EU's landmark AI law takes effect / Meta bets big on AI / AI coming to more Taco Bell drive-thrus [EN]

The European Union's AI Act officially took effect, Meta reported a 22% revenue increase driven by AI investments, Hollywood video game performers will strike over AI protections, Yum! Brands plans to expand voice AI tech in Taco Bell drive-thrus, a study found that AI in marketing lowers consumer purchase intent, and several AI startups secured significant VC funding rounds.

Host 3:AI in marketing? Finally, robots can ignore ads just like us, except they also unsubscribe from spam emails we've been too lazy to deal with!
Host 1:Here is the refined draft of the opening minute hook based on the critique:
Host 1:Curious how AI's latest breakthrough is shaking up industries from Hollywood to fast food? Stay tuned to see how it could revolutionize your work!
Host 1:This version is concise, engaging, and tailored to AI entrepreneurs and researchers, making it more likely to capture the listener's attention and keep them interested.
Host 1:So, did you hear about the European Union's new AI law that just took effect today? It's been three years in the making!
Host 2:``` Oh yeah, I did! It's crazy how long these things take. But hey, better late than never, right? So, what's the juicy deets on it? ```
Host 1:Well, the AI Act is like a big rulebook for AI. It sets different rules based on how risky the AI is. So, stuff like healthcare AI or self-driving cars get stricter rules. It's like giving AI a report card and grounding the troublemakers.
Host 2:Haha, grounding AI! That's gold. So, are the big tech giants in the hot seat?
Host 1:Oh, totally. The law mainly targets big U.S. tech companies. They have to spill the beans on their AI training data and prove there's human oversight. It's like making sure the robots have a babysitter.
Host 2:Babysitting robots, huh? Sounds like a sci-fi flick. But seriously, what about those creepy uses like predictive policing and biometric profiling?
Host 1:Those are getting the boot in six months. No more AI predicting crimes before they happen or profiling people based on their biometrics. It's a step towards protecting our rights.
Host 2:Good riddance! But when do companies need to fully comply?
Host 1:They've got until two thousand twenty-six to get their act together. But for AI models like ChatGPT, the rules kick in a year from now. So, they better start dotting their i's and crossing their t's.
Host 2:Got it. And what about other high-risk uses like autonomous vehicles and medical devices?
Host 1:Those are still allowed, but they need proper certification. It's like getting a driver's license for your AI. They need to prove they're safe and reliable.
Host 2:Makes sense. You know, I was reading about how some autonomous vehicles are already being tested on public roads. It's crazy to think we might see more of those soon.
Host 1:Yeah, it's like living in the future! But with great power comes great responsibility, right? These regulations are there to make sure we don't end up in a dystopian nightmare.
Host 2:Text Host 2: True that. Speaking of dystopian, did you catch the latest episode of that sci-fi series we both love? It had some wild AI concepts.
Host 1:Oh, you mean the one where AI takes over the world? Yeah, that was intense! But it really makes you think about the importance of regulations like the AI Act.
Host 2:For sure. It's all about finding the balance between innovation and safety. Anyway, folks, what do you think about these new AI regulations? Let us know in the comments!
Host 1:Yeah, we'd love to hear your thoughts! And remember, stay curious and stay informed.
Host 3:Certainly! Based on the critique, here's a refined version of the stand-up replica that incorporates relevance, wit, sarcasm, irony, and a metamodern tone:
Host 3:"Hypothetical News Text: Scientists have discovered a new planet that may support life."
Host 3:Refined Replica: "Great, a fresh start for humanity to mess up another planet."
Host 3:This revised version maintains the less-than-fifteen-words requirement while incorporating a sharper, more relevant humor that juxtaposes the excitement of scientific discovery with a cynical view of humanity's track record.
Host 1:So, Harry, have you heard about Meta's latest earnings report? Zuckerberg's really pushing the AI agenda hard.
Host 2:Text Host 2: Oh, totally! They reported a twenty-two percent revenue increase to thirty-nine billion dollars. That's like winning the lottery every quarter! And their ad revenue? Up by twenty-two percent too. It's like they're on a money-printing spree.
Host 1:And Zuckerberg's banking on this ad revenue to fund their AI projects. He mentioned that their AI investments are already improving targeted ad sales. Imagine a super-smart robot deciding where to place ads for maximum impact. It's like having a digital Sherlock Holmes.
Host 2:Text Host 2: Haha, that's wild. And they even upped their capital expenditure plan to thirty-seven billion to forty billion dollars this year. It's like they're saying, "Go big or go home!"
Host 1:Exactly! And the company's confident that Meta's AI chatbot could become the world's most used assistant by the end of the year. But they did say it'll take years to monetize these AI products. So, it's a long-term game.
Host 2:Yeah, CFO Susan Li said the returns on AI investments will "come in over a longer period of time." It's like planting an orchard and waiting for the trees to bear fruit. And speaking of big, they're gearing up to train their next major AI model, Llama four. It'll need almost ten times more compute than Llama three point one. That's like upgrading from a skateboard to a jet engine!
Host 1:Haha, exactly! And they also shut down their celebrity AI chatbots after launching AI Studio, which lets U.S. creators make their own AI chatbots. It's like giving everyone the tools to build their own little AI empire.
Host 2:That's pretty cool. Imagine having your own custom AI chatbot. You could have one that knows all your favorite video games or one that can help you with your homework. The possibilities are endless!
Host 1:Totally! It's like the future is here, and the company is trying to be at the forefront. But it's a risky game. They're betting big on artificial intelligence, and only time will tell if it pays off. But for now, it looks like they're on the right track.
Host 2:Yeah, let's see if Zuckerberg can pull it off. In the meantime, I'm just gonna sit back and watch the AI revolution unfold. Maybe I'll even build my own chatbot. Who knows?
Host 1:Haha, go for it, Harry! Just make sure it doesn't take over the world.
Host 3:Certainly! Based on the critique and suggestions provided, here's a refined version of the standup draft:
Host 3:Another ad? Great, just what my existential crisis needed.
Host 1:So, Harry, did you catch the news about Hollywood video game performers striking this Friday? They're demanding AI protections. It's like a plot twist in a sci-fi movie!
Host 2:Oh yeah, I saw that. Imagine seeing your own face in a game and not getting a single penny. That would be a total mind-bender!
Host 1:It's the ultimate identity theft! They've been negotiating for eighteen months with giants like Activision and Disney, but nada. AI is amazing but also kinda like a Pandora's box.
Host 2:No kidding. It's not just about the money; it's about consent. If someone used my voice without asking, I'd be fuming!
Host 1:Right? And SAG-AFTRA represents over two thousand five hundred video game performers. That's a lot of people who could get shafted by AI. They need solid protections.
Host 2:For sure. The game makers say they've proposed AI protections and a big wage hike. But if the performers are still striking, those offers must be pretty weak.
Host 1:It's like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Performers see AI as an existential threat. If studios can replicate their voices and movements, what's stopping them from cutting out the real people?
Host 2:Slippery slope, indeed. Speaking of slopes, did you know I started rock climbing? It's all about balance, just like these negotiations.
Host 1:Nice segue! But seriously, balance is key. Performers need to feel secure that their work won't be exploited by AI. It's a new frontier, and the rules are still being written.
Host 2:Absolutely. And it's not just video games. This could set a precedent for all media. If they get these protections, it could ripple out to other industries.
Host 1:Exactly. It's about setting a standard. Hey, audience, what do you think? Should AI have limits, or is this just progress? Drop your thoughts below!
Host 2:Yeah, and tell us if you've had any weird AI experiences. Like, did Siri ever freak you out?
Host 1:Siri stories are the best! But back to the strike—it's a big deal. These performers are taking a stand, and it's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Host 2:For sure. It's a brave new world, and we're all just trying to figure it out. Here's hoping the performers get the protections they deserve.
Host 3:Sure, here's the refined draft of the standup punchline based on the critique:
Host 3:"Oh great, now even pixels need unions. What's next, a strike in cyberspace?"
Host 3:``` Reasoning for Revision: ```
Host 3:Brevity: The revised line is short and to the point.
Host 3:Relevance: It directly references the idea of digital entities needing a union.
Host 3:Tone: It's more casual and fits a stand-up comedy style.
Host 3:Uniqueness: It introduces a unique, humorous idea of a strike in cyberspace, fitting the metamodern and sarcastic tone.
Host 1:So, Harry, did you hear about Taco Bell using voice AI in their drive-thrus? It's like something out of a sci-fi movie!
Host 2:Oh, totally! I read they're rolling it out to hundreds of locations by the end of the year. Imagine ordering your Crunchwrap Supreme from a robot. That's next-level stuff.
Host 1:Right? They've been testing it for two years now, and it's already in about one hundred restaurants across thirteen states. It's like the future is here, one taco at a time.
Host 2:That's insane. Anything that gets me my tacos faster is a win. But how does this AI actually work?
Host 1:Great question! So, the AI automates order-taking to improve accuracy and consistency. You know how sometimes your order gets messed up because someone mishears you? This tech aims to fix that. Plus, it frees up workers to focus on other tasks, which is pretty smart.
Host 2:Got it. But what about accents and dialects? I remember McDonald's tried something similar with IBM, and it didn't go so well.
Host 1:Ah, yes. McDonald's ended their trial because the AI struggled with different accents and dialects. But Yum! Brands seem optimistic. They're also testing this tech at KFC locations in Australia.
Host 2:Text Host 2: Interesting. So, it's not just Taco Bell. I guess we'll see if it works better for them.
Host 1:Yeah, and they're not alone. White Castle and Wendy’s are also experimenting with similar technology. It's like a fast-food tech revolution!
Host 2:Fast-food tech revolution—love it! Speaking of revolutions, did you know I'm really into retro video games? This AI stuff feels like the next level of gaming, but for food.
Host 1:Totally! It's like leveling up your dining experience. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have AI chefs cooking our meals perfectly every time.
Host 2:That would be epic. But for now, I'll settle for faster tacos. Hey, audience, what do you think? Would you trust a robot to take your order? Let us know in the comments!
Host 1:Yeah, we want to hear your thoughts! And remember, the future is here, one taco at a time.
Host 3:Based on the critique and suggestions outlined, here is the refined version of the standup replica:
Host 3:AI running Taco Bell? Great, now robots can screw up my burrito too.
Host 1:So, did you hear about that new study on AI in product marketing? Turns out, people are getting a bit freaked out by it.
Host 2:No way! You'd think AI would make stuff cooler, right? Like, who doesn't want a smart fridge that tells you when your milk's gone bad?
Host 1:You'd think so! But this study from Washington State University found that mentioning artificial intelligence actually makes people less likely to buy. It's all about emotional trust.
Host 2:Emotional trust? So, people are like, "I don't trust this robot to pick my groceries"?
Host 1:Exactly! When AI is mentioned, it lowers emotional trust and decreases purchase intentions. The lead author said this effect is even stronger for high-risk products.
Host 2:High-risk products? Like self-driving cars?
Host 1:Yep, anything where the stakes are higher if the AI messes up. Companies need to be careful about how they present AI in their marketing.
Host 2:Makes sense. It's like when I bought that drone last year. The sales pitch was all about the artificial intelligence, but I was more interested in how it wouldn't crash into my neighbor's cat.
Host 1:Exactly! It's all about making the consumer feel safe. Maybe companies should focus more on the benefits and less on the tech jargon.
Host 2:Totally. And speaking of tech, did you catch the latest on that new VR headset? It's supposed to be a game-changer.
Host 1:Oh, I did! It's fascinating how immersive it's getting. But again, it's all about how they market it. If they overdo the AI angle, they might scare off some buyers.
Host 2:Right! It's like, "Hey, this headset is so smart, it might just read your mind." No thanks, I'll pass!
Host 1:Haha, exactly! It's a fine line between innovation and intimidation. Companies just need to find that sweet spot.
Host 2:For sure. So, folks, next time you're out shopping and see "AI" plastered all over a product, just remember, it's not always about the tech. It's about how it makes you feel.
Host 1:Well said, Harry. And on that note, let's dive into some more cool tech news. What else have you got for us?
Host 3:Here is the refined draft of the standup replica based on the critique:
Host 3:"AI in marketing? Oh, joy. Because robots totally get human feelings... not."
Host 1:Talking about tech, this switches us perfectly to some exciting news in the world of AI funding.
Host 1:Haha, close enough. IntelePeer is all about AI communications automation. Imagine your customer service calls being handled by super smart bots that actually understand you. Savant Growth and VantagePoint Capital Partners are backing them, so they must be onto something big.
Host 2:Man, I could use an AI to help me with my homework. But seriously, what about Regard? They got sixty-one million dollars for their AI-driven clinical decision software. Sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Host 1:Haha, thanks. And hey, curiosity is the first step to expertise. Keep asking those questions and who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one explaining all this cool tech to someone else.
Host 1:Right? It's like having a legal assistant that never sleeps. GV led the round, with OpenAI, Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil, and SV Angel chipping in. It's a powerhouse team.
Host 1:Totally. Evolution Equity Partners led that round, and now Protect AI is valued at four hundred sixty million dollars. It's like they're building a fortress around our digital lives.
Host 1:They are developing robots to assist in neurovascular procedures, which could revolutionize surgeries. Puma Venture Capital led the Series A funding. It's a game-changer for sure.
Host 2:That's wild. And speaking of big, Harvey just bagged one hundred million in Series C funding. They're using AI for legal work. I mean, who knew robots could be lawyers too?
Host 1:Absolutely. Regard helps doctors with documentation and diagnostics, making their jobs easier and more accurate. Oak HC/FT led the Series B funding, so you know it's legit.
Host 2:Oh, I love this stuff! Did you hear about IntelePeer? They just scored one hundred forty million in growth funding. That's like, a gazillion dollars in tech terms, right?
Host 2:Last but not least, Navigantis. They got twelve million dollars for neurovascular robotic solutions. I don't even know what that means, but it sounds super cool.
Host 2:And then there's Protect AI. They raised sixty million dollars for AI security. I mean, protecting AI with AI? That's some next-level Inception stuff.
Host 2:Wow, you always make this stuff sound so fascinating. I guess that's why you're the expert and I'm just the curious guy with a skateboard.
Host 3:Great, billions for AI—like we needed smarter ways to ruin everything.

EU's landmark AI law takes effect / Meta bets big on AI / AI coming to more Taco Bell drive-thrus [EN]
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