Weekly Update | Recalling Recall | Apple - OpenAI Deal | Apple OnDev SLM | OpenAI's NSA Board Member | Autonomous Warfare

Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

With that, we've made it through another week, and with it comes another list of interesting developments at the intersection of business, tech, and human experience. This week's are a little unique in that there is a red thread that runs through them all.

As always, thanks to the community of you who send along topics and feedback. With that, let's hit it.

Microsoft Recalls Recall - It's never fun to admit when there's egg all over your face, especially when you're the one who put it there. However, Microsoft stepped up to the plate after the intense reaction to Microsoft Recall and while they haven't completely recalled the product, they have changed it so you have to opt-in versus opt-out. Who says we can't inspire change?

Apple & OpenAI's $0 Deal - You don't typically see gentleman's agreements between massive companies, and I'm sure in this case, there were still plenty of lawyers involved. However, the partnership between Apple and OpenAI doesn't appear to have a formal dollar amount associated with it. While that's led many to go the conspiratorial route, there seems to be some pretty logical explanations on why that's where they landed.

Apple's OnDevice AI - Speaking of conspiracies, many have been wondering if Apple Intelligence is just a fancy way to distract you from your data being taken and sent elsewhere. However, digging deeper into the capabilities of Apple's OnDevice model, it's clear we're moving into an age where Internet connectivity and massive data centers won't be a dependency for fully capable GenAI. That's probably good since everyone demanding a digital Maybach for occasional AI use isn't terribly sustainable.

Snowden Calls Out OpenAI - While OpenAI adding a former NSA Director to their board may have slipped past many, Edward Snowden wasn't one of them. He also had some pretty harsh words to say about the decision, letting people know "They've been warned." However, while he's got some legitimate reasons for concern, is this really the government conspiracy many have been led to believe? I'm not convinced based on OpenAI's needs as a company and the purpose of board members.

Autonomous Warfare - While autonomous sharpshooters have historically been reserved for sci-fi military movies, a video I watched this week showcases how science fiction is quickly becoming a reality. And, while some are suggesting there's no reason for concern since we'll just live in a world where robots fight robots, I can't help but wonder about their choice of weapons. If I were in a fight against a robot, a gun wouldn't be my weapon of choice. It'd be a lot more logical, and I'd certainly feel a lot more comfortable if they were walking around with buckets of water.

Show Notes:

In this week's update, Christopher discusses Microsoft's significant change to its 'Recall' feature, highlighting the consumer pushback that led to a shift from an opt-out to an opt-in model. The episode also unpacks into the intricacies of the Apple and OpenAI partnership, debunking conspiracies around their no-money transaction and emphasizing their mutual benefits. Additionally, we explore Apple's advanced on-device AI model, its implications for data privacy, and the shift towards more localized AI solutions. The episode concludes with a sobering look at the Government's potential involvement in AI companies as well as the role of AI in military technology, featuring autonomous marksman robots and the ethical considerations they raise.

00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview

01:59 - Microsoft Recall: Privacy Concerns and Changes

08:11 - Apple and OpenAI Partnership: No Financial Exchange

15:49 - Apple's On-Device AI Model: Privacy and Capabilities

27:55 - Snowden's Warning: OpenAI and Government Involvement

38:25 - Autonomous AI in Warfare: Ethical Concerns

44:59 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#ArtificialIntelligence #Microsoft #Apple #OpenAI #DataPrivacy #TechNews #MilitaryTech