Friday AI Brief: GPT-4.5 Rumors, OpenAI’s $60M Move, Grok Data Pause, and TSMC’s Sales Surge

Happy Friday, AI & Data Enthusiasts!

We have a few updates to share with you alongside the news that you will find below. We have introduced tech trivia to test your knowledge of technology-related topics in each edition. On top of that, we encourage you to check out our new referral system where we are giving away rewards of increasing value when you refer more people to check out our newsletter. Check it out below and let us know what you think by submitting your feedback in the poll at the bottom or leaving a comment.

Have a great weekend!

In today’s edition: 

• Sam Altman’s Garden Post Sparks GPT-4.5 Rumors

• OpenAI Bets $60M on SF-Based AI-Powered Webcam Startup

• Elon Musk’s X Halts EU Data Processing for Grok Training

• TSMC Reports 45% Sales Growth in July Amid Rising AI Chip Demand

- Naseema Perveen

WHAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION MOST

Sam Altman’s Strawberry Post Sparks GPT-4.5 Rumors

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently shared a photo of strawberries in his garden, sparking excitement among AI enthusiasts. The seemingly casual post, captioned "I love summer in the garden," hinted at something much bigger: a secretive project known as "Project Strawberry."

Social media platforms like X exploded with theories after spotting four strawberries in the photo—three ripe and one still developing. Some believe this hints at the stages of a new model, possibly GPT-4.5. As one user, Mirra, pointed out, "4 strawberries… and another half-developed one… this must be a sign of GPT-4.5!". According to leaked documents, Project Strawberry (formerly Q*) is an advanced AI model that could bring us closer to autonomous AI agents.

Unlike current models that generate answers, this technology aims to plan, navigate the internet, and perform deep research autonomously. This could be a significant step towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). However, details and timelines for Project Strawberry remain unclear. Altman's post might also be a strategic move to stir interest during a challenging time for OpenAI, as key executives have recently left or taken sabbaticals. Coupled with concerns about the AI bubble and cooling interest on Wall Street, OpenAI's path forward is uncertain.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YANDEX RESEARCH

The evolution of LLM compression methods: from QuIP to AQLM with PV-Tuning

While large language models open up a world of possibilities, they can also be incredibly expensive and complex to deploy. That's why researchers are racing to find ways to compress these models without sacrificing performance. Learn about the evolution of extreme LLM compression methods in our latest article. Spoiler alert: a brief "rivalry" between two research teams led to scientific breakthroughs.

From QuIP to AQLM with PV-Tuning: LLM compression at the extreme

The trade-off between large model size and computational efficiency has long been a challenge in deploying language models. The research community has been looking to reduce model size by 8 times, down to 2 bits. This year, they found a way to do it without sacrificing model performance. 

Here's the story behind the evolution of extreme LLM compression methods.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON IT

OpenAI Bets $60M on SF-Based AI-Powered Webcam Startup

OpenAI is diving into the hardware world with a $60 million investment in a San Francisco-based startup that designs “DSLR quality” webcams and accompanying software. This move signals OpenAI’s expanding focus on hardware, potentially transforming everyday devices with advanced AI capabilities.

• The startup, known for creating high-quality webcams, is set to receive more than just funding. A source reveals that OpenAI plans to integrate its GPT model into future Opal hardware. While details are still vague, this could mean anything from AI-enhanced webcams to entirely new AI-driven devices.

• OpenAI's interest in hardware isn’t entirely surprising. Though the company has primarily been a leader in AI software, CEO Sam Altman has hinted at broader ambitions. He’s already an investor in Humane, the creator of an AI wearable, and is reportedly gathering $1 billion for an AI gadget designed by former Apple engineers. 

• Moreover, OpenAI recently signed a major deal with Apple to make ChatGPT more accessible on iPhones, underscoring the company’s commitment to integrating its AI models with the devices people use every day. This new venture into AI-powered webcams could be just the beginning of a broader strategy to revolutionize consumer tech through AI.

Elon Musk’s X Halts EU Data Processing for Grok Training

Elon Musk’s X has agreed to pause processing EU user data for training its AI tool, Grok, amid concerns over compliance with the EU’s data protection laws. The temporary halt comes as X addresses privacy and regulatory issues related to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Grok, designed to enhance the platform’s capabilities, has faced scrutiny over its use of EU data. This pause highlights the ongoing tension between tech advancements and stringent data privacy regulations, as X works to align its AI initiatives with EU standards.

TSMC Reports 45% Sales Growth in July Amid Rising AI Chip Demand

TSMC reported a substantial 45% increase in sales for July, driven by a surge in demand for AI chips. This significant rise underscores the growing importance of advanced semiconductors in supporting the expanding applications of artificial intelligence across various sectors. The strong sales performance highlights TSMC’s pivotal role in the AI technology landscape.

The elevated revenue figures reflect a robust market demand for high-performance chips, essential for powering advanced AI systems. As artificial intelligence continues to advance and integrate into diverse industries, TSMC’s impressive results demonstrate the company's crucial contribution to the ongoing evolution of AI technologies. This growth not only reinforces TSMC's position in the semiconductor industry but also emphasizes the accelerating pace of technological development in the AI field.

TECH TRIVIA

ICYMI

• SoundHound acquires Amelia AI for $80 million following Amelia AI’s successful $189 million funding round.

• OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT's new Voice AI.

• OpenAI’s co-founder John Schulman quit and co-founder Greg Brockman announced his sabbatical. 

• Intel turned down the chance to invest in OpenAI in 2017.

• Audible is experimenting with a new AI-powered search feature.

MONEY MATTERS

• 28% of businesses saw a cost reduction of 10% or less after adopting AI.

• The AI market size is expected to reach $184 billion by 2024.

• The largest market size of AI in 2024 will be US$50.16bn in the United States. 

• Meta expects to spend $37 to $40 billion on AI in 2024.

• TSMC forecasts Q3 revenue to rise to $22.4-$23.2 bln.

LINKS WE’RE LOVIN’

✅ Podcast: Listen to Your Everyday AI’s episode on Why Fear of AI is Stifling Adoption.

✅ Cheat sheet: Cheatsheet for Visualizing an SQ Query. 

✅ Course: Generative AI with Large Language Models by Chris Fregly & others. 

✅ Webinar: Learn how to Master Data Management And Get your Business Ready for AI.

✅ Watch: Marques Brownlee reviews the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

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