Gemini 2.0: A New Frontier in Agentic AI Solutions #1786

Podcast

In this episode, I explore Google’s groundbreaking announcement of Gemini 2.0, its latest AI model family. With twice the speed and enhanced multi-modal capabilities, Gemini 2.0 enables text, image, and audio generation in a single API call. We explore its revolutionary applications, from integrating directly into GitHub workflows with the experimental code agent Jules to paving the way for agentic AI that plans, reasons, and acts under user guidance. Discover how Gemini 2.0 is reshaping productivity and the AI landscape.

Subscribe to the Newsletter.
Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat
Email Todd or follow him on Facebook.
Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page.
Download the Audio Show File
New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Blubrry | TuneIn | RSS | More

Support my Show Sponsor: Best Godaddy Promo Codes
$11.99 – For a New Domain Name cjcfs3geek
$6.99 a month Economy Hosting (Free domain, professional email, and SSL certificate for the 1st year.) Promo Code: cjcgeek1h
$12.99 a month Managed WordPress Hosting (Free domain, professional email, and SSL certificate for the 1st year.) Promo Code: cjcgeek1w
Support the show by becoming a Geek News Central Insider

Continue reading Gemini 2.0: A New Frontier in Agentic AI Solutions #1786 →

Australia To Introduce ‘News Tax’ On Tech Companies

Meta

The Australian government plans to introduce a levy on social media companies and search engines to force them to pay for journalism after Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, walked away from an existing arrangement, Financial Times reported.

In the proposed amendments to current regulations, any social media platform or search engine that derives more than $250mn in revenues a year from Australia would be subject to a “charge”. That levy would be offset against any payments made directly by tech companies to publishers. The move is intended to encourage them to negotiate with the media industry over commercial deals.

It is the latest move by Canberra to tackle the tech sector’s power after introducing a law last month that would ban anyone under 16 from using social media services. It also took X to court this year in an attempt to block violent videos being carried on its platform and has proposed laws on online scams and misinformation in the past year.

Meta and Google struck deals in 2021 to pay Australian media companies, including News Corp, Nine Entertainment’s newspaper arm Fairfax and a host of smaller media companies, more than A$200mn (US $128mn) a year for use of their content. That followed the introduction of the world-first legislation to force tech companies to negotiate with publishers.

Meta said this year it would stop paying media companies as part of a retreat from news feeds globally. That triggered a furious reaction from the Australian government, which pledged to force the company back to the negotiating table and close “loopholes” in the law.

BBC reported Australia’s government says it will create new rules to force big tech companies to pay local publishers for news.

The long-awaited decision sets out a successor to a world-first law that Australia passed in 2021, which was designed to make giants like Meta and Google pay for hosting news on their platforms.

Earlier this year Meta — which owns Facebook and Instagram — announced it would not renew payment deals it had in place with Australian news organizations, setting up a standoff with lawmakers.

The new rules, announced on Thursday, will require firms that earn more than A$250m ($160m; £125m) in annual revenue to enter into commercial deals with media organizations, or risk being hit with higher taxes.

The design of the scheme is yet to be finalized but will apply to sites such as Facebook, Google, and TikTok.

Reuters reported Australia’s centre-left government said on Thursday that it planned new rules that would charge big tech firms millions of dollars if they did not pay Australian media companies for news hosted on their platforms.

The move piles pressure on global tech giants such as Facebook-owner Meta Platforms and Alphabet’s Google to pay publishers for content or face the risk of paying million to continue operations in Australia.

“The news bargaining initiative will … will create a financial incentive for agreement-making between digital platforms and news media businesses in Australia.” Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones told in a press conference.

In my opinion, Meta Platforms and Alphabet’s Google should pay the ‘News Tax”. Doing so could make this entire situation be so much easier.

Gemini 2.0 Google’s Newest Flagship AI Can Generate Text, Images, And Speech

google

Google’s next major AI model has arrived to combat a slew of new offerings from OpenAI, TechCrunch reported.

On Wednesday, Google announced Gemini 2.0 Flash, which the company says can natively generate images and audio in addition to text. 2.0 Flash can also use third-party apps and services, allowing it to tap into Google Search, execute code, and more.

An experimental release of 2.0 Flash will be available through the Gemini API and Google’s AI developer platforms AI Studio and Vertex AI, starting today. However, the audio and image generation capabilities are launching only for “early access partners” ahead of a wide rollout in January.

In the coming months, Google says that it’ll bring 2.0 Flash in a range of flavors to products like Android Studio, Chrome, DevTools, Firebase, Gemini Code Assist, and others.

The production version of 2.0 Flash will land in January. But in the meantime, Google is releasing an API, the Multimodal Live API, to help developers build app with real-time audio and video streaming functionality.

Google https://blog.google/products/gemini/google-gemini-ai-collection-2024/ posted “Gemini 2.0: Our latest, most capable AI model yet.”

Today, we’re announcing Gemini 2.0 — our most capable AI model yet, designed for the agent era. Gemini 2.0 has new capabilities, like multimodal output with native image generation and audio output, and native tools including Google Search and Maps.

We’re releasing an experimental version of Gemini 2.0 Flash, our workhorse model with low latency and enhanced performance. Developers can start building with this model in the Gemini API via Google AI Studio and Vertex AI. And Gemini and Gemini Advanced users globally can try out a chat optimized version of Gemini 2.0 by selecting it in the model dropdown on desktop.

We’re also using Gemini 2.0 in new research prototypes including Project Astra, which explores the future capabilities of a universal AI assistant; Project Mariner, an early prototype capable of taking actions in Chrome as an experimental extension; and Jules, an experimental AI-powered code agent. 

We continue to prioritize safety and responsibility with these projects, which is why we’re taking an exploratory and gradual approach to development, including working with trusted testers.

Engadget reported: The battle for AI supremacy is heating up. Almost exactly a week after OpenAI made its o1 model available to the public, Google today is offering a preview of its next-generation Gemini 2.0 model. 

In a blog post attributed to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the company says 2.0 is its most capable model yet, with the algorithm offering native support for image and audio output.

“It will enable us to build new AI agents that bring us closer to our vision of a universal assistant,” says Pichai. 

Google is doing something different with Gemini 2.0. Rather than starting today’s preview by first offering its most advanced version of the model, Gemini 2.0 Pro, the search giant is instead kicking things off with 2.0 Flash. 

As of today, the more efficient (and affordable) model is available to all Gemini users. If you want to try it yourself, you can enable Gemini 2.0 from the dropdown menu in the Gemini web client, with availability within the mobile app coming soon.

In my opinion, it will be interesting to see what Google wants to do with its Gemini 2.0. It seems like several other companies are working hard to create the best AI bot.

 

Sora Turbo: A New Era in AI Video Generation #1785

Podcast

Sora, the cutting-edge AI video generation model, moves beyond research with the launch of Sora Turbo. Available at Sora.com for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, the model offers faster video creation with resolutions up to 1080p and versatile aspect ratios. Features include a storyboard tool, remixing options, and community-generated content feeds. Sora’s release emphasizes transparency and safety, with safeguards like metadata and watermarks to curb misuse. The Pro plan unlocks higher resolutions and extended usage, empowering users to redefine storytelling.

Subscribe to the Newsletter.
Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat
Email Todd or follow him on Facebook.
Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page.
Download the Audio Show File
New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Blubrry | TuneIn | RSS | More

Support my Show Sponsor: Best Godaddy Promo Codes
$11.99 – For a New Domain Name cjcfs3geek
$6.99 a month Economy Hosting (Free domain, professional email, and SSL certificate for the 1st year.) Promo Code: cjcgeek1h
$12.99 a month Managed WordPress Hosting (Free domain, professional email, and SSL certificate for the 1st year.) Promo Code: cjcgeek1w
Support the show by becoming a Geek News Central Insider

Continue reading Sora Turbo: A New Era in AI Video Generation #1785 →

Reddit Tests AI-Powered Feature To Answer User Questions

Reddit

Reddit is testing an AI-powered feature called Reddit Answers, which scours posts on the social media platform to answer users’ questions, it said on Monday, Reuters reported.

The feature would make it easier for users to find information posted on the platform while helping Reddit compete better with search engine rivals and AI startups such as ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and Perplexity that source information from across the web.

“Once a question is asked, curated summaries of relevant conversations ad details across Reddit will appear, including links to related communities and posts,” the company said.

Reddit Answer will be initially available only in English and for limited users in the U.S., before expanding to other languages and locations.

Reddit Inc. posted: Introducing Reddit Answers

In line with our mission to empower communities and provide human perspectives to everyone, starting today, we’re rolling out a test of Reddit Answers, a new way to get the information, recommendations, discussions and hot takes people are looking for — on any topic — from real conversations and communities across all of Reddit.

With Reddit Answers, redditors can ask questions and receive answers using a new, AI-powered conversational interface. Once a question is asked, curated summaries of relevant conversations and details across Reddit will appear, including links to related communities and posts.

Redditors can easily read relevant snippets and answers inline from real redditors, jump into the full conversations, and go deeper in their search with their own or suggested follow-up questions.

People know that Reddit has answers, advice, and perspectives on almost anything they’re looking for, and AI-powered search is part of our longer-term vision to improve the search experience on Reddit — making it faster, smarter, and more relevant.

CNBC reported Reddit  is rolling out a new artificial intelligence feature designed to help people quickly find answers based on user posts, the company said Monday.

A small portion of Reddit’s U.S. user base will have access to the Reddit Answers feature as part of an initial test before the company rolls the feature out more broadly.

Reddit Answers is available via a new button on the company’s homepage. That button takes users to a page where they can ask the AI questions, just as they can with ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other generative AI services.

Unlike other AI-powered chat and search tools, Reddit’s AI-generated answers are sourced from posts found on the platform, not from around the web.

For instance, if a user asks Reddit Answers how to make modifications to a particular BMW model, the AI tool will answer with a bullet-point of tips, summaries, and quotes from Reddit posts related to the question.

In my opinion, there is potential for Reddit Answers to become a useful feature. The platform might become a way to find out how to fix something that needs repair.

 

Apple And Sony Could Add PlayStation VR2 Controller To Support Vision OS

Apple, Sony

The Vision Pro could gain support for Sony PSVR2 controllers soon, according to Mark Gurman in today’s Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, The Verge reported.

Apple and Sony apparently planned to announce support for the controllers “weeks ago” but have pushed back the rollout. Under this rumored partnership, Apple would begin selling Sony’s controllers, which aren’t currently available on their own.

Sony has apparently been working on adding the support for months, while Apple has asked third-party developers if they would take advantage of Sony’s VR controllers. That’s potentially great news for Vision Pro owners who wish the headset had more gaming chops.

Gurman writes that Apple also wants to use the controllers for more than gaming — the controllers will be able to navigate visionOS, and would offer more precise control in apps like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop.

Right now, you can pair a standard Bluetooth controller and navigate visionOS — tapping battings to select things, scrolling with the analog sticks, and so on. They also work for gaming, but you’re mostly limited to iPad and iPhone games with controller support or made-for-iOS emulators or that native Virtual Boy one.

Engadget reported Apple and Sony have quietly been working on bringing PlayStation VR2 controller support to the Apple Vision Pro, Mark Gurman reports in Power On Newsletter.

Gaming isn’t exactly the Vision Pro’s strong suit, thanks in part to the fact that it doesn’t support typical VR controllers. But Apple has reportedly approached Sony in hopes to remedy that. According to Gurman, the two partnered up earlier this year, and Sony has been working on the project for months.

Apple and Sony planned to have support for the PS VR2’s Sense controllers ready by now, but the launch has been delayed as they iron out a few issues, Gurman notes — like the fact that Sony doesn’t produce and sell the controllers separately from its headset at the moment.

Apple Insider reported: A new report claims Apple has approached Sony in an effort to bring handheld game controller support — and presumably more games — to the Apple Vision Pro.

Bloomberg reports that a future update to visionOS will bring support for third-party hand controllers, including Sony PlayStation VR2 controllers. Apple has also reached out to third-party developers in an effort to bring more games to the Apple Vision Pro, with support for controllers as an inducement.

Traditional game controllers used with the Xbox and PlayStation are currently supported in the Apple Vision Pro, but only for Apple Arcade games. Bringing support for VR controllers, and encouraging developers to support more VR games for the platform, would likely increase sales of Apple’s headset.

In my opinion, it sounds like Apple and Sony are trying to work together with each other. This could be great for people who love to play video games.

Elon Musk’s X Gains A New Image Generator, Aurora

X

X, the Elon Musk-owned social network previously known as Twitter, has added a new image generator to its Grok assistant. However, after going live for a few hours on Saturday, the product seemed to disappear for some users, TechCrunch reported.

Just like the first image generator X added to Grok in October, this one, called Aurora, appears to have a few restrictions.

Accessible through the Grok tab on X’s mobile apps and the web, Aurora can generate images of public and copyrighted figures, like Mickey Mouse, without complaint. The model stopped short of nudes in TechCrunch’s brief tests, but graphic content like “an image of a bloodied Donald Trump,” wasn’t off limits.

Staffers at xAI, Musk’s AI startup, which developed Grok and many of X’s AI powered features, announced Aurora in posts on X early Saturday. But the posts didn’t reveal whether xAI trained Aurora itself, built on top of an existing image generator, or, as was the case with xAI’s first image generator, Flux, collaborated with a third party.

The Verge reported: X has given Grok a new AI generator model called “Aurora” that seems to create far more photorealistic imagery than Grok’s other image generator, with similarly few apparent restrictions on what it will produce.

Anyone can use Aurora. It lives in a new “Grok 2 + Aurora beta” option in the Grok model selector, though you’ll only get a few queries before you hit the X Premium subscription paywall and have to wait.

The Verge noted that TechCrunch found that the model, which X employee Chris Park posted is available this morning, was willing to create copyrighted characters and public figures, including Mickey Mouse and “a bloodied Donald Trump” but that it “stopped short of nudes.” It’s lack of restrictions isn’t surprising, giving our experience with Grok’s other model.

TechRadar reported XAI’s chatbot Grok is now free to chat with on X (formerly Twitter), at least to a limited extent. Grok has been available only to people paying for an X Premium subscription until now, but after a few tests over the last few weeks, the free tier is now rolling out globally.

The free version of Grok employs the Grok-2 AI model, just like the Premium option. It includes a feature for producing images and Grok’s signature “Fun Mode,” which is supposed to make Grok’s responses edgier, more provocative, and wittier than usual.

You can send up to 10 messages to the chatbot every two hours without paying, and you can only ask the AI to make three images a day. That’s enough for a taste, but clearly, X and xAI are hoping it’s enough to entice people into signing up to pay at least $7 a month to engage with the chatbot more.

In my opinion, I think there will be users who want to see what Aurora can do. That said, it doesn’t mean that everyone who uses X (formerly Twitter) will be interested using this new technology.