📆 August 29th 2024📆 

A bit of time away from it all can be a good thing….sometimes it causes a moment of reset … I return with some news…..

New Venture

In the last few weeks I launched my consultancy Talos Data Consulting. My mission is to work with you to deliver actionable plans & supports that unlock data & AI for your business. All based on the very best of what I’ve learned over my 15+ years working in software and data.

If you have a new project, are just starting out or simply want to get some advice on where to begin I can help. I have opened up some slots so let’s get talking.

New Format

I recently put out a survey to learn from what you all want, thanks by the way for all the feedback (if you missed it click here, 2 minutes I promise). What I have learned is that the hype of AI has started to subside and we now need to start taking about how to bring practical solutions to

1. Reducing to 1 per week, sent on a Tuesday

2. Maintain the top 4 news items of the week & top 3 AI tools

3. New section called “Unlock AI” which will cover a range of topics on data engineering, business transformation & AI

4. Over time, merge Talos Data & Bright Journey AI into a single brand

So there you have it, changes are afoot, but I feel like they are for the better. If you have strong opinions about what you want to hear first don’t be shy, tell me - I’m here to help you so tell me what you need.

Thanks for the support

Mark

💫Help Support my Work💫

I really enjoy researching and writing about AI & appreciate your support. If you enjoy this content please use any of the options below to help

• Buy Me a Coffee ☕️- AI is really fuelled by coffee - keep the tank filled

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📰 News 📰 

The Distraction of AI: Are Organizations Losing Focus on Core Challenges?

While artificial intelligence (AI) promises significant advancements, it is increasingly becoming a potential distraction for organizations, diverting attention from foundational operational issues. A growing concern is that businesses, drawn to the transformative allure of AI, might be neglecting essential tasks such as data management, governance, and building a data-driven culture.

A survey by MIT Sloan highlights that many Chief Data Officers (CDOs) are struggling with challenges like changing organizational behaviours and establishing effective data governance. These fundamental issues are crucial for leveraging AI, yet they often receive less focus compared to the excitement surrounding AI technologies​ (MIT Sloan).

Moreover, McKinsey’s research suggests that while AI can unlock new revenue streams, its effective deployment is hampered by inadequate data infrastructure. Organizations are discovering that without robust data management systems, AI initiatives can falter, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities​ (McKinsey & Company).

Thus, while AI offers substantial potential, organizations must balance their focus on innovation with strengthening their operational foundations to avoid being side-tracked by the technology’s hype.

LiquidStack’s CDU Technology: A Step Forward in AI Data Center Cooling

LiquidStack has launched a new Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) aimed at improving cooling efficiency in AI data centres. This system, which uses a two-phase liquid immersion cooling technique, significantly reduces energy consumption and boosts performance. With AI workloads generating immense heat, LiquidStack's CDU offers a more sustainable solution, potentially revolutionizing how data centres manage the thermal demands of AI operations.

Read More At: The Register

Aleph Alpha's Open-Source AI Models: A Shift Towards Transparency and Compliance

Aleph Alpha, a German AI startup, released two new open-source language models, Pharia-1-LLM-7B-control and Pharia-1-LLM-7B-control-aligned, each with 7 billion parameters. These models aim to balance performance with transparency and EU regulatory compliance, particularly ahead of the upcoming AI Act. By open-sourcing both the models and their training code, Aleph Alpha invites collaboration and scrutiny, potentially setting new standards for ethical AI development, especially in highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare.

Read More At: VentureBeat

TollBit Aims to Revolutionize AI Content Licensing

TollBit, a New York-based startup, is positioning itself as the "iTunes of AI content licensing." The company seeks to create a marketplace where AI firms can legally purchase high-quality data from publishers. With AI models increasingly relying on fresh data, TollBit's platform allows publishers to set prices for their content, providing a new revenue stream. Despite initial interest from publishers and AI companies, TollBit's model remains in the early stages, with significant investor backing but no transactions yet.

Read More At: Engadget

🔨 AI Powered Tools 🔨 

• PixelCut - AI-powered photo editing tool designed to simplify and enhance product photography. It caters primarily to e-commerce businesses and content creators, offering features like AI-generated backgrounds, image upscaling, and background removal. The tool allows users to create professional-grade images without the need for a physical studio, saving time and resources.

• Kane - Developed by LambdaTest, is an advanced AI-powered platform for end-to-end software testing. It utilizes large language models (LLMs) to simplify test creation, debugging, and automation through natural language inputs. This tool enables users to generate resilient tests, manage test cases, and integrate seamlessly with platforms like Jira and Slack. Kane AI also offers intelligent test planning, AI-assisted debugging, and detailed test analytics, making it a comprehensive solution for efficient and automated testing.

• Gauthmath - AI-based app designed to assist students with solving math problems. Users can take a picture of a math problem, and the app provides instant, step-by-step solutions. It covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, calculus, and geometry, making it a valuable tool for students looking to improve their math skills.

🗞️ Other News Rollup 🗞️ 

New AI Models Released - Aleph Alpha unveils open-source AI models, promoting transparency and compliance with EU regulations. Read more at VentureBeat.

Grok-2 Speed Boost - xAI's Grok-2 chatbot doubles its speed and accuracy after a code rewrite, ranking #2 in AI model performance.

Revolutionizing AI Coding - Abacus.ai's Dracarys models enhance coding tasks, offering improved performance and privacy for enterprises.

AI Innovation Stifled - Zuckerberg and Ek warn that European regulations hinder AI innovation, risking Europe's tech leadership.

China's Tech Bypass - Chinese organizations are using US cloud services to circumvent chip sanctions, raising significant security concerns.

ChatGPT Boosts QA Efficiency - LY Corp utilizes ChatGPT to streamline QA tasks, enhancing productivity and ensuring higher quality outcomes for its team.