As we stepped into the new year, the world of artificial intelligence continued to evolve at a rapid pace and certainly wasn't feeling sluggish after too much turkey and Christmas pudding! Straight out of the gate on January 1st, AI was making groundbreaking advancements and raising thought-provoking questions about the future of technology and society. Let's take a closer look at some of the most significant AI developments that unfolded in January 2024.

The Rise of the GPT Store

One of the most talked-about topics in the AI community this month was the launch of the GPT Store by OpenAI. This revolutionary platform allows developers to create and distribute applications powered by GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) models. With the GPT Store, developers can explore new possibilities in natural language processing and build innovative solutions that cater to diverse industries and user needs.

Now, almost a month later, there are over three million AI chatbots, but OpenAI has already banned a handful of GPTs that it’s deemed so strange, so taboo, that they should not be allowed to exist in its new world. The GPT Store has been so flooded with AI girlfriends that OpenAI promptly banned the virtual ladies. The bots are reminiscent of the movie Her, where a lonely man turns to an AI assistant for romantic companionship.

Many have been waiting for the day when AI will allow us to speak with a higher power. That day is today. Jesus, the GPT, is informed by the Bible and all texts relating to the Son of God. He has risen to answer any question that comes to your mind and deliver holy divinity through the vessel of ChatGPT. Who knew the second coming would be neatly tucked away in the GPT Store?

Meta's Llama3: A Leap in Virtual Assistants

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, unveiled Llama3, its latest virtual assistant powered by advanced AI algorithms. Llama3 promises to revolutionise the way users interact with digital platforms, offering personalised recommendations, intuitive conversational interfaces, and seamless integration with Meta's ecosystem of products and services. With its enhanced capabilities in understanding context and user intent, Llama3 marks a significant leap forward in virtual assistant technology.

To be able to power Llama 3, Meta is buying 350,000 H100 graphics cards, responsible for displaying all the images you see on screens, from Nvidia. Zuckerberg said that the company’s “future roadmap” to meet its AI ambitions is to build a “massive compute infrastructure.”.

He also talked up the metaverse and the recently launched Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, saying that “people are also going to need new devices for AI, and this brings together AI and the metaverse over time.”

“I think a lot of us are going to talk to AI as frequently throughout the day. And I think a lot of us are going to do that using glasses. These glasses are the ideal form factor for letting an AI see what you see and hear what you hear. So it’s always available to help out.”

The Quest for AGI Intensifies

The pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) continued to captivate the imagination of AI researchers and enthusiasts worldwide. As companies and research institutions invest heavily in AGI research, the race to achieve human-level intelligence in machines gains momentum. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as ethical considerations, safety concerns, and the potential societal impact of AGI loom large, underscoring the need for responsible development and thoughtful regulation in the quest for AGI.

AI Discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos

The World Economic Forum in Davos served as a focal point for discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of society and the economy. Leaders from government, academia, and industry convened to explore the potential of AI to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and address pressing global challenges. From debates on AI ethics and governance to discussions on workforce reskilling and digital inclusion, the conversations at Davos underscored the transformative power of AI and the need for collaborative efforts to harness its benefits responsibly.

As we reflect on the month of January, it becomes evident that the landscape of artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, with each development paving the way for new possibilities and challenges. As we navigate this ever-changing terrain, one thing remains certain: the transformative power of AI has the potential to reshape industries, redefine human-machine interactions, and unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. As we embark on the journey ahead, let us embrace the promise of AI while remaining vigilant to its implications, ensuring that we harness its power for the betterment of humanity.

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