🤖 AI aids U.S. military, sparks ethical concerns

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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:

☀️ On this day: On January 20, 1936, Edward Feigenbaum, often called the "father of expert systems," was born. His pioneering work in artificial intelligence led to the development of systems that emulate human expertise in specific fields.

What’s happening:

• 🤖 AI aids U.S. military, sparks ethical concerns

• 🧠 OpenAI to unveil "PhD-level" AI agents

• 🌀 TikTok resumes service in the U.S.

• ✂️ Instagram announces CapCut clone ‘Edits’

• 📱 Humanoid robots to assemble iPhones

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

🤖 AI aids U.S. military, sparks ethical concerns ↗️LINK

• What: The Pentagon is using AI tools from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta to enhance its "kill chain," which involves identifying, tracking, and responding to threats. These AI systems focus on planning and strategizing rather than weaponization, according to Pentagon officials.

• Why: AI speeds up decision-making, giving commanders a tactical advantage. Companies involved aim to strike a balance—supporting defense efforts without violating policies against harming humans.

• Impact: Military-AI collaboration raises ethical debates about autonomous weapons and AI’s role in life-and-death decisions. While no fully autonomous weapons are used, the partnership is pushing Silicon Valley to revisit its AI usage policies.

🧠 OpenAI to unveil "PhD-level" AI agents ↗️LINK

• What: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will brief U.S. officials on January 30th about advanced AI agents capable of expert-level problem-solving. OpenAI has also developed GPT-4b micro, a model that excels in protein engineering for cellular reprogramming, achieving results 50 times more effective than traditional methods.

• Why: This closed-door session highlights OpenAI's dual focus: consumer-facing tools and transformative breakthroughs behind the scenes. These advancements could shape industries like healthcare, science, and national policy.

• Impact: With sophisticated AI agents and groundbreaking models, OpenAI is leading a rapid acceleration in AI capabilities. The briefing underscores the technology's transformative potential and the need for careful oversight in this fast-evolving field.

🌀 TikTok resumes service in the U.S. ↗️LINK

• What: TikTok has begun restoring service in the U.S. after being briefly shut down due to a federal ban. The platform credited President Trump for providing assurances to service providers, allowing operations to resume. The app remains unavailable in app stores, and TikTok’s legal status is unresolved.

• Why: Trump promised to issue an executive order extending TikTok’s timeline for compliance, proposing a joint venture with the U.S. government owning 50%. However, critics argue this plan conflicts with laws requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok to a non-Chinese owner.

• Impact: TikTok’s return faces legal challenges and resistance from lawmakers pushing for stricter enforcement of the ban. ByteDance’s reluctance to sell raises uncertainty, while Congress may need to amend existing laws to support Trump’s proposal.

✂️ Instagram announces CapCut clone ‘Edits’ ↗️LINK

• What: Instagram announced Edits, a new video editing app designed to compete with CapCut. The app includes creative tools like green screens, video overlays, a high-quality camera, idea tracking, and performance insights. Edits will be available on iOS starting March 13, 2025.

• Why: With TikTok and CapCut facing bans in the U.S., Meta is positioning Edits as a robust alternative for creators. Instagram’s Adam Mosseri emphasized its broader creative features and tighter integration with Instagram’s platform to attract users.

• Impact: Edits could fill the gap left by CapCut and strengthen Instagram’s appeal to content creators. However, its success depends on standing out in a crowded market and the uncertain future of ByteDance-owned apps.

📱 Humanoid robots to assemble iPhones ↗️LINK

• What: UBTech, a Shenzhen-based humanoid robot maker, announced a partnership with Foxconn to deploy its Walker S1 robots for iPhone production. These 5.6-foot humanoids, capable of tasks like visual inspections, assembling components, and carrying loads, will streamline manufacturing processes, starting with Foxconn's Shenzhen and Zhengzhou facilities.

• Why: The collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and address tasks impacting human health, such as lifting heavy items. It also accelerates AI development in manufacturing by improving robots’ motion and decision-making abilities.

• Impact: UBTech’s mass production with Foxconn could revolutionize smart manufacturing and reduce costs. This marks a pivotal step for China’s humanoid robotics industry, which is leveraging its advanced industrial ecosystem to compete globally.

Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Do you believe Microsoft’s AI strategy could lead to significant job loss?

• A) Yes – AI might replace many roles - 55% 🏆

• B) No – It will create as many jobs as it replaces - 45%

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