Today in AI - December 11, 2024

Mynt, a Swedish fintech startup, secured €22 million to expand its AI-based platform for corporate cards and spend management for SMEs, growing its customer base from 3,000 to 12,000 in a year, with plans to expand into the U.K. and other European markets. Google has requested the FTC to investigate Microsoft's exclusive cloud arrangement with OpenAI, which could stifle competition. The FTC's broader probe into Microsoft's cloud practices may lead to significant regulatory changes in the AI industry. Apple has integrated OpenAI's Chat GPT into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, enhancing Siri's capabilities. This move raises privacy concerns but promises advancements in AI functionalities and potential new revenue streams. General Motors will discontinue its Cruise robotaxi program, impacting minority investors and leading Microsoft to record an $800 million impairment charge. GM will integrate Cruise into its broader operations to develop advanced driver-assistance systems and fully autonomous personal vehicles, aiming to save over $1 billion annually. Apple is partnering with Broadcom to create its first AI-specific server chip, code-named Baltra, to reduce reliance on Nvidia and enhance AI capabilities across devices like iPhones and Macs, with mass production expected by 2026. This initiative could disrupt the AI chip market and foster innovation and competition. OpenAI's new video-generating AI model, Sora, can create 20-second videos from text or images, raising legal and ethical questions about copyright infringement and fairness in AI development practices, with potential lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny looming. Google's launch of Gemini 2.0 Flash marks a significant advancement in AI, offering enhanced performance and multimodal capabilities, integrating into various developer platforms, and addressing ethical concerns with SynthID watermarking technology. The new AI model raises important ethical considerations regarding job displacement, privacy, and accountability. Russia aims to boost its AI capabilities through international collaborations, particularly with BRICS nations, despite challenges due to Western sanctions. President Putin's strategy includes forming the AI Alliance Network to foster global AI research and development and leveraging partnerships to mitigate technological and economic constraints.