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Apple and OpenAI are expanding their collaboration with Phil Schiller, App Store head, reportedly set to join the OpenAI board. This new development will reinforce Apple's position, providing them with unique insights into future OpenAI strategies. Let's unpack this...

Today’s Summary:

• Apple’s Phil Schiller to join OpenAI board

• Microsoft VALL-E 2 achieves human-level voice cloning

• AI-trained exoskeleton aids mobility

• Kyutai unveils open-source voice assistant prototype

• Google AI coming to Pixel 9

• Hollywood stars voices narrate AI audiobooks

• 2 new tools

TOP STORY

Apple’s Phil Schiller to Join OpenAI Board

The Summary: Apple will reportedly gain an observer seat on the OpenAI board as part of their recent partnership for Apple Intelligence. Phil Schiller, App Store head and former Apple marketing chief, will take this position.

The role, similar to Microsoft’s board arrangement, allows attendance at board meetings without voting rights. This move strengthens the relationship between Apple and OpenAI, following their June announcement to offer ChatGPT on Apple devices.

Key details:

• Phil Schiller chosen for Apple’s seat on the OpenAI board

• Position to take effect later this year

• Apple and Microsoft will have equal board status

• Potential complications due to Apple-Microsoft rivalry

• Observer role provides insights into decision-making

• Reflects OpenAI strategy of diversifying partnerships

Why it matters: This development may give Apple insider access to OpenAI strategies, potentially influencing early future AI integrations in Apple products. The move also highlights Apple’s commitment to AI, positioning them even more competitively in the rapidly evolving landscape.

MODELS

Microsoft's AI Voice Clone Reaches Human-Level Quality

The Summary: Microsoft researchers have developed VALL-E 2, an AI system that clones human-like speech from just a 3-second audio sample. It marks the first zero-shot text-to-speech system to achieve human parity in speech robustness, naturalness, and speaker similarity.

Despite its potential for various applications, Microsoft is not releasing VALL-E 2 due to concerns about potential misuse, such as voice impersonation without consent, and considers it purely as a research project.

Key details:

• VALL-E 2 builds on its predecessor VALL-E, released in 2023

• It uses neural codec language models to represent speech

• Introduces Repetition Aware Sampling for improved stability

• Grouped Code Modeling boosts speed and performance

• Listen to demo samples here (click on Samples to expand)

Why it matters: VALL-E 2 ability to generate highly convincing synthetic voices with minimal input may raise ethical concerns about voice cloning and impersonation. Microsoft decision to withhold public release highlights the growing tension between quickly advancing AI capabilities and ensuring responsible deployment. This research shows the need for robust protocols around consent and content authentication in the era of AI-generated media.

HEALTH

AI-Trained Exoskeleton to Assist Human Movement

The Summary: Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a groundbreaking exoskeleton that uses AI and computer simulations to assist human movement without requiring any in-person training.

The device can reduce energy expenditure for walking, running, and stair climbing by up to 24%. This innovation could be key in assistive robotics, making exoskeletons more accessible and easier to use for both boosting able-bodied individuals as well as those with mobility impairments.

Key details:

• Exoskeleton trained using AI and computer simulations

• No physical human training required before use

• Reduces metabolic energy for walking by 24%

• Reduces energy for running by 13%

• Reduces energy for stair climbing by 15%

Why it matters: This innovation removes a key barrier for practical exoskeletons by eliminating the need for time-consuming individual training. The technology may allow for accessible assistive devices that could improve mobility and quality of life for many people. It also demonstrates the power of combining AI with robotics to solve real-world challenges.

QUICK NEWS

Quick news

• Kyutai unveils Moshi, open-source voice assistant prototype

• Hollywood stars voices narrate AI audiobooks

• Pixel 9 will arrive with a 'Google AI' collection of features

• Bridgewater launches $2B fund run by machine learning

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