🚨 Google AI for Phone Calls

🗞 News of the day

🚀 Deep Research’ Mode for ChatGPT

OpenAI just dropped a bombshell with their brand-new ChatGPT mode called Deep Research. This isn't your grandma's AI chatbot, folks. We're talking about a digital detective capable of digging through the vastness of the internet to perform complex, multi-step research.

OpenAI is pushing the envelope with what they call "agentic AI," which basically means AI that can perform human-like tasks. If you're in fields like engineering, finance, literature, or biology, this might just be your new best friend. It has real-time access to the web, although you'll need to be a bit patient since it takes its sweet time to respond—between 5 and 30 minutes depending on how gnarly your query is.

This AI is initially only available for the high-rollers on OpenAI's $200-a-month Pro plan. If it behaves itself and passes safety checks, it could trickle down to the $20-a-month Plus tier next month. Fingers crossed!

And let's talk power—this thing demands a lot of it. It's like a high-performance sports car that needs premium fuel to function. But in return, it promises to document its findings with clear citations and outlines, making it a researcher's dream. Just a heads-up, though: while it's better at staying on track than its predecessors, it still has a tendency to hallucinate. So, keep an eye on those citations.

This big reveal comes hot on the heels of OpenAI's o3 mini release—a leaner, meaner reasoning machine—probably rushed out the door to keep pace with China's DeepSeek R1.

🔖 Today's Cool Story

🚨 Doomsday Clock

The Doomsday Clock, a symbol of global existential threats, is now set at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been.

• Current Clock Status: The Doomsday Clock is now at 89 seconds to midnight, marking the closest point in history, highlighting the severe potential for global catastrophe. This change from 90 seconds in previous years reflects increased global risks and was initially established in 1947 to assess global threats.

• Contributing Factors: Major threats such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and instability in regions like the Middle East are pushing the clock closer to midnight. The integration of artificial intelligence in military operations and the threat of pandemics further exacerbate these risks, necessitating urgent global attention.

• Global Cooperation Needed: There is a strong call for international cooperation to address these existential threats, emphasizing the need for global leaders to engage in dialogue and work towards nuclear disarmament. Collaborative efforts can potentially move the clock back, demonstrating the importance of unified action to ensure humanity's survival.

💡 AI Insight

🎯 Google AI to Handle Phone Calls

Google's new experimental features make phone calls on behalf of users, handling local inquiries and customer service calls.

• AI-Driven Features: Google introduced 'Ask for Me' and 'Talk to a Live Representative', two innovative features aimed at simplifying phone interactions. 'Ask for Me' gathers information from local businesses about services, while 'Talk to a Live Representative' manages hold times with customer service.

• User Experience: Users simply input their needs through a search interface and Google's AI takes over the calling process, delivering a summary via text or email within 30 minutes. These features leverage Google's Duplex AI technology, known for its natural voice interaction capabilities.

• Implications for the Future: This development could appeal greatly to younger generations who prefer digital communication over traditional phone calls. As customer service increasingly shifts towards AI, the landscape may soon involve AIs interacting with other AIs, reshaping communication norms.

🤖 Today on AI Robotics

🚨 Can a Robot Design Itself?

Ameca, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, has sparked intrigue with its response to whether AI can design itself.

• Ameca's Insightful Response: When questioned about AI's ability to design itself, Ameca likened AI to a toaster, asserting that AI is a tool created and controlled by humans. The robot highlighted that AI can optimize its tasks but cannot independently create new designs. Ameca also pointed out the potential risks associated with AI developing its own capabilities.

• Public Reaction and Cultural References: The public reaction to Ameca's comments ranged from shock to amusement, with many expressing concerns about the potential threats posed by AI. References to popular culture, such as "I, Robot" and "Terminator," were prevalent among viewers. The conversation reflected a general unease about the rapid advancements in AI technology.

• Ameca's Capabilities and Future Endeavors: As the world's most advanced humanoid robot, Ameca is equipped with microphones and cameras, enabling it to recognize and interact with people. Created by Engineered Arts, Ameca was showcased at a recent event in Las Vegas. The National Robotarium in the UK has acquired Ameca, focusing on making robotics more relatable and fostering trust between humans and robots.