CriticGPT

The AI World Today

• OpenAI Launches CriticGPT

• Google Launches Gemma 2

• Alibaba Expands DingTalk AI

• SoftBank Invests in Perplexity

• Tencent Cloud's Asia Ambition

• AI Servers Manufacturing in India

• AI Fund Hits Europe

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• Take Note

• Good Reads

OpenAI Unveils CriticGPT for Improved AI Evaluation

OpenAI has introduced CriticGPT, a model based on GPT-4, designed to critique ChatGPT responses and assist human trainers in identifying mistakes during Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). According to OpenAI, CriticGPT helps trainers outperform those without assistance 60% of the time. Trained using RLHF, CriticGPT critiques code written by ChatGPT, effectively highlighting errors and reducing nitpicks and hallucinations. In trials, CriticGPT's critiques were preferred by trainers in 63% of cases. The next steps involve scaling CriticGPT’s capabilities to handle longer and more complex tasks, enhancing tools for AI alignment. OpenAI plans to integrate CriticGPT-like models into their RLHF labeling pipeline to improve AI output evaluations.

Google Unveils Advanced Gemma 2 AI Model

Google has released Gemma 2, an advanced AI model available globally to researchers and developers. Gemma 2, featuring 9 billion (9B) and 27 billion (27B) parameters, offers superior performance and inference efficiency. It runs efficiently on a single NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPU or TPU host, reducing deployment costs. The model excels in performance, with the 27B variant outperforming larger models, and the 9B variant surpassing Llama 3 8B. Gemma 2 integrates easily with AI frameworks like Hugging Face Transformers, PyTorch, and TensorFlow. Starting next month, Google Cloud customers can deploy Gemma 2 on Vertex AI. This release underscores Google’s commitment to responsible AI development, with robust safety measures and a focus on accessibility and innovation.

Alibaba Partners with AI Startups for DingTalk

Alibaba Group is partnering with six Chinese AI start-ups to enhance generative AI features on its DingTalk platform. The Hangzhou-based giant, which developed the AI model Tongyi Qianwen, is collaborating with MiniMax, Moonshot AI, OrionStar, Baichuan, Zhipu AI, and 01.AI. This initiative aims to provide diverse, industry-specific AI solutions. DingTalk, with over 700 million users and 25 million organizations, seeks to integrate advanced AI capabilities such as long-text processing and generative AI for educational and enterprise applications. The partnership will also boost DingTalk’s AI agent feature, which has seen significant user engagement. This move underscores Alibaba's strategy to prioritize AI in its business operations.

SoftBank's AI: Perplexity Investment & Tempus Partnership

On June 27, SoftBank Group Corp's Vision Fund 2 announced plans to invest between $10 million and $20 million in U.S. search startup Perplexity AI, valuing the company at $3 billion, according to Bloomberg News. This investment is part of a larger $250 million funding round. The terms of the deal are not yet finalized. Additionally, SoftBank launched a joint venture with Tempus AI to analyze personal medical data with AI for treatment recommendations. Each party will invest 15 billion yen ($93 million) into the venture, expected to close in July. This partnership follows SoftBank's $200 million investment in Tempus during its series G funding round in April. Tempus provides AI-informed treatment recommendations based on a vast database of U.S. patient records.

Tencent Cloud and Nokia Enhance AI Infrastructure

Tencent Cloud has partnered with Nokia to enhance cloud and network infrastructure for enterprises in Singapore and Asia Pacific. The alliance aims to integrate cloud services with network infrastructure, enabling businesses to optimize their IT environments for AI innovation. Citing Gartner, Tencent Cloud projects that cloud computing will become essential for business competitiveness, with public cloud service spending expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2027. Nokia's advanced network solutions will support multi-cloud operations, ensuring security and scalability. Tencent Cloud leverages its experience with Weixin/WeChat to offer high-impact cloud-based media and AI services. This partnership aims to drive digital transformation and business innovation across the region, with Tencent Cloud achieving significant growth in Singapore and Malaysia.

Foxconn to Manufacture AI Servers in India

Apple supplier Foxconn plans to manufacture artificial intelligence servers at its facilities in Tamil Nadu, India, as part of its strategy to diversify beyond phones. Foxconn, which assembles around 70% of iPhones, aims to leverage its contract manufacturing capabilities to produce AI servers for tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia. This move aligns with Foxconn's broader strategy to reduce dependence on China due to COVID-19 disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, Foxconn subsidiary Rayprus Technologies is exploring an entry into the Indian market with a facility in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Labour and Employment is investigating alleged discriminatory hiring practices at Foxconn's iPhone plant in Tamil Nadu.

Goldman Sachs Launches First European AI ETF

Goldman Sachs' ETF Accelerator will launch its first European fund, an AI-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF), through a partnership with Germany’s Baader Bank. The AI-Enhanced Eurozone Equities Ucits ETF, based on AI forecasting models by Ultramarin, will list on Frankfurt’s Xetra exchange, as reported by FT. This marks the first time a major financial institution has helped a European ETF issuer bring a fund to market, highlighting the growing importance of Europe’s ETF industry. Goldman’s platform, similar to U.S. white label platforms, aims to lower barriers for new entrants. Baader Bank's ETF will leverage Goldman’s services, including distribution and compliance, to facilitate its launch.

Take Note

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