Apple unveils its AI strategy, partnership with OpenAI
Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10, where it announced new upgrades to its devices and operating systems. But what’s getting the most attention is Apple Intelligence, the tech company’s new strategy for incorporating artificial intelligence into its business model.
“Recent developments in generative intelligence and large language models offer powerful capabilities that provide the opportunity to take the experience of using Apple products to new heights,” CEO Tim Cook said. “So, as we look to build in these incredible new capabilities, we want to ensure that the outcome reflects the principles at the core of our products.”
Among its capabilities, Apple Intelligence will see an update to the voice assistant Siri. Apple said Siri will now better understand people’s questions and, like with other chatbots, people will also be able to type to Siri.
Apple also announced a partnership with OpenAI, saying if Siri doesn’t know the answer to something, it will ask if it can take a person’s question to ChatGPT.
New writing tools will see Apple Intelligence proofread, rewrite and summarize text across various apps, as well as suggest the right tone for the message.
Apple said you will also be able to create your own custom emojis just by describing what you are looking for. They’re calling these “genmojis.”
Apple Intelligence is set to launch in the fall.
Jury deliberations to resume in Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial
Jury deliberations are set to resume in Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial. And Apple finally takes a big step into the world of artificial intelligence with “Apple Intelligence.” These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Day 2 of jury deliberations in Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial
Jury deliberations will resume Tuesday, June 11, in the federal gun trial of Hunter Biden. Deliberations started on Monday, June 10, after both the prosecution and defense rested their cases. Jurors only deliberated for less than an hour before being sent home for the day.
The jurors will decide whether Hunter Biden is guilty of three felony charges linked to purchasing a gun in 2018, when he was reportedly addicted to drugs.
In closing arguments, the prosecution urged jurors to “use common sense” to find the president’s son guilty, adding “no one is above the law.” The defense, however, said the prosecution failed to prove Hunter Biden was using illegal drugs when he bought the gun — claiming there were “gaping holes” in the case.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
Blinken in Israel; U.N. Security Council endorses cease-fire plan
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continues to urge top Israeli officials to accept and implement a plan for post-war Gaza, meeting with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv Tuesday, June 11. This come as he also pushes for more international pressure on Hamas to agree to a cease-fire proposal just endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.
On Monday, June 10, 14 of the U.N.’s 15 security council members voted in favor of endorsing the cease-fire plan to end the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas that was announced by President Joe Biden in May. Only Russia abstained from voting.
The U.S. said Israel has already accepted the cease-fire proposal.
The resolution calls on Hamas to agree to the three-phase plan, which would see an initial six-week cease-fire and the exchange of some Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The second phase would include a permanent cease-fire and the release of the remaining hostages. The third phase would involve a reconstruction effort for the devastated Gaza strip.
Hamas was quick to welcome the resolution, saying in a statement it’s ready to cooperate with mediators and enter “indirect negotiations” over the implementation of the principles of the agreement.
Port of Baltimore shipping channel fully reopens after bridge collapse
After being closed for more than two months, the Port of Baltimore’s shipping channel is fully operational again. In late March, a massive 213-million pound cargo ship crashed into a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, killing six construction workers and causing the structure to collapse — cutting off access to the crucial shipping artery.
To fully reopen the 700-foot-wide channel, crews had to remove roughly 50,000 tons of wreckage from the Patapsco River, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.
The work to rebuild the nearly 50-year-old bridge continues. Shortly after the collapse, President Biden pledged the federal government would help pay for it.
Note: The above has been corrected to say 213-million pounds. An earlier version omitted million.
FDA panel backs Eli Lilly drug that slows Alzheimer’s progression
A panel of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisers is unanimously backing an Alzheimer’s drug from Eli Lilly that’s been shown to slow the disease’s progression. The drug works by helping the body remove amyloid plaque buildups in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
These plaques are harmful deposits that can form in the brain as people age. Removing the plaque seems to slow down the brain changes that seem to happen with Alzheimer’s.
The FDA will make a final decision on approval later this year.
If approved, Eli Lilly’s drug would become the second Alzheimer’s medication of its kind currently on the U.S. market, expanding treatment options for the more than 6 million Americans who have the disease.
Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death for adults over 65 years old.
Apple unveils its AI strategy, partnership with OpenAI
Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10, where it announced new upgrades to its devices and operating systems. But what’s getting the most attention is Apple Intelligence, the tech company’s new strategy for incorporating AI into its business model.
“Recent developments in generative intelligence and large language models offer powerful capabilities that provide the opportunity to take the experience of using Apple products to new heights,” CEO Tim Cook said. “So, as we look to build in these incredible new capabilities, we want to ensure that the outcome reflects the principles at the core of our products.”
Among its capabilities, Apple Intelligence will see an update to the voice assistant Siri. Apple said Siri will now better understand your questions and, like with other chatbots, people will also be able to type to Siri.
Apple also announced a partnership with OpenAI Monday, saying if Siri doesn’t know the answer to something, it will ask if it can take your question to ChatGPT.
New writing tools will see Apple Intelligence proofread, rewrite and summarize text across various apps, as well as suggest the right tone for the message.
Apple said people will also be able to create your own custom emojis just by describing what you are looking for. They’re calling these “genmojis.”
Apple Intelligence is set to launch in the fall.
Starbucks launches its own production studio
When you think of Hollywood production studios, you might think of Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Disney. But a new name is now joining the list: Starbucks.
The coffee chain announced the creation of Starbucks Studios, which it said will “produce original entertainment and tell stories that deepen connections and spark conversations.”
Starbucks is partnering with Oscar-winning producer Michael Sugar and his media company Sugar23.
Starbucks is the latest company to open its own production studio, following brands like Nike and Mailchimp.
With a month to go until his sentencing in his New York criminal case, former President Donald Trump will take part in a virtual interview. And caught on camera: the moment a bull jumped a fence at an Oregon rodeo, injuring several people. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, June 10, 2024.
Trump to attend virtual pre-sentencing interview
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled for a pre-sentencing probation interview on Monday, June 10. In an unprecedented move, he’ll take part in the interview virtually from his residence at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Usually, these interviews take place in-person.
And in another unprecedented move, Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, will also be there for the virtual meeting after the judge in the case gave the OK.
The former president was convicted in May on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He has denied any wrongdoing. Sentencing is set for July 11.
Trump was back on the 2024 campaign trail on Sunday, June 9, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thousands of his supporters came out for a rally despite the record heatwave impacting the area. At least three of his supporters had to be taken away by medical personnel as temperatures reached the triple digits.
The rally came just days after President Joe Biden issued an executive order temporarily closing the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the southern border during his rally.
“This is the worst border in the history of the world,” Trump said. “No third world country has a border like that. The first thing we’re going to do is we’re going to close that border tight as a drum, and we’re going to let people come in, but only legals.”
Reports indicate the Biden administration is considering a proposal to shield undocumented immigrants who are married to American citizens from deportation, though, it has not yet been presented to President Biden for review.
Meanwhile, the federal gun trial of the president’s son, Hunter, picks back up Monday in Delaware. The trial is expected to wrap up this week.
Benny Gantz resigns from Israel’s war cabinet
A key member of Israel’s war cabinet has resigned. Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s biggest political rival, has stepped down after Netanyahu failed to meet the deadline Gantz gave him to come up with a post-war plan to replace Hamas in Gaza by June 8.
In a speech Sunday, June 9, the retired army general said it was a “complex and painful” decision.
“Regrettably, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward true victory, which is the justification for the ongoing and painful cost [of war],” Gantz said. “That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart but with full confidence.”
Netanyahu issued a brief statement calling on Gantz not to “abandon the campaign.”
Gantz’s resignation was delayed by a day due to Israel’s rescue of four hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said at least 274 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli air and ground raid and hundreds more were wounded.
Macron calls for snap national elections after EU voting
After his party suffered a major setback in the European Union parliament’s four-day election, French President Emmanuel Macron made a surprise announcement Sunday, June 9, dissolving the lower house of France’s parliament. He’s also calling French voters back to the polls in three weeks.
Macron’s move toward snap national elections came after his Renaissance party was defeated by the far-right National Rally party as part of the elections for the 720-seat EU parliament. The National Rally party was projected to receive around 32% of the votes — more than doubling that of Macron’s party.
In an address to the nation, Macron told French voters that by dissolving the National Assembly, he has decided to give back to them “the choice for the future” of their country’s parliament “with a vote.”
“This decision is serious, a hard one, but it is above all an act of confidence,“ Macron said. “Confidence in you, my fellow citizens, in the capacity of the French people to make the fairest choice for themselves and for future generations. Confidence in our democracy, so that the voice can be given to sovereign people. Nothing can be more republican.”
The legislative elections will take place in two rounds. The first will be held on June 30 and the second July 7.
Bull hops fence at Oregon rodeo, 4 injured
A rodeo bull escaped from an arena in Oregon on Saturday, June 8, injuring at least four people before wranglers captured it. The incident unfolded during the Sisters Rodeo in front of a sold-out crowd.
After hopping a fence, the bull charged through a concession area. The local sheriff’s office reported several ambulances responded to the scene.
Four individuals were hospitalized; however, all have since been released. The rodeo continued on Sunday, June 9, with its final performance as planned.
Reports: Apple to unveil AI upgrades at conference
One of Apple’s biggest events of the year kicks off Monday, June 10, in California. According to reports, the Worldwide Developers Conference will see Apple showcasing its advancements in artificial intelligence — which the tech company has reportedly dubbed “Apple Intelligence.”
Specifically, Apple is expected to highlight AI upgrades to its Siri talking assistant. Reports have said Apple has held talks with OpenAI and Google to license its AI software.
Apple is also slated to debut its latest operating systems for its devices.
CEO Tim Cook is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz wins French Open
History was made on the tennis court when Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open on Sunday, June 9. With his victory on clay, the 21-year-old Spaniard became the youngest male player to win Grand Slam titles on all three different surfaces — and the sixth man overall to achieve that feat.
He is also the first male player to win his first three grand slam titles on three different surfaces. Alcaraz won on grass at Wimbledon in 2023 and on the hard court at the U.S. Open in 2022.
How artificial intelligence is now being used in the grieving process
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a new technology for those mourning the loss of a loved one. The use of AI is just beginning to be used in the grieving process, bringing the dead to life through the emerging technology. However, while some see it as a way to allow a person to live on through memories, others have expressed concerns over the ethics and whether it truly heals the individuals experiencing the loss of a loved one.
Bommer, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, has entered the final stage of his life. Bommer said he finds comfort in knowing his wife will be able to listen to his words after his death, hopefully bringing her comfort in the process as well.
Locascio said that the interactive technology has 300 different phrases that they captured. He calls it “your emotional voice,” which may bring different cadences to how someone says, “I love you,” or “Oh, the door is open.”
Locascio said that one hour of recording takes about two days to compute. He added, “that becomes your voice. That becomes your talking AI, I’ll call it your essence.”
Eternos uses external language models developed by companies like Meta, OpenAI and the French firm Mistral AI. The model can answer questions from life events to the person’s political views through a computer. The cost for the service is $15,000.
Eternos is among several companies that are venturing into the business of grief-related AI technology. Some examples include California-based company, StoryFile, which allows users to interact with prerecorded videos of loved ones through the use of algorithms to answer questions.
HereAfter AI also offers a similar interaction with a “life story avatar.” Meanwhile, Seance AI offers fictional seances for no cost. However, if one wish to incorporate a loved one into their seance, the cost is $10.
However, ethical questions remain, like if a company goes belly-up. For instance, StoryFile has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and said that it owes around $4.5 million to creditors. Still, the company said that it is currently setting up a “fail-safe” system that allows families to have access to material whether or not it folds.
Furthermore, a researcher who co-authored a study on the use of AI technology for those who have died said that the technology raises other concerns, like the rights and consent of the dead and whether the services truly offer closure to the mourners. The researcher said that it remains “a vast techno-cultural experiment.”
OpenAI forms safety committee ahead its next model release
Just weeks after OpenAI got rid of a team focused on AI safety, the company established a new committee aimed at enhancing safety and security. The company also announced on Tuesday, May 28, that it has begun training its next AI model.
In a blog post, OpenAI said the new committee will be led by CEO Sam Altman, Chair Bret Taylor, Adam D’Angelo, and Nicole Seligman.
One of the first things the Safety and Security Committee will do is evaluate and further develop OpenAI’s processes and safeguards over the next 90 days. After that, the group will share recommendations with OpenAI’s full board, which will then decide how to move forward with those recommendations.
This follows May’s earlier exits of OpenAI safety executive Jan Leike and company co-founder Ilya Sutskever, who were both on the company’s Superalignment team, which was dedicated to foreseeing and stemming potential issues caused by advanced AI.
In a thread on X about his departure, Leike criticized the company, saying he “reached a breaking point” and “over the past years, safety culture and processes have taken a backseat to shiny products.”
OpenAI said the Safety and Security Committee will also work with the company’s technical and policy experts and other cybersecurity officials.
Also in Tuesday’s blog post, OpenAI confirmed it has started training its next big language model, which will be the successor to its current GPT-4. That is expected to be unveiled later this year.
“While we are proud to build and release models that are industry-leading on both capabilities and safety,” OpenAI’s post said, “we welcome a robust debate at this important moment.”
Iran begins funeral services for president killed in helicopter crash
Funeral services for Iran’s president following the deadly helicopter crash are underway. The prosecution rests its case in Trump’s trial as the defense begins to call its witnesses. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Iran begins funeral services for president killed in helicopter crash
Thousands of supporters have taken to the streets as Iran begins its “five days of mourning,” declared by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Tuesday, May 21. The first funeral procession drew in thousands of Iranians to the closest major city to the crash site. The recovered bodies will then be taken to a holy city in the afternoon.
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The defense concluded its cross-examination of the prosecution’s key witness, Michael Cohen, before calling its first witness, Cohen’s former legal advisor Robert Costello. Costello, who will retake the stand Tuesday, May 21, previously advised Cohen.
Costello claimed that in past discussions, Cohen asserted he had no incriminating information on Trump and insisted Trump was unaware of the payments made to Stormy Daniels.
During Costello’s testimony, the judge sustained multiple objections from the prosecution and eventually ordered the jury out of the room after Costello talked over the judge, rolled his eyes and muttered comments.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team has moved to dismiss the charges, a request on which the judge has yet to decide. The judge also instructed both sides to prepare for closing arguments next week.
Biden rejects International Criminal Court’s claims of Israel committing genocide
President Joe Biden has sharply criticized a request from an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor for an arrest warrant for several Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden said Israel is not committing genocide and dismissed the ICC’s comparison of Israeli defensive actions to Hamas’ atrocities.
“Let me be clear, we reject the ICC application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders,” Biden stated. “Whatever these words may imply, there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. But let me be clear, contrary to allegations against Israel made by the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide. We reject that.”
The ICC’s top prosecutor has called for global arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders on charges of crimes against humanity, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting civilians in Gaza. Netanyahu has denied the charges, arguing that the prosecutor is wrongly equating Israel with Hamas.
If the court’s judges approve the warrant, Netanyahu could face arrest in any country that is a party to the court, which includes most of Europe.
Federal judge in Texas blocks Biden rule expanding gun background checks
A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked a new rule from the Biden administration that intended to close what is referred to as a “gun show loophole.” The rule would require all firearm sellers to be licensed and mandate background checks for buyers.
The rule was scheduled to go into effect Monday, but the judge ruled that the language of the rule intended to protect gun owners was “inadequate.” As a result, its implementation is on hold in Texas until at least June 2.
At least 22 other states have filed similar lawsuits to block the gun law.
Target cuts prices on 5,000 items to attract more shoppers
The move is in response to consumers’ budgetary constraints amid inflation concerns. These discounts apply both in-store and online via Target’s website and app. Notably, this pricing strategy follows Target’s first annual sales decline in seven years, with a 1.7% drop reported for 2023.
The trend of increased frugality among U.S. consumers persists, despite some easing in inflation and stable consumer spending. Other retailers, including Giant Food and Michaels, are also implementing price reductions
OpenAI responds to Scarlett Johansson, pauses ChatGPT voice ‘Sky’
OpenAI has paused the use of “Sky,” a voice in its ChatGPT projects, because it closely resembles Scarlett Johansson’s voice from the film “Her.” The company stated that Sky is actually the natural voice of another professional actress, not an imitation of Johansson.
The resemblance was highlighted after a product demonstration earlier this month, further intensified by CEO Sam Altman’s tweet that referenced the movie “Her.”
OpenAI has partnered with Dotdash Meredith, the publisher of People magazine, to enhance its ChatGPT system. Dotdash Meredith said the collaboration will incorporate “trusted content” from the company’s array of brands — including “Better Homes & Gardens,” “Food & Wine” and “InStyle” — providing ChatGPT with access to recipes, health information, entertainment coverage and product reviews.
“We have not been shy about the fact that AI platforms should pay publishers for their content and that content must be appropriately attributed,” said Neil Vogel, CEO of Dotdash Meredith, said. “This deal is a testament to the great work OpenAI is doing on both fronts to partner with creators and publishers and ensure a healthy Internet for the future.”
Brad Lightcap, COO of OpenAI stated, “We’re thrilled to partner with Dotdash Meredith to bring its trusted brands to ChatGPT and to explore new approaches in advancing the publishing and marketing industries.”
Dotdash Meredith joins other companies who have partnered with OpenAI, like the Financial Times, Axel Springer and The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Alden Global Capital’s newspapers, including the New York Daily News and Chicago Tribune, have sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, echoing a previous lawsuit by The New York Times.
US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over Rafah operation
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over an invasion in Rafah. Stormy Daniels testifies in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, prompting a bid for a mistrial by his legal team. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over Rafah operation
The Biden administration confirmed Tuesday, May 7, that it paused ammunition shipments to Israel last week due to concerns about a major ground operation in Rafah, a Gaza border city. U.S. officials said the shipment included 3,500 bombs, some weighing 2,000 pounds, others weighing 500 pounds. This marks the first time the administration has delayed an arms delivery to Israel since the war began following Hamas’ terror attack in October.
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The pause in arms shipments occurred hours after the Israeli military sent tanks into Rafah in what the U.S. and Israel described as a “limited” operation. Israel forces seized control over the crossing with Egypt, a vital corridor for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The U.S. has repeatedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a major offensive in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians have relocated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized, R-La., the decision to withhold weapons, stating it does not reflect the “will of Congress” following the passage of the latest foreign aid bill last month.
President Joe Biden, speaking at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony at the Capitol, did not mention the delay but addressed the surge of antisemitism in America and around the world. He reaffirmed America’s support for Israel.
“To the Jewish community, I want you to know,” Biden said. “I see your fear, your hurt and your pain. Let me reassure you. As your president, you’re not alone. You belong. You always have, and you always will. And my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is ironclad even when we disagree.”
Wednesday, May 8, is the deadline for the State Department to report to Congress on whether Israel’s use of U.S. weapons in Gaza is violating international humanitarian laws. Reuters reports the department is likely to miss this deadline. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is also expected to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee today, where he will likely face questions about the administration’s policies.
Russian airstrikes damage Ukrainian energy facilities
Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian infrastructure sites early Wednesday, May 8, damaging three Soviet-era thermal power plants. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes injured three people and impacted energy facilities, homes and public transportation across several regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, which occurred on the same day Ukraine celebrates Victory Over Nazism in World War II. He called for global recognition of the threat posed by modern Nazism.
Russia has not immediately responded to these latest strikes.
Judge denies Trump’s motion for mistrial after Stormy Daniels’ testimony
The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York denied the former president’s legal team’s motion for a mistrial on Tuesday, May 7. Trump’s attorneys called for a mistrial as they argued that testimony by adult film star Stormy Daniels was “extraordinarily prejudicial.”
During her testimony, Daniels detailed an alleged sexual encounter with Trump, leading to numerous objections from the former president’s team. Trump’s attorneys argued her testimony was not relevant to the case, where Trump is accused of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments his former lawyer made to Daniels amid the 2016 presidential election.
While dismissing the motion for a retrial, the judge noted, “It would have been better if some of these things had been left unsaid,” but argued that Trump’s team should have raised more objections. Trump has denied the encounter with Daniels ever happened and has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Daniels is scheduled to return to the stand for further cross-examination on Thursday, May 9, when the trial resumes.
Body of 6th victim in Baltimore bridge collapse recovered
Crews have recovered the body of the final missing worker from the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, as they prepare to demolish the wreckage.
The worker was among six killed when the container ship Dali lost power, struck a support column, and caused the bridge to collapse, halting most maritime traffic through Baltimore’s port.
Panera discontinuing Charged Lemonade following wrongful death lawsuits
Panera Bread announced it will discontinue its Charged Lemonade beverages nationwide following lawsuits linking the drink’s high caffeine content to at least two deaths.
A company spokesperson confirmed the decision on Tuesday, May 7, stating the drink is being discontinued as part of Panera’s “menu transformation,” but did not address the wrongful death lawsuits.
In October, the family of a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition filed a lawsuit alleging she died after consuming the beverage. In December, the family of a Florida man with a chromosomal deficiency disorder also filed a lawsuit after his death, which they claim was caused by the drink.
Following reports of the lawsuits, Panera updated its warnings, advising that the lemonade was not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people sensitive to caffeine.
Panera has previously stated it stands by the safety of its products.
OpenAI partners with publisher of People magazine
OpenAI has partnered with Dotdash Meredith, the publisher of People magazine, to enhance its ChatGPT system. Dotdash Meredith said the collaboration will incorporate “trusted content” from the company’s array of brands — including “Better Homes and Gardens,” “Food and Wine,” and “InStyle” — providing ChatGPT with access to recipes, health information, entertainment coverage and product reviews.
As part of the licensing agreement, ChatGPT users will soon find links to the publisher’s various sites in relevant responses. Additionally, OpenAI will collaborate with Dotdash Meredith to develop new AI products for its readers and improve its ad-targeting tools.
Major newspapers sue OpenAI, Microsoft over copyright infringement
Eight major newspapers, including the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune and Denver Post, have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. Owned by Alden Global Capital, the newspapers allege the tech giants illegally used millions of their copyrighted articles to train sophisticated AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot.
The newspapers contend that these companies use their journalistic content to fuel AI products that compete directly with traditional media by replicating and distributing their work. This includes instances where AI models produce content nearly identical to the original articles.
The suit also accuses the AI systems of generating errors or “hallucinations,” attributing false information to these newspapers, which could damage their reputations and spread misinformation.
In response to these legal challenges, some news organizations have opted for licensing agreements with AI companies.
The Financial Times announced a deal allowing OpenAI to use its content for ChatGPT responses. The Associated Press and Axel Springer have also entered into similar licensing agreements for their content.
In a statement, OpenAI reaffirmed its commitment to working with news organizations globally to address concerns and explore opportunities involving AI tools. This lawsuit mirrors a similar action taken by The New York Times in December, where it accused OpenAI of using stolen content to train its AI.
OpenAI defends its practices, claiming that using publicly available data such as news articles for AI training constitutes fair use.
Apple in talks with Google to integrate AI engine into iPhone
Apple is reportedly in discussions to integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone, according to Bloomberg News. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that negotiations are centered around licensing Gemini for new features slated to arrive on iPhone software later this year.
Details regarding the terms of the agreement and its implementation are currently unknown.
If the tech giants strike a deal, it could potentially pave the way for Google to expand its AI services to over 2 billion active Apple devices, bolstering its competition against Microsoft-backed OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
While any official announcement is not expected until June, coinciding with Apple’s annual developers’ conference, recent talks have also included OpenAI.
Apple and Google have yet to comment on the Bloomberg report.