Tag: Artificial Intelligence

NFL Week 2 Recap: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, What’s Next for Every Team

Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara excelled in the Saints’ decisive victory over the Cowboys. The Buccaneers pulled off an upset against the Lions, while the Packers managed a win without Jordan Love, and the Vikings stunned the 49ers. By MATT VERDERAME | 0 Minutes Ago

Kamara rushed for 115 yards and scored three touchdowns, adding two catches for 65 yards in a standout performance against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Weekly Highlights

• Baltimore Ravens
• Arizona Cardinals
• Buffalo Bills: News, Scores, Schedules & Standings
• Carolina Panthers
• Chicago Bears
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings
• New Orleans Saints
• New England Patriots
• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tennessee Titans
• Washington Commanders

Sunday’s Results

1. Saints 44, Cowboys 19
2. Buccaneers 20, Lions 16
3. Vikings 23, 49ers 17
4. Raiders 26, Ravens 23
5. Jets 24, Titans 17
6. Chargers 26, Panthers 3
7. Packers 16, Colts 10
8. Browns 18, Jaguars 13
9. Seahawks 23, Patriots 20 (OT)
10. Commanders 21, Giants 18
11. Bills 31, Dolphins 10

Saints 44, Cowboys 19

My take: The Saints (2–0) are looking impressive early on. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has overseen an offense that has scored 91 points in two weeks, with Derek Carr throwing for two touchdowns. With this momentum, New Orleans could emerge as a surprising contender in 2024. The Cowboys (1–1), however, are struggling after their strong Week 1 performance.

Stock up: Carr! Once seen as just a game manager, Carr is now connecting on deep passes with Rashid Shaheed, who has two touchdowns over 55 yards.
Stock down: The Cowboys’ rushing game. After a solid 4.1 YPC in Week 1, they dropped to 3.2 against the Saints. With an unreliable offensive line, this poses a significant issue.

Up Next: Eagles at Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Ravens at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Buccaneers 20, Lions 16

My take: The Buccaneers (2–0) are asserting themselves in the NFC. After dominating the Commanders, they restricted the Lions (1–1) to just 16 points. Although they gained only 217 yards and allowed 463, they excelled defensively in the red zone.

Stock up: Chris Godwin is on fire! He recorded 117 yards and a touchdown following an impressive 83 yards in the previous game.

Stock down: The Lions’ execution in red zone situations and their offensive turnovers are holding them back.

Up Next: Broncos at Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Lions at Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Vikings 23, 49ers 17

My take: The Vikings (2–0) are defying expectations. Sam Darnold threw for 268 yards, including a remarkable 97-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson. Despite J.J. McCarthy’s injury, they remain competitive in a tough division.
Stock up: Darnold is on the rise! Though his past was shaky, he’s benefiting from the guidance of coach Kevin O’Connell.

Stock down: Brandon Aiyuk’s underwhelming performance since a big contract poses questions.

Up Next: 49ers at Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Texans at Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Raiders 26, Ravens 23

My take: In a thrilling comeback, the Raiders (1–1) overcame the Ravens (0–2) with a fourth-quarter surge. Gardner Minshew II excelled, but Lamar Jackson’s late interception proved costly.

Stock up: Rookie Brock Bowers is shining, leading Raiders in receiving yards.
Stock down: Baltimore’s restructured offensive line has been struggling.

Up Next: Panthers at Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Ravens at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Jets 24, Titans 17

My take: The Jets (1–1) pulled off a vital win, powered by a solid defense that compelled turnovers from Will Levis. However, Levis’s mistakes are a concern for the Titans as they fall to 0–2.

Stock up: Breece Hall is emerging as a versatile weapon, contributing significantly in both the run and pass game.

Stock down: Levis’s errors could hinder the Titans’ chances if not addressed.

Up Next: Patriots at Jets, 8:15 p.m. ET Sept. 19; Packers at Titans, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Chargers 26, Panthers 3

My take: The Chargers (2–0) are solidifying their identity through a strong running game while the Panthers (0–2) are struggling offensively, totaling only 348 yards in two games.

Stock up: J.K. Dobbins is looking rejuvenated this season.
Stock down: Bryce Young’s performance is a major concern—his struggles on the field may force coaching changes.
Up Next: Chargers at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Panthers at Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Packers 16, Colts 10

My take: The winless Colts (0–2) are struggling, while the Packers (1–1) manage to keep afloat without Love. The coaching staff has done well in managing their game plans.
Stock up: Coach Matt LaFleur is earning his accolades for an effective road strategy against Indianapolis.

Stock down: The Colts’ poor run defense continues to be an issue.

Up Next: Bears at Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Packers at Titans, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

Browns 18, Jaguars 13

My take: While the Browns (1–1) secured a needed victory, the Jaguars (0–2) are in a dismal position. Trevor Lawrence faces significant pressure from opposing defenses.
Stock up: Brian Thomas Jr. shows potential as a breakout star, among the few positives for Jacksonville.
Stock down: Lawrence’s performance contrasts with his hefty contract, calling for a reassessment of his role.

Up Next: Giants at Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Jaguars at Bills, 7:30 p.m. ET Sept. 23.

Seahawks 23, Patriots 20 (OT)

My take: The Seahawks (2–0) continue to find ways to win, though inconsistently, while the Patriots (1–1) face disappointment despite strong performances in the run game.
Stock up: Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a breakout game, helping to become a key asset for Seattle.
Stock down: Zach Charbonnet has failed to meet expectations this season.

Up Next: Dolphins at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Patriots at Jets, 8:15 p.m. ET Sept. 19.

Commanders 21, Giants 18

My take: Jayden Daniels earned his first NFL win with determination. Unfortunately, the Giants (0–2) face an uphill battle moving forward despite Malik Nabers’ impressive performance.
Stock up: Nabers stood out, recording ten catches and exceeding 100 yards for New York.
Stock down: Washington’s offensive line is underperforming, allowing several sacks and pressure on Daniels.
Up Next: Giants at Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Commanders at Bengals, 8:15 p.m. ET Sept. 23.

Thursday’s Result
Bills 31, Dolphins 10

My take: The Bills (2–0) made a solid statement, although Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion has put a cloud over the Dolphins’ future. Miami will likely start Skylar Thompson in the coming week.
Stock up: Von Miller is rediscovering his form, becoming a critical player for Buffalo’s defense.

Stock down: Miami’s receiving corps, aside from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, needs improvement. A new addition, Odell Beckham Jr., has yet to make an impact this season.

Up Next: Jaguars at Bills, 7:30 p.m. ET Sept. 23; Dolphins at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22.

About Matt Verderame
Matt Verderame is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated covering the NFL. Before joining SI in March 2023, he wrote for FanSided and Awful Announcing. He hosts The Matt Verderame Show on Patreon and is a member of the Pro Football Writers Association. A proud father of two girls and lover of all Italian food, Verderame is an eternal defender of Rudy, the greatest football movie of all time.

CTech: Innovation and Insights

Opinion: Can AI Replace Humanity?

In today’s world, increasingly influenced by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), a key question arises: what aspects of human experience remain beyond AI’s reach? Creativity, a defining human trait, stands as a clear distinction between humans and AI. Other qualities that set us apart include empathy, morality, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and intuition.

As a neurologist treating patients with Parkinson’s disease at Beilinson Hospital, I have been intrigued by how harnessing creative impulses may alleviate some of the motor symptoms related to this condition.

Creativity is often described as the capacity to generate new, valuable ideas or solutions. It involves not just thinking outside the box, but also connecting disparate concepts in novel ways. This realm is where AI struggles to compete, as human creativity is deeply subjective, influenced by individual experiences and emotions—elements that AI cannot replicate.

Within the business sector, creativity drives innovation, strategic planning, and brand differentiation. For instance, the development of new products and marketing strategies relies heavily on a profound understanding of human needs and aesthetics—insights that AI, despite its data analysis capabilities, cannot capture fully.

Similarly, in technology, creativity fuels progress in software development, user experience design, and innovative applications. Major breakthroughs often stem from the ability to envision entirely new paradigms, as illustrated by Tim Berners-Lee’s vision for the World Wide Web. His idea was not merely about networking computers but creating a universal space for information sharing, revealing the profound social impact of technology—an aspect beyond AI’s capabilities to predict.

AI has indeed revolutionized many facets of life, but it cannot emulate emotional intelligence or empathy, which are essential for effective leadership and consulting roles. Although AI can analyze sentiment, it lacks the nuanced understanding that comes from genuine human emotion.

Furthermore, while AI can be programmed with ethical guidelines, it lacks the moral reasoning that humans possess. Human moral thought is shaped by cultural and social contexts—elements challenging to replicate in machines. Likewise, machines cannot achieve self-awareness or intuition, both crucial for navigating complex, dynamic environments.

In response to the question of whether artificial intelligence will replace humans, the current consensus leans towards no. The human brain’s complex neural networks, capable of innovation and problem-solving in uniquely human ways, remain beyond AI’s reach.

Johnathan Reiner is a Senior Neurologist and the Head of Neuromodulation Service at Beilinson Medical Center, Israel.

Get Ready for FutureIT Toronto: A Day of Insight, Innovation, and Inspiration!

Attention IT professionals in the Greater Toronto Area! Are you prepared to explore the future of technology and leadership? Join us for FutureIT Toronto on September 24, 2024 — a comprehensive day focused on AI, data, and technology leadership. Whether you’re a CIO, CISO, CTO, VP, IT Director, or in a similar role, this event is designed to keep you ahead of the curve!

Why You Should Be Here

Your schedule might be full, but don’t miss these important highlights:

1. Outstanding Keynote Speakers

We’re uniting industry leaders to share their insights. Kick off the event with Meredith Whalen, Chief Research Officer at IDC, as she discusses “AI: Art of the Possible, Delivery of the Practical.” Gain insights on effectively implementing AI, even when challenges arise.

Next, catch James Scott from Dell Technologies, who will address “Future Trends in AI,” covering AI agents, next-gen IT infrastructure, and workforce dynamics. The event features sessions exploring AI’s role in cybersecurity and strategies for data-driven decision-making.

2. Tailored Sessions for Your Challenges

Are you struggling to balance cybersecurity risks while scaling AI? Attend our panel titled “Can AI Bridge the Gap Between Cyber-Resilient and Non-Resilient Organizations?” Experts like Yogesh Shivhare from IDC and Rocco Galletto from BDO Canada will tackle critical issues, such as budget constraints and the latest AI threats, offering practical solutions for your team.

If you’re interested in data insights, don’t miss Matt Jennings from Iron Mountain discussing “Leveraging AI for Data Insights and Decision Making.” Discover how AI can transform vast datasets into actionable insights that drive business outcomes.

3. Engaging, Interactive Learning

Say goodbye to dull lectures! We offer interactive discussion groups where you can dive deeper into topics that matter to you. Topics include “AI Resiliency,” “Governance and Risk of GenAI,” and “Next Gen Cloud Strategies.” Participate in expert-led discussions to get your questions answered and share ideas with peers.

Other Highlights to Anticipate:

• Spotlight on Innovation: Don’t miss the CIO Awards Canada Showcase where top IT leaders will unveil award-winning projects from companies like Canadian Tire, RBC, IMCO, and Nissan. Expect to see inspiring solutions in digital transformation and operational excellence.
• Networking Opportunities: Enjoy a networking lunch and cocktail reception, perfect for connecting with fellow IT leaders and tech innovators who can help address your challenges.
• Quick Insights on Key Topics: Attend essential sessions like “Driving Change: IT Leadership and AI Strategy Today” with Jay Upchurch, EVP and CIO at SAS, and “Unleash Core AI Use Cases with AI PCs” led by Sally Lowery from Lenovo.

Register Today! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with industry leaders. Sign up now to ensure you’re part of shaping the future of IT!

Can’t attend on September 24th? We’ll record the sessions for you! Join our virtual event, FutureIT Canada, happening on September 26, 2024. Register for this half-day virtual experience featuring bonus content, and enjoy on-demand replays available until October 10, 2024.

Register here for FutureIT Canada!

Tiger Global Plans to Join OpenAI’s Funding Round at More Than $150 Billion Valuation

Published Fri, Sep 13 2024 11:23 AM EDT | Updated 15 Min Ago

Key Points

• Tiger Global is planning to join OpenAI’s exciting new funding round that would value the AI startup at more than $150 billion, according to sources familiar with the situation.
• Thrive Capital is leading the round and plans to invest $1 billion.
• Major tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and Apple are reportedly in discussions to participate as well.

In this article:

• MSFT
• NVDA
• AAPL

In a photo illustration, the OpenAI logo is displayed on a mobile phone screen alongside a photo of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. (Photo credit: Didem Mente | Anadolu | Getty Images)

Tiger Global’s Investment in OpenAI

Tiger Global is set to join OpenAI’s funding round, which is generating significant buzz and could give the artificial intelligence startup a valuation exceeding $150 billion. Sources indicate that Thrive Capital is at the helm of this round with plans to invest $1 billion. Additionally, tech giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Apple are also reportedly in talks to join this investment.

The Information was the first to report on Tiger Global’s intent to participate.

OpenAI’s Rapid Growth

Earlier this year, OpenAI had an estimated valuation of $80 billion, compared to $29 billion the previous year. The company has reportedly surpassed $2 billion in annual revenue as of early this year. Growth surged following the launch of its ChatGPT chatbot in late 2022, and the momentum has continued with new products aimed at businesses and expansions into AI-generated content. According to OpenAI, weekly active users have doubled from late last year, reaching 200 million.

This news comes a day after OpenAI unveiled o1, a preview of its latest AI model focused on reasoning and “solving hard problems.” Furthermore, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman recently participated in discussions at the White House alongside leaders from Google, Amazon, and others to consider the future of AI infrastructure in the U.S. They discussed collaboration between public and private sectors regarding AI energy consumption, data center capacity, semiconductor manufacturing, and grid capacity, according to sources familiar with the meeting.

A spokesperson for OpenAI did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

— CNBC’s Kate Rooney contributed reporting.

Follow your favorite stocks: MSFT, NVDA, AAPL

WHITE HOUSE EXTRACTS VOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS FROM AI VENDORS TO COMBAT DEEPFAKE NUDES
Kyle Wiggers
8:14 AM PDT • September 12, 2024

The White House announced that several prominent AI vendors have pledged to take action against nonconsensual deepfakes and child sexual abuse material. Adobe, Cohere, Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI, along with data provider Common Crawl, have committed to responsibly sourcing and protecting the datasets they utilize to train AI, ensuring these datasets do not include image-based sexual abuse content.

These organizations have vowed to implement “feedback loops” and strategies in their development processes to prevent AI from generating sexual abuse images. Furthermore, they have agreed to remove nude images from their training datasets “when appropriate and depending on the purpose of the model.” However, it’s important to note that these commitments are self-policed, and several AI vendors, including Midjourney and Stability AI, chose not to participate.

Moreover, the pledges from OpenAI raise concerns, especially since CEO Sam Altman indicated in May that the company would explore how to “responsibly” generate AI porn.

Despite these controversies, the White House emphasized that these commitments mark a significant achievement in their ongoing efforts to mitigate the harm posed by deepfake nudes.

“These voluntary commitments represent a proactive approach by major AI providers to ensure their technologies are not misused, especially concerning image-based sexual abuse.”

PlayStation 5 Disc Drives Sell Out, But Sony Still Doesn’t Think the PS5 Pro Needs One

The $700 PS5 Pro is marketed as the most expensive modern gaming console to date, promising a significant performance boost over the standard PS5. With 2 TB of storage for your games, the PS5 Pro is built for gamers seeking enhanced performance. However, a critical component is missing: a straightforward method to use physical game discs.

As of now, pre-orders for the PS5 Pro are predicted to start on September 26, but the crucial disc drives required to play physical media are already flying off the shelves, and in some instances, are completely sold out.

Availability Issues

Shortly after Sony’s presentation of the PS5 Pro, major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy listed the PS5 Disc Drive as completely unavailable. Currently, the drive can still be found on sites such as GameStop, Target, Walmart, and PlayStation Direct. Analysts like Wario64 have pointed out that the disc drives are not just in high demand—they are proving to be hard to come by.

With the PS5 Pro being a more premium console, it remains uncertain whether it will experience the same stock shortages that plagued the PS5 during its early years. Historically, Sony has assured consumers that they do not face stock issues, especially after the release of the slim version of the PS5 in 2023.

Higher Cost for Gaming

Purchasing a disc drive alongside the PS5 Pro escalates the overall cost of the console to approximately $780. Although the PS5 Pro delivers impressive performance—running games in 4K at 60 FPS—the additional charge could deter potential buyers from opting for what’s essentially a high-end gaming PC instead.

While the 2 TB SSD included is a reasonable size for many users, those looking to expand their game library may still face storage limitations. Even if you own games on disc, installing them could require more space than anticipated, meaning extra storage options will likely be necessary. However, external SSDs, such as a 2TB WD_Black SSD, can be pricey at around $260.

Do Players Care About Disc Drives?

Interestingly, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S has no disc drive and is an all-digital console, yet it has reportedly outsold the more powerful Xbox Series X by a significant margin. This raises an important question: do players really care about having a disc drive?

In my view, they should. Disc drives offer not just backward compatibility but also a sense of ownership over games. With the PS5 Pro expected to support PS4 games, gamers have more to consider than just performance. Ownership questions arise when digital licenses can be revoked without warning, leaving consumers vulnerable.

The Importance of Physical Media

Despite the advancements in gaming technology, winning arguments in favor of digital dominance overlook the benefits of traditional physical media. Only through possession of a physical disc can you lend, trade, or sell your games—benefits lost when relying on digital licenses. Moreover, while many games require online servers to play, the health of the content you own is fundamental.

Thus, maintaining the ability to use physical media through consoles is vital. The trajectory of the gaming industry poses risks that could see this tradition vanish altogether.

In summary, while the PS5 Pro stands out in terms of performance, the need for a disc drive—and the very nature of how we own our games—remains an essential discussion.

Related Topics
– PlayStation 5
– PlayStation 5 Pro
– Sony

Hands Off AI, SIFMA Urges Regulators

Trade group calls for tech-neutral, principles-based approach to regulation

By: James Langton
Date: September 10, 2024

The U.S. Securities and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and its asset management group are urging policymakers to be cautious when regulating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

SIFMA argues that financial firms already operate under established legal and regulatory frameworks that adequately address the risks posed by new technologies, including AI.

As such, the organization emphasizes that regulators should refrain from implementing AI-specific rules. Instead, they advocate for the application of existing rules and guidance to the deployment of AI models and other new technologies.

“Laws and regulations governing the financial services industry should remain focused on addressing activities and outcomes. This technology-agnostic approach encourages innovation within the industry without sacrificing the safety of financial markets,” the group stated in its paper.

According to SIFMA, this approach has effectively managed the risks associated with emerging technologies so far.

They further contend that “additional regulatory action should only be considered if the existing laws and regulations do not address novel risks that are identified,” highlighting the need for future regulatory frameworks to be adaptable to evolving technology.

The group also suggests that a principles-based, technology-neutral strategy “will avoid stifling innovation or wasting resources on low-risk AI applications at the expense of ensuring that high-risk applications are effectively reviewed and mitigated.”

Moreover, SIFMA recommends that policymakers evaluate how other laws, such as federal privacy and intellectual property regulations, apply to AI within the financial services sector, suggesting that mitigating strategies for these risks should be considered.

“The use of AI in the financial services industry is not new, but advancements in AI, particularly in generative AI, have heightened interest and concerns about using this technology,” said Melissa MacGregor, SIFMA’s deputy general counsel and corporate secretary.

MacGregor noted, “Existing legal and regulatory frameworks are designed to be risk-based, technology agnostic, and flexible enough to address the use of AI and other emerging technologies, which we believe is the right approach.”

As the use of AI continues to grow, she concluded, “We believe that legal or regulatory responses should facilitate the responsible use of AI, appropriately addressing risks without hindering innovation.”