Hari Thapliyaal

Dr. Hari Thapliyal is a seasoned professional and prolific blogger with a multifaceted background that spans the realms of Data Science, Project Management, and Advait-Vedanta Philosophy. Holding a Doctorate in AI/NLP from SSBM (Geneva, Switzerland), Hari has earned Master’s degrees in Computers, Business Management, Data Science, and Economics, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and a diverse skill set.

With over three decades of experience in management and leadership, Hari has proven expertise in training, consulting, and coaching within the technology sector. His extensive 16+ years in all phases of software product development are complemented by a decade-long focus on course design, training, coaching, and consulting in Project Management.

In the dynamic field of Data Science, Hari stands out with more than three years of hands-on experience in software development, training course development, training, and mentoring professionals. His areas of specialization include Data Science, AI, Computer Vision, NLP, complex machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, pattern identification, and extraction of valuable insights.

Hari’s professional journey showcases his diverse experience in planning and executing multiple types of projects. He excels in driving stakeholders to identify and resolve business problems, consistently delivering excellent results. Beyond the professional sphere, Hari finds solace in long meditation, often seeking secluded places or immersing himself in the embrace of nature.

5 minute read

AI News - December 2024

1. OpenAI Introduces o3 Reasoning Models in Testing Phase

OpenAI concluded its ‘12 Days’ series by unveiling the o3 reasoning models, currently in the testing phase. These models aim to enhance AI’s reasoning and problem-solving capabilities, marking a significant step forward in AI development. (theaitrack.com)

2. ChatGPT’s ‘Work with Apps’ Feature Enhances Desktop Integration

OpenAI expanded ChatGPT’s functionality with the ‘Work with Apps’ feature, enabling seamless interaction with desktop applications. This upgrade streamlines workflows for users on Mac and Windows platforms, enhancing productivity. (theaitrack.com)

3. Expansion of ChatGPT Access with Dial-In and WhatsApp Integration

OpenAI broadened ChatGPT’s accessibility by introducing a dial-in hotline for voice interactions and integrating the service with WhatsApp for text-based chats. These developments modernize AI connectivity and user interaction. (theaitrack.com)

4. OpenAI Makes ChatGPT Search Tool Free for All Users

OpenAI democratized access to its ChatGPT search tool by making it free for all users. This move provides conversational, AI-driven search capabilities and voice integration across various platforms, enhancing user experience. (theaitrack.com)

5. OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Projects for Enhanced Task Management

OpenAI launched ChatGPT Projects, a feature designed to simplify task management by allowing users to organize conversations, files, and tools in one place. This functionality aims to boost productivity and streamline workflows. (theaitrack.com)

6. OpenAI’s Release of the o1 Model

OpenAI released the full version of its o1 model, building upon the preview version o1-preview from September 2024. The o1 model demonstrated significant improvements in reasoning capabilities, particularly in coding, science, and mathematics benchmarks. (en.wikipedia.org)

7. OpenAI’s Introduction of Deep Research Tool

OpenAI unveiled Deep Research, a tool that integrates reasoning and web search into a unified workflow. Based on the o3 model, Deep Research allows users to perform complex research tasks that require multi-step reasoning and data synthesis from multiple sources. (en.wikipedia.org)

8. Google’s Release of Whisk and Veo Updates

Google updated its generative AI models, releasing Veo 2 and Imagen 3, and introduced Whisk to enhance video and image creation. These updates aim to provide creators and businesses with advanced tools for content generation. (theaitrack.com)

9. Google’s Release of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental AI

Google introduced Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, an experimental AI model capable of complex problem-solving and explaining its thought processes. This model represents a significant advancement in AI reasoning capabilities. (theverge.com)

10. Google’s Enhancement of Code Assist with Gemini 2.0

Google upgraded its Code Assist tool with Gemini 2.0, expanding integrations to platforms like GitHub and Atlassian. This enhancement facilitates smoother coding experiences and improved collaboration among developers. (theaitrack.com)

11. Introduction of Deep Research in Gemini

Google introduced Deep Research in Gemini, a feature that conducts multi-step research tasks. This tool integrates reasoning and web search, allowing users to perform complex research requiring data synthesis from multiple sources. (en.wikipedia.org)

12. Apple’s Launch of Apple Intelligence

Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, an AI system integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Combining on-device and server processing, Apple Intelligence offers features like notification summarization and personalized recommendations. However, it faced criticism for inaccuracies in news summaries. (en.wikipedia.org)

13. Development of Advanced AI Evaluation Tests

As AI systems surpass traditional benchmarks like the SATs and U.S. bar exam, new and more sophisticated tests are being developed. Tools like Epoch AI’s FrontierMath and benchmarks from the Center for AI Safety and Scale AI aim to better understand AI capabilities and potential risks. (time.com)

14. Instagram’s Introduction of AI Deepfake Tools

Instagram announced plans to launch generative AI tools enabling users to create deepfake videos easily. This move raised concerns about the potential increase in deepfakes and disinformation on social media platforms. (thetimes.co.uk)

15. Nvidia’s Earth-2 Project

Nvidia’s Earth-2 project combines geospatial AI with physics simulations and computer graphics to provide accurate weather and climate predictions. This initiative has been adopted by agencies like NOAA and The Weather Company. (barrons.com)

16. Niantic’s Geospatial Mapping Efforts

Niantic, known for Pokémon Go, has created comprehensive 3D ground-level maps based on a repository of 10 million scanned locations. These maps have potential applications beyond gaming, including logistics and remote collaboration. (barrons.com)

17. World Labs’ Development of World Models

World Labs, founded by AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, aims to build extensive world models for diverse applications. Their work stems from advanced research in visual spatial intelligence, with early use cases in video games. (barrons.com)

18. Emergence of “Slop” in AI-Generated Content

The term “slop” emerged to describe the influx of low-quality, synthetic content produced by generative AI technologies. This phenomenon raises concerns about content quality and trust online. (en.wikipedia.org)

19. Spain’s Preparation for AI Regulatory Certifications

The Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA) prepared to implement certifications on the use of AI in Spain. These certifications aim to ensure safety and compliance by classifying AI applications according to their societal risk levels. (en.wikipedia.org)

20. Nvidia’s Leadership in Geospatial AI

Nvidia’s advancements in geospatial AI, particularly through its Earth-2 project, position the company at the forefront of spatial intelligence, combining AI with comprehensive geospatial data for enhanced environmental modeling. (barrons.com)

21. Integration of AI in Consumer Technology

Major technology companies, including Apple and Instagram, have integrated AI tools into consumer products, enhancing user experiences but also raising concerns about privacy, misinformation, and content authenticity. (thetimes.co.uk)

22. OpenAI’s Transition to a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC)

OpenAI announced its transition from a for-profit entity to a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). This strategic move aims to secure funding for the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) while ensuring the company’s commitment to societal impact and ethical considerations in AI advancement. (theaitrack.com)

23. Alibaba’s Qwen Model Surpasses GPT-4o in Visual Reasoning

Alibaba’s AI research division, Qwen, introduced the QVQ-72B-Preview model, which integrates vision and language processing. This model achieved superior performance in visual reasoning tasks compared to OpenAI’s GPT-4o, highlighting significant advancements in multimodal AI capabilities. (theaitrack.com)

24. DeepSeek V3 Emerges as a Leading Open-Source AI Model

DeepSeek unveiled its V3 model, featuring a Mixture-of-Experts architecture. This open-source model set new benchmarks in AI performance, offering efficient and cost-effective training solutions, thereby democratizing access to advanced AI technologies. (theaitrack.com)

25. Elon Musk’s xAI Raises $6 Billion, Doubling Valuation

Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, secured $6 billion in Series C funding, bringing its valuation to $45 billion. The funds are earmarked for accelerating innovation, product development, and research in AI, reinforcing Musk’s commitment to advancing AI technologies. (theaitrack.com)

26. YouTube and CAA Collaborate to Regulate AI-Generated Celebrity Likenesses

YouTube partnered with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to develop tools that allow celebrities to control the use of their AI-generated likenesses. This collaboration aims to establish ethical standards for AI applications in the entertainment industry. (theaitrack.com)

Meta expressed support for Elon Musk’s legal actions against OpenAI, petitioning the California Attorney General to block OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model. This development highlights internal industry disputes and concerns over AI governance. (theaitrack.com)

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