Up.D-AI-TE / no.2
In this edition of Up.D-AI-TE, we explore some of the most exciting developments in the world of AI.
From an AI-generated portrait of Alan Turing selling for over $1 million at Sotheby’s, to Coca-Cola’s controversial use of AI for its Christmas ad, these stories highlight the growing influence of AI in both art and advertising. Stay tuned for more insights into how AI is shaping industries and sparking debate.
1. AI-Powered Portrait of Turing Sells for $1M, Making History at Sotheby’s Auction.
2. AI Meets Christmas: Coca-Cola’s Controversial Holiday Ad Sparks Debate.
3. EU Unveils First Draft of AI Code of Practice, Sets Stage for Global Feedback.
The first draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice has been published, marking an important step in the EU’s effort to regulate AI development. Created by independent experts, the draft aims to guide the development of trustworthy and safe general-purpose AI models. It outlines principles related to transparency, copyright, and systemic risks for advanced AI models, with a focus on providing clear objectives and measures for AI model providers.
The draft will be discussed with nearly 1000 stakeholders, including EU representatives, international observers, and industry participants, who will provide feedback. The final version, due in April 2025, will set specific performance indicators and risk mitigation measures. This iterative process encourages ongoing collaboration and refinements based on stakeholder input, aiming for a balanced and adaptable framework that considers the diversity of AI model providers.
4. OpenAI Set to Unveil AI Agent in January 2025: Research Preview and Developer Tool Coming Soon.
OpenAI is set to launch autonomous AI agents called “Operator” in early 2025. This tool will allow users to delegate complex tasks to AI, enabling it to perform actions such as preparing presentations, scheduling trips, or managing social media accounts—all without manual supervision. Initially available in a research version and through an API for developers, it aims to provide more advanced and flexible AI systems that interact with various digital tools, as reported by Bloomberg.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, emphasized that this initiative is central to the company’s strategy. The move comes in response to growing demand for AI systems that go beyond simple tasks like text generation, extending to executing multi-step operations. While OpenAI is not alone in developing such technology, with competitors like Anthropic and Google DeepMind, its integration of AI agents into the GPT-4 ecosystem could offer a smoother user experience.
As these autonomous systems evolve, security and control will be key concerns to ensure privacy and prevent misuse. Experts believe that successful deployment of such AI agents could significantly enhance productivity, allowing individuals and businesses to focus on higher-level tasks.
5. Hans Ulrich Obrist Talks AI, Digital Art, and the Future of Creativity in Jing Daily Exclusive.
In an exclusive interview with Jing Daily, Hans Ulrich Obrist, the artistic director of London’s Serpentine Galleries, reflects on his pioneering role at the intersection of art, AI, and technology. He discusses the gallery’s decade-long exploration of digital art, highlighting groundbreaking projects like AI-generated images, interactive soundscapes with Holly Herndon, and nature-inspired installations by Rafiq Anadol.
Obrist emphasizes the importance of breaking down disciplinary boundaries and fostering global collaborations, with a particular focus on China’s growing influence in tech-driven art. He also addresses evolving concepts of authorship in AI-generated works, the expanding role of interactive public art, and the museum’s evolving role in an increasingly digital world. With innovative partnerships with luxury and tech brands, Obrist envisions museums as dynamic, accessible spaces that reflect the changing cultural landscape.
6. AI Clones Celebrity Voices Faster Than Laws Can Keep Up.
In a November 19, 2024 article by The Guardian, the growing issue of AI voice cloning is highlighted, particularly the lack of legal safeguards against its misuse. The piece discusses how AI is being used to replicate the voices of celebrities, including David Attenborough, Jennifer Aniston, and Oprah Winfrey, with some instances being exploited by fraudsters for financial scams. Experts warn that current privacy and copyright laws are not equipped to handle this new technology, leading to potential risks like identity theft and deception. The rapid advancement of AI voice cloning is outpacing legal frameworks, creating challenges for individuals whose voices are cloned without consent, as well as for industries like voiceover work. For example, AI voice-cloning fraud has increased by 30% in the UK in the last year, with criminals using cloned voices for scams like the “hi mum” text trick. The rise of cloned voices also raises concerns about authenticity, as AI-generated voices can mimic emotions but lack true emotional depth, making them sound unnatural. Industry leaders are racing to adapt, but experts stress that stronger regulation is needed to curb the misuse of AI-generated voices.
7. Elon Musk’s xAI Soars to $50 Billion Valuation After Major Funding Round.
Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has raised $5 billion in a new funding round, more than doubling its valuation since spring to $50 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. The funding boosts xAI’s total fundraising to $11 billion for the year. With the new capital, the company plans to purchase Nvidia chips for AI model training and expand its infrastructure. Its primary product, Grok, competes with AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Musk aims to make Grok the world’s most powerful AI, with a new version launching in December.
8. Yum Brands Boosts Sales with AI-Driven Marketing: Tests Show Stronger Results Than Traditional Campaigns.
Joe Park, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Yum Brands, shared insights with The Wall Street Journal about the company’s AI-driven marketing trials. These trials, which include Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, are focused on personalizing customer engagement through AI tools. By analyzing factors such as the time of day, customer behavior, and order frequency, Yum Brands delivers tailored offers to customers, boosting purchases and reducing churn. Park emphasized that AI is outperforming traditional marketing methods, enabling real-time testing and optimization. Yum plans to extend these efforts to other platforms like mobile apps and kiosks, positioning AI as central to their future marketing strategies.
9. Graph-Based AI Unlocks Cross-Disciplinary Innovation, Connecting Science and Art.
MIT professor Markus J. Buehler developed an AI method that bridges the gap between seemingly unrelated fields, like biological materials and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” revealing shared patterns of complexity. By combining generative AI with graph-based computational tools, the model helps identify hidden connections and accelerates scientific discovery. This approach has led to innovative material designs, such as a mycelium-based composite inspired by Kandinsky’s art.
Buehler’s work demonstrates how AI can inspire interdisciplinary breakthroughs, offering new insights across fields like material science, art, and music.
