel have also joined this treaty.

Shabana Mahmood, the UK’s Justice Secretary, emphasized that while AI can bolster public services and economic growth, it must not compromise fundamental human rights. The treaty aims to prevent AI misuse in areas like misinformation, biased decision-making, and data privacy breaches. It mandates transparency, accountability, and safeguards that allow individuals to challenge AI-driven decisions. The agreement covers both public and private sector AI, ensuring that technology is used responsibly across the board.

 

Amazon Integrates Claude AI into Alexa

Amazon is set to release a new version of its Alexa virtual assistant in October, incorporating Anthropic’s Claude AI instead of its own AI models. The "Remarkable" Alexa promises enhanced capabilities, including more complex query responses and advanced home automation. This shift comes after Amazon’s internal AI struggled with response speeds and performance.

With a monthly subscription fee between $5 to $10, Amazon aims to make Alexa more competitive and profitable in the AI landscape, especially as it faces mounting pressure to deliver strong sales growth. The shift to Claude AI underscores the company's determination to stay relevant as rival AI products, such as ChatGPT, continue to evolve. Despite this new technology, Amazon remains cautious about Alexa meeting internal performance goals.

 

Apple’s iPhone 16 Targets AI Integration

Apple has unveiled its iPhone 16, the first device designed with generative AI at its core. Released on September 9, 2024, the phone boasts an A18 chip, which delivers a 30% performance boost over the previous model. The iPhone 16, starting at $799, also features AI-powered enhancements through iOS 18 and the new Apple Intelligence feature. Users can now create AI-generated images, rewrite text, and enjoy an upgraded Siri, powered by ChatGPT.

Other product launches include the Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4, with a stronger focus on health-related features. This release marks Apple’s growing commitment to AI, positioning the iPhone 16 as a key tool for those looking to harness the power of AI in everyday life.

 

Lionsgate Leverages AI for Film Creation

Lionsgate has partnered with AI company Runway to enhance content creation for its films and TV shows. Using Runway’s AI technology, the studio plans to streamline processes like storyboarding, background creation, and special effects. This move comes amid financial difficulties following a series of underperforming films.

Michael Burns, Lionsgate's vice-chair, highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize the creative process while cutting costs, which is crucial as the company navigates a tough financial landscape. The collaboration with Runway signals the entertainment industry's broader shift toward AI integration, despite ongoing ethical concerns over AI’s role in creative fields.

 

Microsoft Turns to Nuclear Power for AI Growth

Microsoft has announced a plan to meet the increasing energy demands of its AI infrastructure through nuclear power. Partnering with Constellation Energy Corp., Microsoft will use energy from the revived Three Mile Island nuclear plant, which is set to reopen in 2028. This $1.6 billion project will supply Microsoft’s AI data centers with carbon-free electricity, aligning with its sustainability commitment to run entirely on clean energy by 2025.

Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation, stressed that nuclear energy offers a reliable power source, especially as renewable energy faces challenges in consistency. Microsoft’s deal marks its largest nuclear energy agreement, reflecting the tech giant's pursuit of environmentally responsible solutions for its growing AI infrastructure.

 

Sam Altman Foresees AI-Driven Prosperity

In a recent blog post, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shared his optimistic view on the future of AI. He believes advancements in AI technology will usher in an era of "unimaginable prosperity" by solving global challenges such as climate change and space exploration. Altman credited deep learning, the foundation of AI models like ChatGPT, for its unprecedented impact across industries, suggesting AI will drive progress in fields once deemed impossible.

Altman envisions an "Intelligence Age" where AI will unlock scientific and economic growth at a pace never seen before. Although no specific timeline was provided, his belief in AI’s transformative power paints a promising future for its role in global advancements.

 
Katie Michael
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