Technology Weekly: March 16, 2024

Editor's Note


This week’s newsletter delves into the dynamic world of AI, spotlighting Timnit Gebru’s advocacy for ethics and diversity in tech, alongside cutting-edge developments from adaptive learning techniques to quantum computing breakthroughs. Highlighting strategic industry shifts, like Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI, and the critical discussions around AI’s role in biology and creative industries, we encapsulate the rapid innovation within AI and the ongoing dialogue on ethical frameworks and regulatory needs. Through these highlights, we aim to provide a concise overview of AI’s transformative journey and its societal impacts.

Cover Story


AI Ethics: Timnit Gebru's Stand

Published on 2024-03-15 22:02:51 +0000, 880 words, 5 min read

In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), the case of Timnit Gebru, a former Google AI researcher, serves as a poignant example of the complex intersection between technology, ethics, and workplace diversity. Born in Ethiopia and raised in an environment marked by adversity, including fleeing her home during the Eritrean-Ethiopian War and facing discrimination upon her arrival in the US, Gebru’s journey is one of resilience and defiance against systemic biases. This background has undoubtedly shaped her perspective on the need for ethical considerations in AI and the importance of diverse voices in technology.

Featured Articles


Adaptive Forgetting Enhances AI

Published on 2024-03-14 21:41:55 +0000, 307 words, 2 min read, #202

There is a recent development of a more flexible and adaptive machine learning model for language processing, which employs a technique of periodic forgetting during training. This approach involves selectively erasing the embedding layer of a neural network, which contains tokens specific to a p...


Multi-Agent AI: Beyond Limits

Published on 2024-03-14 20:12:23 +0000, 333 words, 2 min read, #201

A multi-agent system (MAS) is a type of computerized system comprised of multiple intelligent agents working in tandem to solve complex problems. These agents, varying in autonomy and objectives, operate within diverse environments that can be virtual, discrete, or continuous. MAS are characteriz...


Unraveling LLM's Emergent Mystique

Published on 2024-03-15 11:04:15 +0000, 435 words, 3 min read, #200

The concept of “emergent abilities” in large language models (LLMs) stands as a focal point of intrigue and debate. The journey through this landscape reveals two contrasting narratives. On one hand, researchers have observed what seemed like abrupt, unpredictable improvements in LLM capabilities...


Revolutionizing AI: Matrix Multiplication Breakthrough

Published on 2024-03-14 21:15:43 +0000, 382 words, 2 min read, #199

Matrix multiplication is vital in AI, mainly because it’s central to neural network computations. These neural networks, especially in deep learning, are structured in layers. The connections between these layers are depicted as matrices. When a network learns, it repeatedly multiplies matrices t...


Beyond the Angle: the Complexities of Cosine Similarity

Published on 2024-03-14 19:44:23 +0000, 271 words, 2 min read, #198

Cosine similarity is a widely used measure for determining semantic similarity between high-dimensional objects, particularly in fields such as language models and recommender systems. It operates on the principle of measuring the cosine of the angle between two vectors, effectively their normali...


Enhanced LLL Algorithm: Cryptographic Milestone

Published on 2024-03-16 19:16:43 +0000, 690 words, 4 min read, #197

In the field of digital security, a recent leap in cryptographic research presents both opportunities and challenges. The heart of this development lies in the enhancement of the LLL algorithm, a cornerstone in the field of cryptography and mathematics, particularly in lattice basis reduction. Un...


SIMA and the Future of Gaming: Innovation or Disruption?

Published on 2024-03-15 19:01:02 +0000, 396 words, 2 min read, #196

Google DeepMind’s latest project, SIMA (Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent), is turning heads in the gaming world, and not without reason. This AI gaming companion represents a leap forward from the conventional NPCs (Non-playable Characters) we’ve grown accustomed to. Unlike these traditiona...


Apple's Strategic Leap with DarwinAI Acquisition

Published on 2024-03-15 10:42:25 +0000, 267 words, 2 min read, #195

Apple’s recent move to acquire DarwinAI, a Canadian AI startup, is more than just an addition to its extensive list of acquisitions. It’s a strategic leap into enhancing its manufacturing processes and fortifying its stance in the AI arena. DarwinAI’s specialty in vision-based technology for over...


Databricks-Mistral: A Strategic Alliance

Published on 2024-03-15 20:12:37 +0000, 304 words, 2 min read, #194

In a recent and noteworthy development in the AI and data intelligence arena, Databricks, a leading data infrastructure company, announced a partnership with Paris-based startup Mistral, renowned for its array of high-performing large language models (LLMs). This collaboration marks a significant...


Zscaler's Acquisition of Avalor: M&A Market Catalyst

Published on 2024-03-15 13:32:33 +0000, 315 words, 2 min read, #193

In a bold and strategic move, Zscaler’s acquisition of cybersecurity startup Avalor for a whopping $310 million is not just a business transaction—it’s a statement. This merger has far-reaching implications for the cloud security landscape, potentially signaling a revitalization in the cybersecur...


AI2 Incubator: Conundrum Beyond Computing Power

Published on 2024-03-16 20:07:00 +0000, 614 words, 4 min read, #192

The recent announcement from AI2 Incubator, an entity that emerged from the Allen Institute for AI, marks a pivotal moment in the AI startup ecosystem. With a hefty $200 million in compute resources now at their disposal, the landscape for emerging AI companies is set to undergo a significant tra...


AI Ethics and Artistic Integrity in Creative Industries

Published on 2024-03-15 13:06:05 +0000, 340 words, 2 min read, #191

The recent controversy surrounding Under Armour’s advertisement, directed by Wes Walker and featuring boxer Anthony Joshua, has sparked a vital conversation within the creative community. Touted as the “first AI-powered sports commercial,” the ad has faced criticism for repackaging and utilizing ...


Dual-Edged Sword of AI in Biology

Published on 2024-03-16 19:51:00 +0000, 355 words, 2 min read, #190

In the dynamic interplay of technology and biology, AI stands as a dual-edged sword, poised between groundbreaking advancements and potential threats. The recent commitment by over 90 scientists, including Nobel laureate Frances Arnold, to regulate AI’s application in biology highlights this deli...


Quantum Advantage: A Real-World Breakthrough

Published on 2024-03-15 10:56:25 +0000, 496 words, 3 min read, #189

In the world of computing, a groundbreaking discovery has been made, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing saga of quantum computing. For years, the tech and science communities have buzzed with the potential of quantum computers. These computational behemoths, leveraging the perplexing ...


India's Balanced Approach to AI Regulation

Published on 2024-03-16 12:20:21 +0000, 445 words, 3 min read, #188

India has recently made a noteworthy pivot in its regulatory approach, highlighted by its latest AI advisory. Originally, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and IT had set forth a framework that mandated government approval before deploying AI models. This stance drew significant criticism, leadi...


WarpStream's New Approach to Data Streaming

Published on 2024-03-16 13:02:23 +0000, 577 words, 3 min read, #187

In the ever-evolving world of cloud computing and data management, a new player has emerged with a game-changing approach: WarpStream. As companies continue to migrate from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud, the demand for efficient and cost-effective data streaming services has skyrocketed...

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