Microsoft’s unique AI button

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Today we will discuss-

• 📝China sets rules for AI use in scientific research

• 🖲️Microsoft adds AI button to Windows PC keyboard

• 🧬MIT reveals strategy to reverse engineer complex AI models

• 😱11 amazing AI tools you might not have heard of

All this and more - Let's dive in!

👩‍🍳What’s cooking in the newsroom?

China issues guidelines on the responsible use of AI in scientific research

👨🏻‍🎓News - China's Ministry of Science and Technology has issued guidelines prohibiting the use of generative artificial intelligence in directly generating declaration materials (eg: research papers, project summaries) or being listed as a co-author for scientific achievements.

According to the ministry, while the rapid development of AI has brought new opportunities in the field of scientific research, the technology also introduces challenges in areas like the formation of research outcomes and the attribution of authorship. Thus, the guidelines aim to guide researchers, institutions, and ensure responsible scientific research practices.

🤕Does this mean AI use is completely banned? Well, not entirely. AI can still be used by researchers under the following conditions: 

• When researchers use content generated by AI, especially for facts and opinions, they are required to add notes and explanations about how the AI generated the content. This is important to maintain accuracy and show respect for others' intellectual property and it ensures that the origin and process of content creation are transparent and well-documented.

• The guidelines advise against citing AI-generated content from other authors as primary literature. However, if there's a need to cite such content, it must be clearly indicated that the content was AI-generated.

• Even in the above mentioned situations, the guidelines specify that AI must be used  in an appropriate and responsible manner.

Microsoft adds AI copilot key to Windows PC keyboard, in first major update in 30 years

🖥️News - On 4 January, Microsoft announced an AI upgrade for its PC keyboard — a Copilot key. This physical key is set to join the existing lineup, including the Windows key, Control key, Alt, and the Insert key.

According to an image shared by Microsoft, the Copilot key is set to replace the right Control key on the standard PC keyboard, positioning itself between the Alt key and the left arrow key. 

⌨️What is the function of this key?  The key marks the introduction of AI on personal computers, aligning with Microsoft's vision to establish 2024 as the "year of the AI PC." The company anticipates that the Copilot key's integration into the PC keyboard will enable individuals to embrace the AI transformation more easily. 

Pressing the key will activate the Copilot in Windows experience, making it easy to integrate Copilot into daily tasks. In regions where Copilot is not accessible, pressing the key will launch Windows Search instead. The first keyboards incorporating this new key will be unveiled at this year's CES in Las Vegas and are expected to be available for shipping in late February.

For those who don't know, the Copilot key is the first addition to the Windows PC keyboard since 1994, bringing a refreshing change to a legacy that lasted three decades.

MIT researchers discover a way to reverse engineer advanced AI models

👨🏻‍🔬News - In a breakthrough, scientists at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have created a new strategy to reverse engineer complex and advanced neural networks (read AI models). Imagine you have a fancy new robot that does incredible things, but you don't have the instructions on how it works. Reverse engineering is like taking that robot apart piece by piece, figuring out how each part connects and interacts, and eventually understanding how it makes the whole robot move and function. 

🤩So what’s this strategy all about? Well, MIT's groundbreaking approach involves using computer programs made from smart models that already know a lot about language. These programs help break down and explain the complicated math happening inside well-trained computer systems called neural networks. It's like having a helpful guide that makes the difficult stuff easier to understand.

🔬What was the intent behind its creation? 

• The MIT team dreams of creating super smart computer helpers that can check other systems almost by themselves. Human scientists would still be there to watch and help out. These smart helpers might even come up with new experiments and questions, things that human scientists might not have thought about at first. 

• They want to make these computer helpers better at understanding tricky things in AI, like how whole groups of connections or smaller parts work, and figuring out what could make the system act in a way we don't want. This is a big step in making sure AI systems are easier to understand and trust.

👩🏼‍💻What else is happening?

• India mulls overhaul of IT Act for enhanced oversight of AI firms, GenAI models

• AI-generated videos a growing threat to elections, Canadian head of cybersecurity warns

• Saudi Arabia integrates AI technology to enhance visitor guidance at Grand Mosque

• AI is bringing precision in cataract surgeries, say ophthalmologists

• Intel spins out AI software firm with backing from DigitalBridge

 🤓Did you know?

• Scientists and engineers are certainly making some big steps in AI, however, the technology is far from being perfect. We're still yet to develop a machine that can think in the same way as a human.

• According to the AI Index, the world’s top universities have increased their AI-related education over the last few years.

• In 2017, an AI Statista study revealed that  84% of businesses worldwide held the belief that AI would grant them a competitive edge.

👩🏼‍🚒Discover mind-blowing AI tools

1. Chaindesk - A no-code platform that allows users to create custom AI chatbots trained on their own data

2. Jason AI - A tool for automating B2B conversations and bookings

3. Langchats - An AI language partner that helps users learn a language through natural conversation

4. CareerPen - A browser extension that creates personalized cover letters for job advertisements using LinkedIn profile details

5. Stickerific - A tool that allows users to create and customize their own stickers

6. Find lost vehicle - An AI-powered service that helps people locate their lost vehicles faster

7. FutureTales - A platform that recommends books for young readers based on their interests

8. GPTZero - A tool for accurately detecting AI plagiarism

9. Fill3d - A virtual staging tool that brings your empty room to life with photorealistic furniture

10. MomentsAI - An AI-guided meditation app that offers personalized meditation sessions

11. Iconik AI - A tool that helps users generate stunning app icons for Android, iOS, and web apps without any design skills

🍜Unusual AI use cases

• Language dialect preservation - AI assists in preserving endangered language dialects by analyzing recordings, creating language learning resources, and supporting revitalization efforts. This approach empowers communities to safeguard linguistic diversity, fostering cultural heritage for future generations.

• Tattoo designs - By analyzing personal preferences, cultural symbols, and artistic styles, AI algorithms can generate one-of-a-kind tattoo designs. Tailored to individual tastes, these creations become unique and meaningful expressions of personal identity and storytelling.

• Restaurant wait time prediction - AI algorithms can accurately predict restaurant wait times based on historical data. This helps diners plan their visits more efficiently by minimizing unnecessary delays and enhancing the overall dining experience.