The new audio feature will allow users to choose a voice for Meta’s ChatGPT-like digital assistant from a list of five celebrities. Apart from Dench and Cena, it will also include Kristen Bell, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. The five stars will be training the chatbot to replicate their voices.

The update comes as Meta tries to strengthen its AI chatbot, available to users across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, to compete with other assistants, including Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

The celebrity voices will be launched in the US and other English-speaking markets this week across Meta’s apps.

This marks another attempt to use celebrity chatbots by Meta. In September 2023, it debuted with AI chatbots with ‘personality’ based on Kendall Jenner and Snoop Dogg, which was discontinued in less than a year.

Other AI advancements

Mark Zuckerberg announced the new feature during his speech at the company’s annual Meta Connect conference. He unveiled other AI advancements during his speech, including a new, less expensive version of Meta’s Quest headsets and updates to the company’s line of augmented reality RayBan glasses.

Furthermore, Meta said it will let social media influencers make AI versions of themselves. Prior to this, there was the feature where influencers could train AI to connect with their followers via chat. Now, followers will be able to have full, quasi-video calls with AI versions of the influencers using the tool.

Other notable features of Meta’s AI technology include auto-translation and dubbing foreign language reels. In addition, Meta’s AR glasses are going to go live.

Zuckerberg previewed ‘Orion,’ a prototype for an advanced pair of glasses that contain the power of an AR headset in a normal-looking pair of glasses.

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New partnership and its benefits

Genius Sports and the Danish League are focused on a fan-first strategy that leverages AI technology to create a more engaging, interactive, and data-rich football environment. The partnership kicked off in 2021 with the introduction of tracking cameras in stadiums, providing a foundation for real-time data collection and AI-driven insights.

GeniusIQ takes the raw data captured by the tracking cameras and applies machine learning algorithms to translate the information into a semantic understanding of football. Essentially, it decodes the game into a language that coaches, teams, and fans can easily understand and utilise.

One of the standout features of this AI platform is that it helps coaches and analysts to track game data more deeply. Instead of spending hours researching footage, they can now access critical information such as how a full-back performs in 1v1 defensive situations or how effective a striker’s off-the-ball runs are. This level of detail helps coaches make more informed decisions both during training and in matches. With access to real-time data, coaches can adjust their game plans in minutes.

One of the most exciting innovations introduced by Genius Sports is the AI-powered broadcast feature called “Manager Mode.” This feature debuted during the Danish Cup Final between Silkeborg and AGF, giving viewers a new way to engage with the game. Manager Mode offers real-time tracking data such as player minimaps, shot speeds, and player statistics directly into the live broadcast, providing fans with a more immersive viewing experience.

Challenges in implementation

Despite the clear benefits, implementing AI in top-tier sports comes with challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is aligning the needs of various stakeholders, from teams and broadcasters to sponsors and governing bodies. The Danish Super Liga, however, has laid the groundwork for successful integration by focusing on clear objectives and ensuring that everyone is on board with the AI-driven strategy.

Future of AI in football

Looking forward, the combination of AI and Augmented Reality (AR) could further enhance the viewing experience. Similar innovations are already being rolled out in other leagues like the Premier League. The future of AI in Danish football looks promising. With plans to expand the use of augmented broadcasts and AI-powered features, the Danish League is setting itself up as a leader in sports innovation.

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Speaking to AIBC News, Managing Director Olga Yaroshevsky commented that, “The mission for AIBC is to bring emerging technologies closer to the iGaming industry, to educate players, regulators and business owners on the benefits of emerging tech, and to support new tech as a major facilitator for the gaming industry.”?

Serving as a bridge between emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, Web3, and the rapidly evolving iGaming sector, AIBC’s new look reflects its broader focus on innovation. With cryptocurrencies revolutionising payments for casinos and AI enhancing responsible gaming, AIBC’s new identity and expanded tech coverage, including metaverse and digital assets, aligns with SiGMA’s global growth. This dynamic and vibrant rebranding reinforces AIBC’s commitment to becoming a key player in gaming and tech convergence worldwide.

Launched in 2018 in Malta, the inaugural summit served as a launchpad for Malta’s novel regulation on DLT, earning the country its name as the Blockchain Island, and setting the stage for mass adoption of the technology. Since then, the conference has become a globally respected nexus for an expert line up of thought leaders, government figures, and businesses to explore the future of emerging technologies and their applications.

As part of a documentary produced to celebrate the Group′s upcoming 10 year anniversary, Group Founder Eman Pulis explained that, “Based on the huge interest in blockchain in Malta, we felt there was a great opportunity to bring emerging tech closer to the world of iGaming. It was then, in 2018, that we launched the first summit for emerging tech.”

Capturing AIBC’s brand essence of strength, clarity, and precision

Speaking about the design process, Creative Manager Perpetua Kokkinou elaborated that, “With the momentum of our SiGMA World brand, it was a natural progression to elevate and refine the AIBC branding to align with this new era. AIBC and SiGMA have always worked in close synergy, making the evolution of AIBC a key milestone in our journey.?

“The rebranding, built on strong foundations and an optimised design, stands as a testament to this collaboration, ensuring that AIBC maintains a consistent design alongside the vibrant and dynamic identity of our upcoming summits, starting with our Europe Summit—the flagship event of the SiGMA World portfolio.”

?“As AIBC continues to grow and expand across global markets, attracting influential figures and industry leaders, it was essential for the brand to embody a bold, confident identity. The refreshed design, rooted in meticulously crafted graphic communication, captures AIBC’s brand essence of strength, clarity, and precision, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence.”

AIBC Europe 2024

AIBC Europe is closing out the SiGMA World Tour 2024 with a spectacular finale. Join us from 11-14 November at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) for unforgettable experiences, networking opportunities, and the latest industry trends.

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Despite delivering strong financial results for the second quarter 2024, Nvidia, the American semiconductor giant, has triggered a wave of unease in the market. Following the Q2 reports published on 28 August, the company’s shares dropped by 7 percent, wiping out $200 billion in market capitalisation. Then, on 3 September, shares plunged nearly 10 percent, wiping almost $300 billion—the largest single-day value drop in U.S. stock market history.

$30 billion in revenue for Q2 2024

End of August, Nvidia reported a revenue increase of 122 percent year-over-year, reaching $30 billion for the quarter ending in July. While this figure surpassed the expectations of many analysts, who had forecasted $28.8 billion, it fell short of the most optimistic projections that anticipated up to $38 billion. This prompted a strong reaction on Wall Street, causing Nvidia’s stock to plummet as concerns spread throughout the tech sector.

Expectations set too high

The market’s response reflects the high bar set for Nvidia, which had previously seen its revenues triple in recent quarters. This reaction was not confined to Nvidia alone, other companies in the AI sector, including Broadcom, Advanced Micro Devices, Microsoft, and Amazon, also saw their stock prices decline, collectively losing hundreds of billions of dollars in market value.

Nvidia, however, remains the leader in the AI chip market, thanks to its advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), which are crucial for AI development. Its popular Hopper microprocessors, like the H100, are in high demand, and the upcoming Blackwell GPU series is expected to strengthen Nvidia’s market position even further.

Reality check

Nvidia’s recent stumble shows growing investor anxiety about the sustainability of AI-driven growth. Nvidia’s recent dip is a sign of expectations catching up with reality, as the company faces the challenge of maintaining its extraordinary growth trajectory in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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On Thursday, X announced via a post that it anticipated being shut down in Brazil because it refused to comply with what it called “illegal orders” from Judge de Moraes to censor political opponents. The platform’s Brazil office was closed last week, with X claiming it received a “secret order” from de Moraes demanding the removal of certain accounts. The company also revealed that after its legal representative resigned, the judge froze her bank accounts.

X criticised the judge’s actions as “manifestly illegal” and stated its intention to publish all related court orders and filings to ensure transparency.

Musk, who identifies as a free speech advocate, has repeatedly clashed with de Moraes, accusing him of censorship. Meanwhile, the judge argues that his actions are necessary to protect democracy from misinformation and hate speech, often propagated by far-right groups.

In a provocative move, Musk posted an AI-generated image of de Moraes behind bars, captioned, “One day, @Alexandre, this picture of you in prison will be real. Mark my words.” Musk also accused de Moraes of being “a criminal wearing judge’s robes like a Halloween costume.”

Musk’s attacks on de Moraes have drawn criticism from various quarters of Brazil’s political landscape. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has positioned Musk as out of touch, with Supreme Court President Luís Roberto Barroso suggesting that Musk’s defence of free speech is more about promoting a business model based on hate and sensationalism than genuine concern for democratic principles.

In a related development, Musk’s satellite network, Starlink, reported that it had been blocked from conducting financial transactions in Brazil following an order from de Moraes. The move is believed to be part of an effort to collect fines imposed on X for failing to comply with court orders.

Global controversy tests Musk’s leadership

This conflict with Brazil is just one of several recent international incidents involving Musk. Earlier this month, he criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and engaged in a public spat with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, which led to X being blocked in Venezuela for 10 days. Additionally, Musk has been struggling to keep X financially viable, with many advertisers abandoning the platform due to his lenient moderation policies and unpredictable behaviour.

The potential ban in Brazil comes at a time when there is global debate over the responsibilities of social media platforms in balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect users from harmful content. Judge de Moraes, while controversial, is credited by some with defending Brazil’s democracy, especially during the 2022 elections when former President Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters questioned the integrity of the country’s electronic voting system. However, Bolsonaro’s supporters argue that de Moraes has unfairly targeted conservatives and restricted free speech.

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LH: Can you share something about your journey into the field of Aerospace Engineering and what inspired you to choose this path?

Dr Leonardo Barilaro: My fascination with space began at a young age. When I was 9 years old, I was captivated by the cosmos, inspired by figures like Isaac Asimov, and simultaneously enchanted by the world of music. This unique blend of interests led me to pursue both a music degree and an engineering education. My academic path included a PhD in Sciences, Technologies, and Measurements for Space from the University of Padua (Italy), this experience provided a solid foundation in aerospace engineering, allowing me to conduct in-depth research on critical areas like space debris mitigation. Today, as a researcher focused on hypervelocity impacts and aerospace structures, I aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry. My research continues to explore
innovative solutions for aerospace challenges and my work has been recognized through presentations
at international conferences and over 30 academic publications. My unique blend of artistic and scientific pursuits has led me to be known as the “Space Pianist”. I create what we can call Space Music, that combines the expressive power of the piano with electronic elements. My music serves as a bridge between the worlds of art and science, inspiring others to look
beyond our planet and embrace the wonders of the cosmos.

LH:?How do you see the role of Artificial Intelligence evolving in the Aerospace industry, particularly in relation to projects like ASTROBEAT?

Dr Leonardo Barilaro: Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the aerospace industry in numerous ways. In the context of projects like ASTROBEAT, AI can be employed for real-time damage assessment, optimal repair planning and autonomous execution of repair tasks. Furthermore, AI can be utilized for predictive maintenance, optimizing spacecraft operations and enhancing mission efficiency.

LH: What do you think are the biggest challenges or potential risks in integrating AI with Aerospace projects?

Dr Leonardo Barilaro: While AI offers immense potential to revolutionize the aerospace industry, integrating it into complex
and critical systems presents huge challenges. Safety and Reliability is paramount. Unlike human errors, which are often predictable and can be mitigated through training and procedures, AI errors can be more elusive. Black-box
models, where the decision-making process is opaque, make it difficult to understand why an AI system made a particular choice. Ensuring the reliability and safety of AI systems in high-stakes environments like aerospace requires rigorous testing, validation and continuous monitoring. Data Quality and Quantity is another critical factor. AI models are heavily reliant on data, and
the quality and quantity of data available can significantly impact their performance. In the aerospace industry, data can be scarce, noisy, or biased, which can lead to inaccurate models and unexpected outcomes.

Ethical Considerations also come into play. As AI systems become more autonomous, questions arise about accountability, transparency and potential biases in the data used to train these models. Ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed ethically, above all for military applications in space, is crucial to maintaining public trust. Furthermore, the integration of AI into existing systems can be complex and time-consuming. Aerospace systems are often legacy systems with stringent safety requirements, making it challenging to incorporate new AI technologies without compromising reliability.

LH: What advice would you give to young researchers who aspire to contribute to the field of Aerospace Engineering and AI?
Dr Leonardo Barilaro: For young researchers aspiring to contribute to aerospace engineering and AI, I would emphasise the importance of building a strong foundation in both fields. Interdisciplinary knowledge and skills are essential for tackling the complex challenges that lie ahead. As society and technology rapidly evolve, this convergence is increasingly important, just look at the transformative impact of companies like SpaceX and Tesla over the past 15 years. In addition to technical expertise, cultivating a passion for innovation and a willingness to embrace new technologies are vital. The aerospace industry is at the cutting edge of technological advancements, and those who can think creatively and adapt to new developments will be well-
positioned to make significant contributions.

Collaboration is another key component of success. Working with experts from different disciplines can provide new perspectives and insights, leading to more innovative solutions. Seek out opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, research projects and collaborations.
These experiences not only enhance your skills but also expand your professional network, which can be invaluable as you progress in your career. Persistence and resilience are equally important. The path to becoming a successful aerospace engineer is often challenging, with setbacks and failures along the way. However, these obstacles are also opportunities for growth. Learning from failures and pushing through difficult times will strengthen your resolve and lead to greater rewards.

AIBC spoke with Dr Leonardo Barilaro. His academic path includes a PhD in Sciences, Technologies and Measurements for Space from the University of Padua in Italy.? His research continues to explore innovative solutions for aerospace challenges and my work has been recognized through presentations at international conferences and over 30 academic publications. He heads the ASTROBEAT project in Malta.? His unique blend of artistic and scientific pursuits has led me to be known as the “Space Pianist”. He says that his music serves as a bridge between the worlds of art and science, inspiring others to look beyond our planet and embrace the wonders of the cosmos.

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Proposed by the European Commission in April 2021, the act was agreed upon by the European Parliament and Council in December 2023. This act is designed to ensure responsible AI development and use. However, it will also reduce the administrative and financial burden on businesses by harmonizing regulations across EU countries.

Risk-based AI classification

A key challenge in developing the Act was defining AI and assessing related risks. The act classifies AI systems based on their potential risks:

– Minimal risk: most AI systems such as spam filters and AI-enabled video games face no obligation under the AI Act, but companies can voluntarily adopt additional codes of conduct.

– Specific transparency risk: systems like chatbots must inform users that they are interacting with a machine, while certain AI-generated content must be labelled as such.

– High risk: high-risk AI systems such as AI-based medical software or AI systems used for recruitment must comply with strict requirements, including risk-mitigation systems, high-quality of data sets, clear user information, human oversight, etc.

– Unacceptable risk: for example, AI systems that allow “social scoring” by governments or companies are considered a clear threat to people’s fundamental rights and are therefore banned.

Enforcement

The act also establishes penalties for non-compliance. Companies could face fines of up to 7% of their global annual turnover for using banned AI applications, up to 3% for failing to meet other obligations, and up to 1.5% for providing false information.

Each EU member state must now appoint national authorities to oversee the enforcement of these rules, with a one-year deadline to implement these measures.

To support member states, the European Union has created three advisory bodies. The European Artificial Intelligence Board will ensure consistent application across member states and coordinate with the Commission. A scientific panel will offer technical advice and warn about risks from general-purpose AI models. The AI Office will also receive guidance from a diverse advisory forum.

EU’s vision for AI

The EU has ambitious goals for AI, believing that it can greatly benefit society if managed responsibly.?“The EU aspires to be the global leader in safe AI,” explained the Directorate-General for Communication.

“By developing a strong regulatory framework based on human rights and fundamental values, the EU can create an AI ecosystem that benefits everyone. This means better healthcare, safer and cleaner transport, and improved public services for citizens. It brings innovative products and services, particularly in energy, security, and healthcare, as well as higher productivity and more efficient manufacturing for businesses. Governments can also benefit from cheaper and more sustainable services such as transport, energy, and waste management,” it added.

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Lynch’s journey to becoming a tech mogul began in Ireland, where he was born, and later in Chelmsford, Essex, where he was raised. His academic pursuits led him to Cambridge University, where he studied physics, mathematics, and biochemistry, eventually specializing in adaptive pattern recognition. His doctoral thesis remains one of the most widely read pieces of research in the university’s library.

In 1996, Lynch founded Autonomy, a company that revolutionized data analysis with its software based on Bayesian inference, a statistical theory developed by Thomas Bayes in the 18th century. Autonomy quickly became a business success, floating on the Brussels Stock Exchange in 1998 and later joining the FTSE 100 on the London Stock Exchange.

Lynch’s career, however, was not without controversy. In 2011, he sold Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11.1 billion, a deal that later led to a high-profile legal battle. Less than three months ago, Lynch was cleared of 15 counts of fraud in the US, charges related to the sale of Autonomy. He had feared that a conviction would lead to a life-threatening prison sentence due to his lung condition.

Despite these challenges, Lynch remained a prominent figure in the tech industry. His contributions to technology and his entrepreneurial spirit earned him comparisons to Bill Gates, though his path was uniquely his own. Lynch’s innovations in data analysis and his ability to build a global technology company from the ground up set him apart as a pioneer in his field.

The sinking of the Bayesian has cast a shadow over Lynch’s legacy. The yacht, named after the statistical theory that underpinned much of his work, was caught in a severe storm near Palermo. Among the rescued was Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who survived the ordeal along with several others.

As the search continues, the tech community and those who knew Lynch are left hoping for a miracle. His story, marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant legal battles, reflects the highs and lows of a life dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Accused of inflating the company’s value, 17 counts of fraud

Mike Lynch faced significant legal challenges related to the sale of his company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011 for $11.1 billion. HP later accused Lynch of inflating the company’s value through fraudulent accounting practices, leading to a substantial financial loss for HP after the acquisition.

In 2015, HP filed a lawsuit against Lynch and Autonomy’s former CFO, Sushovan Hussain, in the UK, seeking damages of around $5 billion. The case centered on allegations that Lynch and Hussain had misrepresented Autonomy’s financial health by overstating its revenue and profit margins.

The legal battle extended to the US, where Lynch faced 17 counts of fraud, including wire fraud and securities fraud. These charges carried severe potential penalties, and Lynch expressed concerns about his ability to survive a lengthy prison sentence due to his lung condition.

In June 2024, Lynch was cleared of 15 counts of fraud in the US, a significant legal victory for him. However, the legal proceedings had already taken a toll on his reputation and personal life. Despite being cleared of most charges, the case highlighted the complexities and risks involved in high-stakes corporate acquisitions.

Lynch’s story is a reminder of the challenges that can accompany entrepreneurial success, particularly when navigating the legal and financial intricacies of major business deals.

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Wojcicki’s journey with Google began in 1998 when she rented her garage in Menlo Park to Google’s founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page. This marked the inception of the tech giant. She later left her position at Intel to join Google as its 16th employee.

Leading YouTube was not without challenges

In her illustrious career, Wojcicki led YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, for nine years until 2023. She decided to step down to devote time to her family, health, and personal interests. Despite the male-dominated tech industry, Wojcicki held a high-ranking position and advocated for more female participation in the field. She once expressed concern about the low percentage of women in the tech industry and the small number of young females who chose to pursue technical degrees.

However, her tenure at YouTube was not without challenges. The platform was criticized for its handling of online misinformation, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, several fact-checking organizations accused YouTube of being a significant source of online disinformation and misinformation.

Wojcicki decided to step down from her position at YouTube in 2023 to “focus on her personal life and health”. Her husband, Dennis Troper, announced her passing with deep sadness, revealing that she had been living with non-small-cell lung cancer for two years. Wojcicki leaves behind a legacy in the tech industry, and her contributions will continue to influence future generations.

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