AI This Week

Huawei Technologies plans to begin mass shipments of its new 910C artificial intelligence chip to Chinese customers as early as next month. This comes as Chinese AI companies seek alternatives to Nvidia's H20 chip, which now requires a US export license. The 910C chip is said to offer performance comparable to Nvidia's H100 by combining two 910B processors. Industry experts suggest this move could make Huawei's chip the preferred choice for Chinese AI developers.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled new rules for the 98th Academy Awards, steering clear of favoring or penalizing the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and digital tools in filmmaking. This marks the Academy’s first official rule addressing AI’s role in film production. While past films such as The Brutalist and Emilia Perez drew criticism for incorporating GenAI, the new guidelines stress that AI usage will not influence nomination chances. Instead, the focus remains on human-driven creative authorship. The decision highlights Hollywood’s ongoing debate about balancing technological advancements with artistic expression. The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026.

The European Union recently announced its "AI Continent Action Plan," aimed at establishing the EU as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Key initiatives include building advanced AI infrastructure, enhancing access to high-quality datasets, fostering AI adoption across industries, and addressing AI talent shortages. The plan juxtaposes ambitious growth goals with debates about the regulatory complexities posed by the AI Act. Public consultations have been launched to guide the strategy.

Anthropic has introduced powerful updates to its AI assistant, Claude, including Research capabilities and a Google Workspace integration. The Research feature elevates information gathering, allowing Claude to independently navigate multiple searches, explore angles systematically, and deliver detailed answers with reliable citations. The addition of Google Workspace supports email, calendar, and document-based searches, bringing work context directly into Claude to simplify tasks like meeting preparation and technical analysis. Designed for professionals, students, and parents alike, Claude accelerates workflows without compromising quality. Enterprise users gain access to advanced cataloging features that enhance document retrieval within organizations, all while maintaining data security. Currently available in beta, these features mark the beginning of Claude's expansion into deeper content sources.

OpenAI has introduced two new AI models, o3 and o4-mini, capable of "thinking with images." These models can analyze and discuss uploaded sketches, diagrams, and whiteboards, even if low quality. The o3 model excels at math, coding, science, and image understanding, while o4-mini offers faster, lower-cost operation. Both models integrate visual information into reasoning chains and can use various ChatGPT tools independently. OpenAI aims to maintain its lead in generative AI amid fierce competition. The models are available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team customers.

Google and research partners have announced a dramatic development in interspecies communication with the unveiling of DolphinGemma, an AI model designed to understand and generate dolphin vocalizations. On National Dolphin Day, Google highlighted its collaboration with Georgia Tech and the Wild Dolphin Project (WDP). WDP's extensive, decades-long dataset of dolphin sounds fueled the AI's training. DolphinGemma identifies, predicts, and even mimics dolphin sounds, paving the way for potential two-way interactions. This initiative not only showcases cutting-edge AI but also promises to deepen our connection with marine life.

Netflix is experimenting with an AI-powered search feature in Australia and New Zealand. The tool, developed with OpenAI, allows users to find content using natural language queries based on moods, themes, or descriptions. Currently available only on iOS devices in select regions, this feature aims to enhance content discovery beyond traditional title or genre-based searches. If successful, Netflix may expand the rollout to more markets, potentially including the United States. This move demonstrates Netflix's continued interest in leveraging AI to improve user experience and engagement.

A national survey by Jobs for the Future (JFF) highlights a sharp increase in AI usage at work, yet training lags behind. Over one-third of U.S. workers now use AI, a significant jump from 2023's 8%. Despite this, only 31% receive employer-provided AI training, with many resorting to self-directed learning. The survey also finds that 59% of learners utilize AI weekly. This discrepancy reveals an urgent need for enhanced training to bridge the gap. Crucially, diverse and underrepresented groups feel the impact more acutely, influencing their career plans. These findings stress the importance of accessible AI education and resources.

Aardvark Weather, a groundbreaking AI approach, promises to overhaul weather forecasting by drastically reducing computational demands and speeding up predictions. Researchers from the University of Cambridge, the Alan Turing Institute, and others have developed a system requiring thousands of times less computing power than conventional methods. This AI-driven model, published in Nature, processes raw global data from various sources to deliver more detailed and quicker forecasts. Richard Turner of the University of Cambridge highlights its potential to offer tailored predictions for specific industries, while Dr. Scott Hosking emphasizes its role in democratizing access for developing nations. Furthermore, Dr. Anna Allen suggests this innovation could enhance forecasting natural disasters.

A recent report from FTI Consulting and Relativity reveals a striking shift in the legal industry, with 44% of legal departments now utilizing generative AI, a significant rise from previous years. Insights from interviews and surveys highlight that 65% of legal departments intend to invest in new technology, with a focus on generative AI. The report uncovers that while enthusiasm for AI grows, 85% of general counsel feel unprepared for its risks. Interestingly, Latin American legal teams show the highest comfort with AI in e-discovery at 86%. Concerns about AI’s viability, reliability, and cost still persist.