Crazy New AI Models in 2024: How Is This Possible?

2024 has truly been a watershed year for artificial intelligence, and as your guide, Dylan Curious, I'm thrilled to share the wonders I've discovered. The advancements in AI have not only piqued my curiosity but have also propelled us into new territories, some of which have remained uncharted until now.

Let's embark on this journey together, starting with an intriguing application in archaeology. AI has revolutionized the way archaeologists identify and date ancient artifacts, particularly bronze dings. These ritual vessels, crucial in ancient Chinese ceremonies, can now be dated with the help of an AI tool. It's fascinating to think that an AI can discern whether a ding belonged to the Shang, Zhao, Qin, or Han period. The democratization of this technology through a WeChat mini-program has turned laypeople into amateur archaeologists, contributing to the field in unexpected ways.

Next, I dove into the emotional world of dogs through AI's lens. Researchers have developed models capable of interpreting dogs' facial expressions, identifying emotions such as happiness, fear, and frustration. This breakthrough in understanding our furry friends' emotions has implications far beyond pet care, potentially enhancing how we interact with animals at large.

Our journey took a more controversial turn with Cicero, an AI developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), designed to excel in the board game Diplomacy. Cicero's ability to negotiate, strategize, and, yes, deceive, showcases AI's potential in understanding complex human interactions. However, it also raises questions about the ethical implications of AI capable of manipulation.

In a lighter vein, AI has found its way into beekeeping, of all places. A model developed for analyzing the sounds of beehives can indicate the health of these crucial pollinators, showcasing AI's potential to contribute to environmental conservation in innovative ways.

Not to be outdone, DeepMind's Alpha Geometry has tackled Olympiad-level geometry problems, demonstrating AI's growing competence in spatial reasoning and problem-solving, realms once thought to be dominantly human territories.

Lastly, the concept of AI teaching AI, exemplified by Nvidia's Eureka, fascinates me. This meta-AI model optimizes the training of other AI models, suggesting a future where AI not only performs tasks but also enhances the learning process of its kin.

As we navigate these developments together, it's clear that AI's capabilities are expanding in ways we could hardly have imagined. From archaeology to environmental conservation, from understanding our pets to potentially reshaping ethical boundaries, AI in 2024 has shown us both its immense potential and the complexities it introduces into our world.

As we continue this exploration, remember, the journey with AI is just as important as the destination. Whether you're an enthusiast, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, there's no denying the impact AI is having on our world. So, here's to discovering, questioning, and navigating the future of artificial intelligence together.

Warmly,

Dylan Curious