OpenAI Gains Access to Reddit

Today:

• OpenAI Gains Access to Reddit

• Microsoft Relocates China-Based Employees

• Hugging Face Offers Free GPUs

• Snowflake Eyes Reka AI Acquisition

• Researchers Create AI Sarcasm Detector

• Artisan AI Raises $7.3M Funding

OpenAI strikes Reddit deal to train its AI on your posts

OpenAI has partnered with Reddit to access real-time content from Reddit’s data API, enhancing ChatGPT and other products with up-to-date discussions. This deal allows Reddit to introduce new AI features and use OpenAI’s technology for applications. The partnership also includes OpenAI becoming an advertising partner on Reddit. 

The financial terms were not disclosed, and the deal differs from Reddit’s earlier agreement with Google by not specifying training data provisions. Reddit's CEO highlighted the importance of integrating Reddit’s extensive human conversations into AI tools, despite past user protests over API changes.

THE VERGE

Microsoft Asks Hundreds of China-Based AI Staff to Consider Relocating Amid U.S.-China Tensions

Microsoft is asking hundreds of its China-based AI and cloud-computing employees to consider relocating due to rising U.S.-China tensions. This request affects 700-800 engineers, primarily Chinese nationals, who are offered transfers to countries such as the U.S., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The move comes as the Biden administration increases restrictions on China's access to advanced American technology. Microsoft’s decision reflects the broader geopolitical conflict and its impact on tech companies operating across both nations.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Hugging Face is sharing $10 million worth of compute to help beat the big AI companies

Hugging Face is offering $10 million in free shared GPUs to support developers, academics, and startups in creating AI technologies. The initiative, called ZeroGPU, aims to democratize access to computing power and counter the dominance of major tech companies in AI. 

The shared GPUs will be available on Hugging Face’s Spaces platform, allowing multiple users to share resources efficiently. Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue emphasizes the importance of open-source AI development to prevent centralization of power. The company’s commitment follows a successful funding round, valuing it at $4.5 billion.

THE VERGE

Snowflake Is in Talks to Buy Reka AI for $1 Billion

Snowflake Inc. is in discussions to acquire Reka AI, a startup specializing in large language models, for over $1 billion. Reka AI, founded in 2022 by former Google and Meta researchers, focuses on AI applications like image captioning and chatbots. This acquisition would bolster Snowflake’s generative AI capabilities, complementing its recent release of the Arctic large language model. 

Snowflake, which has faced slowing revenue growth, aims to enhance its cloud data tools with AI. The talks are still private, and a deal is not guaranteed. Snowflake’s shares have dropped 17% this year amid broader tech market challenges.

YAHOO!

Researchers build AI-driven sarcasm detector

Researchers in the Netherlands have developed an AI-driven sarcasm detector to improve natural communication between humans and machines. Matt Coler from the University of Groningen led the project, which involved training a neural network using text, audio, and video clips from sitcoms like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. 

The AI can now detect sarcasm with nearly 75% accuracy. The technology, presented at a joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the Canadian Acoustical Association, aims to enhance AI interactions by recognizing sarcasm and potentially identifying negative tones or hate speech. Future improvements may include visual cues for better accuracy.

THE GUARDIAN

Artisan AI raises $7.3M to develop autonomous AI employees

Artisan AI, a UK-founded startup now based in San Francisco, has raised $7.3 million to develop autonomous AI employees. Founded by Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, Dr. Rupert Dodkins, and Samantha Stallings, the company aims to create an all-in-one platform to replace existing SaaS products. 

Their AI BDR, Ava, launched in February 2023, automates 80% of a business development representative's tasks. Artisan's future plans include Liam, the Marketing Artisan, and James, the Customer Success Artisan. The company is progressing towards Level 5 autonomy, where AI employees can outperform humans in various roles.

TECH EU