The text-generating AI models GPT-3.5-turbo and GPT-4 have been updated by OpenAI to include a feature called function calling. Developers can now specify functions for GPT-4-0613 and GPT-3.5-turbo-0613, and the model will intelligently decide which JSON object to output that has the arguments needed to invoke those functions.
This is a novel approach to more securely link GPT’s capabilities with external tools and APIs, according to a blog post published by OpenAI on Tuesday. Developers can build chatbots that respond to queries by calling external tools (such as ChatGPT Plugins) using the function calling feature.
For instance, it can convert queries such as “What’s the weather like in Boston?” to get_current_weather(location: string, unit: ‘celsius’ – ‘fahrenheit’) or “Email Anya to see if she wants to get coffee next Friday” to a function call like send_email(to: string, body: string). OpenAI indicated that it will start the process of upgrading and deprecating the initial releases of GPT-4 and GPT-3.5-turbo, which it announced in March.
On June 27, all software utilizing the stable model names (GPT-3.5-turbo, GPT-4, and GPT-4-32k) will be automatically updated to the new models. Additionally, the business announced a 25% price reduction for the GPT-3.5-turbo.
Developers can use GPT-3.5-turbo for $0.0015 per 1,000 input tokens and $0.002 per 1,000 output tokens, yielding about 700 pages per dollar. A pricing reduction is also being applied to Text-embedding-ada-002, one of OpenAI’s most popular text embedding models.
Major changes have been revealed by The Recording Academy for the biggest award show in music. The Grammys will now accept entries for music created by artificial intelligence.
However, there is a catch. According to the New York Post, AI-generated music must also include meaningful and relevant human elements. Only human creators are qualified to be nominated for or awarded a Grammy Award, according to the most recent regulations.
According to the guidelines, AI-based content without human authorship is not eligible for the competition, while AI-based content with human authorship is. The latest adjustments coincide with an increase in deep-fake tracks and AI-generated music. This year, David Guetta surprised his audience by performing an Eminem song, even though the latter had never recorded it.
Recently, Universal Music Group has removed a song with AI-generated vocals from streaming sites that falsely claimed to be from Drake and the Weeknd after it went viral. The song, Heart on My Sleeve, was denounced by the record company for “infringing content created with generative AI“.
Spotify, the biggest player in the audio streaming industry, recently removed tens of thousands of songs, or roughly 7% of the recordings that the platform Boomy had uploaded. According to an individual familiar with the incident, the major record label Universal Music had alerted all of the major streaming services of unusual streaming activity on Boomy recordings.
Meta has announced a ground-breaking generative AI model called “Voicebox” that has the power to transform speech synthesis. Voicebox, according to a blog post by Meta, is the first model that can perform well for speech-generation tasks, even without specialized training for such tasks.
Voicebox is an expert in creating high-quality audio snippets, unlike conventional models that generate visuals or text. It has the ability to create speech in a variety of styles, either from scratch or by adjusting existing samples. Six languages, including German, Spanish, English, French, Polish, and Portuguese are supported by the model for speech synthesis. Voicebox also provides functions including noise reduction, content editing, style conversion, and varied sample production.
Voicebox is distinguished by its distinctive learning methodology. Voicebox learns directly from the untranscribed audio and the corresponding transcriptions rather than using autoregressive models. As a result, the model is more flexible and versatile because it can alter any portion of a given sample.
According to Meta, when given the surrounding speech and its associated transcript, Voicebox can be trained to predict a speech segment. Once the model has mastered the capacity to complete speech depending on context, it can be used for a variety of speech production tasks, enabling it to produce only the necessary parts of an audio recording rather than the entire recording.
Voicebox excels in a variety of applications because of its adaptability, such as in-context text-to-speech synthesis, cross-lingual style transfer, voice denoising and editing, and diversified speech sampling. Performance and adaptability of the model open up new avenues for creative audio generation and advanced speech manipulation.
Google unveiled a virtual try-on function earlier this week, powered by generative AI. The new function displays how clothing appears on a variety of body types. Google claims that the new function would enable customers to tweak products until they discover the ideal one.
Machine learning and new visual matching algorithms that enable users to fine-tune inputs like color, pattern, and style make this possible. Users will be able to see selections from stores all across the internet, which is the main benefit in this case.
Customers can now view how a piece of clothing will drape, stretch, cling, fold, and create wrinkles and shadows on a variety of models, thanks to the virtual try-on. Additionally, the tool will assist customers in locating complementary apparel items in various sizes, styles, or colors.
Google, in the company’s blog post, said, “We chose persons ranging in sizes XXS-4XL, representing varied skin tones (using the Monk Skin Tone Scale as a guide), body forms, ethnicities, and hair types.”
Google used multiple sets of photos of more than 80 models in a variety of stances, representing a range of sizes, skin tones, body shapes, and ethnicities, to create the virtual try-on function. In order to produce accurate photographs of the subject from all angles, the AI-powered tool learned from all the models how to match the shape of certain apparel in various postures.
According to Google, the feature would initially be compatible only for women’s clothing with retailers like H&M, Everlane, Anthropology, etc. It will eventually diversify into men’s clothes, mostly shirts. Over time, it’s anticipated that the tool will grow more exact and accurate.
This week, Google introduced a Lens image search function called DermAssist that can identify skin conditions such as odd mole or rash. Users can get more information concerning a bump on the lip, a line on a nail, or hair loss from the scalp. The tool functions on all areas of the body.
“Just take a picture or upload a photo through Lens, and you’ll find visual matches to inform your search,” the blog post says. Importantly, Google makes it clear that the material provided is informational only and not a diagnosis. The blog advises users to consult medical professionals for accurate diagnosis.
According to Google spokesperson Craig Ewer, the feature is accessible to everyone in the US and supports all major languages. For years, Google has been investigating the application of AI picture identification to skin diseases.
A project that aimed to diagnose skin, hair, and nail issues using a combination of photographs and survey responses was showcased by Google during its I/O developer conference in 2021. At the time, Google claimed that the technology could distinguish between 288 different conditions and would, 84% of the time, present the proper condition in the top three possibilities.
According to Google’s DermAssist tool page, it is “currently undergoing further market testing through a limited release.” It also states that despite being CE-marked as a Class 1 Medical Device (a label for products in the European Economic Area), it has not undergone FDA review.
Applications are being accepted for a free online course called “Introduction to Machine Learning” through the NPTEL platform, offered by IIT Kharagpur. The course provides a brief review of machine learning‘s core ideas as well as some of the most popular algorithms in the industry.
Students will gain knowledge of the most well-known supervised learning algorithms, such as the naive Bayes algorithm, logistic regression, decision trees, and k-nearest neighbors. They will also be given an introduction to Bayesian learning. In addition, the course will include some tutorial sessions and hands-on Python programming problem-solving.
Sudeshna Sarkar, a professor and the head of the IIT Kharagpur Department of Computer Science and Engineering, will teach the course. She earned her BTech in 1989 from the IIT Kharagpur, her MS in 1995 from the University of California, Berkeley, and her PhD in 1995 from the same institution. Although the course is free, students have to pay an exam fee of ₹1000 to get a certificate of completion and two credit points.
The application of machine learning algorithms, hypothesis space, overfitting, bias, and variance, tradeoffs between representational power and learnability, evaluation methods, and cross-validation are just a few of the topics that students will gain insight into.
The course will start on July 24, 2023, and end on September 15, 2023. The enrollment deadline is July 31, 2023. The registration date for the exam is August 18, 2023. The test will take place on September 24, 2023, at IST (Indian Standard Time).
The rise of remote work has revolutionized the way we work, allowing teams to collaborate across different time zones and geographical boundaries. While remote work offers numerous advantages, it also presents unique challenges, such as the potential for isolation and lack of team cohesion. This is where virtual team-building activities come into action.
These activities not only foster strong relationships but also enhance communication, trust, and collaboration within remote teams. In this post, we’ll explore effective virtual team building activities to strengthen your remote team and create a more connected and engaged workforce.
Understanding Virtual Team Building
Virtual team building refers to the intentional efforts made to build camaraderie, trust, and a sense of belonging within remote teams. It involves a range of activities designed to promote interaction and collaboration, despite the physical distance between team members. The benefits of virtual team building are manifold, including increased morale, improved communication, enhanced productivity, and a stronger sense of team identity.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with virtual team building, such as time zone differences, varying technological proficiency, and potential feelings of disconnect. By approaching these challenges with thoughtful preparation and effective execution, it’s possible to overcome them successfully.
Team Building Activities for Remote Teams
Here are some of the activities that you can embrace.
Icebreaker Activities to Establish Rapport
Icebreaker activities are a fantastic way to kickstart team-building efforts and create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Encourage team members to introduce themselves and share fun facts about their lives. This helps break the ice and initiates conversations beyond work-related topics.
Another popular icebreaker game is “Two Truths and a Lie,” where team members share three statements about themselves, and others have to guess which one is false. Additionally, organizing “Show and Tell” sessions allows team members to showcase something meaningful to them, fostering deeper connections and understanding.
Collaborative Problem-Solving Activities
Collaborative problem-solving activities promote teamwork, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills within remote teams. Virtual scavenger hunts are a great option, where teams work together to find specific items or solve riddles using online resources.
Online escape rooms provide an immersive experience, requiring team members to work together to solve puzzles and escape within a time limit. Team-based trivia or quizzes encourage friendly competition while improving knowledge and collaboration.
Communication and Trust-Building Activities
Communication and trust are the foundations of successful team dynamics. Virtual team-building games like “Never Have I Ever” can be adapted for remote settings, allowing team members to share personal experiences and anecdotes.
The “Storytelling Circle” exercise involves passing a story from one team member to another, stimulating creativity and collaboration. Virtual coffee or lunch breaks provide casual spaces for team members to connect, chat, and build relationships beyond work-related matters.
Creative Activities to Encourage Innovation
Encouraging creativity and innovation is crucial for remote teams. Virtual brainstorming sessions allow team members to collectively generate ideas and solutions for specific challenges or projects.
Online art or music challenges can tap into the creative talents of team members, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Virtual team-building workshops or seminars led by experts can also provide learning opportunities while promoting collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking.
Health and Wellness Activities
Taking care of the well-being of remote team members is essential for their overall satisfaction and productivity. Virtual fitness challenges, such as step challenges or yoga sessions, promote physical well-being while encouraging friendly competition.
Mindfulness or meditation sessions can help reduce stress and promote a positive mindset within the team. Virtual cooking or recipe-sharing activities enable team members to share their culinary skills and bond over a shared love for food.
Key Considerations for Successful Implementation of Virtual Team Building Activities
While incorporating virtual team-building activities, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. Firstly, plan and schedule activities in advance, considering the time zones and availability of team members. Ensure that the activities are inclusive and accommodating to everyone’s schedules.
Next, choose the right tools and platforms to facilitate seamless virtual team building. Video conferencing platforms with breakout rooms, interactive whiteboards, and chat features can enhance engagement and collaboration.
Make sure to create an inclusive and engaging environment by providing clear instructions, setting expectations, and encouraging active participation from all team members. Consider incorporating a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities to accommodate different working styles and time zones.
Lastly, collect feedback from team members to gauge their preferences and adapt the activities accordingly. Regularly assess the impact of virtual team-building efforts and make necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs of the team.
Final Thoughts
Since there are projected to be 36.2 million American employees working remotely by 2025, virtual team-building activities are invaluable for creating a strong and connected remote team. By implementing long-term strategies and prioritizing team cohesion, remote teams can thrive and achieve success together, regardless of physical distance.
According to the agreed contract, Squarespace will be acquiring the assets of Google Domains. Although the news was somewhat unexpected, there is still no information available about the entire transaction. However, under this significant acquisition, nearly 10 million domains will be moved to Squarespace. Although it is not official, Google Domains will start to wind down its operations, and after the sale is completed, the service is anticipated to be terminated.
Squarespace’s founder and CEO Anthony Casalena said, “We are incredibly happy to be chosen to serve the consumers of the Google Domains company. Domains are a crucial component of the web’s infrastructure and of every company’s online presence. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and look forward to serving these new clients in the same way that we have done for the millions of people who have used our domain solutions.
Google has agreed to assist Squarespace with a seamless transition that will take place over the upcoming months. Customers should be able to take advantage of comparable features for the most part, and the business promises to keep renewal prices in effect for at least a year following the transaction’s closing date. Although it’s unclear what pricing adjustments would be implemented, Squarespace has stated that it will provide incentives in an effort to keep these clients.
The issue of Workspace accounts linked to Google Domains is another factor to consider in addition to domain hosting and relocating. According to Squarespace, it will offer billing and customer support for Workspace subscribers. It will also serve as the exclusive domain provider for any customer purchasing a domain along with their Workspace subscription from Google directly for a minimum of three years.
The majority of the modifications won’t start until about 2024 because the deal is anticipated to finish around the end of the year, during Q3 2023. Ideally, any major issues for Google Domains users during the shift are not expected.
Europe will have to wait if it wants to test Google Bard. Google was compelled to postpone the launch of its Bard chatbot in the region by the Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC), the primary data regulator in the European Union.
The generative AI service was due to go live in the EU this week, but according to Graham Doyle, deputy commissioner of IDPC, his agency has not received a “detailed” privacy briefing, a data impact assessment, or any supporting materials.
According to Doyle, the Commission is still conducting an “ongoing examination” of Bard. While it has no estimated completion date for that probe, it intends to share information with other EU data regulators as soon as possible.
A Google representative claims that the firm vowed to increase Bard access “responsibly” after discussing its initiatives with authorities and governments. The spokesman said, “To address their questions and hear feedback, this includes talking to privacy regulars.”
In March, Google started opening up access to Bard by allowing potential users to join up for a waiting list. It got rid of the queue and opened up access to 180 additional nations and territories in May, except some in the EU. According to sources, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU has strict rules on how personal information is collected and shared.
Uplifters, a skill-based edtech startup, has introduced a Data Science course with an appealing feature for students called ‘Pay after Placement (PAP)’. This course intends to provide working professionals and recent graduates with the opportunity to advance their careers in data science without having to worry about immediate financial obligations.
Uplifters has started a Data Science pay after placement programme to give students insights into the real-world uses of data science and give them the skills they need to create analytical models that improve corporate performance.
The 30-week data science course is the length of a 6-months. Python programming, Data Science Mathematics, Data Sources, Machine Learning, DSA in Python, Excel, SQL, Power BI/Tableau, Cloud Fundamentals, and Computer Vision/Natural Language Processing (NLP) are some of the topics covered in the course.
Uplifters’ Data Science Pay After Placement (PAP) programme allows learners to gain useful skills at a lower upfront cost, with the remaining amount payable after gaining a placement. The total cost of the placement assistance program is ₹40,000. PAP students are required to pay an upfront cost of ₹20,000 before the course can begin, with the remaining balance to be paid after placement as 30% of their Cost to Company (CTC), up to a maximum of ₹2 Lakhs.
“Choosing the best Data Science course for you might be difficult and time-consuming. Even if they are able to find a suitable course, it is either extremely expensive or does not come with a good placement opportunity. With our PAP courses, Uplifters looks forward to solving these issues and preparing the talent business,” said founder and CEO Umang Sangal.
