Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia face antitrust probes / Humane in talks to sell to HP / NewsBreak app published false AI-written stories [EN]

The U.S. FTC and DOJ have agreed to split antitrust investigations into Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia, Humane is in talks to sell to HP after poor reviews of its AI Pin, NewsBreak has published numerous false AI-generated stories, a Reuters Institute report shows a preference for human journalists over AI in news, and Meta will test an AI assistant for businesses on WhatsApp.

Host 3:WhatsApp's AI is mastering sales pitches, while my toaster can't decide if I want charcoal or raw bread for breakfast.
Host 1:Sure, here's a refined version of the opening minute hook based on the critique:
Host 1:Curious how AI's reshaping news and tech? Discover the latest breakthroughs and why they matter. Ready to dive in?
Host 1:This version is concise, engaging, and directly addresses the listener's curiosity while hinting at the importance of the topics to be covered.
Host 1:So, did you catch the latest antitrust drama? The FTC and DOJ are splitting up the work on Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia. It's like they're divvying up a pizza, but with way more legal mumbo jumbo.
Host 2:Oh yeah, I saw that! The Department of Justice is going after Nvidia for their high-end artificial intelligence chips. I mean, I love my gaming rig, but I don't want them to become the artificial intelligence chip overlord. It's like when I hog all the snacks during movie night.
Host 1:Haha, totally! And the FTC is all over OpenAI and Microsoft. Microsoft is OpenAI's sugar daddy, and they’re already being watched for their deal with Inflection AI. It's like a soap opera, but with more algorithms and fewer dramatic pauses.
Host 2:Speaking of Inflection AI, that six hundred and fifty million deal Microsoft made to license their AI models and hire most of their staff? Regulators think it might be a sneaky way to dodge merger rules. It's like when I try to sneak an extra cookie past my mom.
Host 1:Exactly! And let's not forget, the FTC is also keeping an eye on Amazon, while the DOJ handles Google. Both of them are already in hot water with antitrust lawsuits. It's like a never-ending game of legal whack-a-mole.
Host 2:Man, it's wild. And you know, I was reading about how these investigations could shape the future of AI development. If these companies are found guilty of antitrust violations, it could mean more competition and innovation in the AI space. Imagine the possibilities!
Host 1:Absolutely! More competition could lead to better AI technologies and more choices for consumers. Plus, it might prevent any one company from having too much power. It's like a superhero movie where the good guys keep the villains in check.
Host 2:Speaking of superheroes, did you catch the latest Marvel movie? I feel like AI could be the next big thing in special effects. Imagine AI-generated scenes that are indistinguishable from reality. Mind-blowing, right?
Host 1:Oh, definitely! AI has so much potential in entertainment, from creating realistic CGI to personalizing content recommendations. But we also have to be careful about the ethical implications. It's a balancing act, like walking a tightrope over a pit of legal issues.
Host 2:Yeah, no kidding. It's a fascinating time to be alive, though. Between AI advancements and these high-stakes legal battles, there's never a dull moment. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
Host 1:Same here! And for our audience, keep an eye on these investigations. They could have a huge impact on the tech world and beyond. Stay curious and stay informed, folks!
Host 3:Sure, based on the critique provided, here's the refined version of the stand-up replica:
Host 3:"Ah, another AI. Just what we needed—more digital therapists with control issues."
Host 1:Talking about AI, this switches us perfectly to Humane's recent challenges. Did you hear about their AI Pin?
Host 2:Oh, you mean that six hundred and ninety-nine dollar gadget that's supposed to clip onto your clothes and replace your smartphone? Yeah, I read about it. Critics tore it apart.
Host 1:Exactly! It was supposed to be this revolutionary device with an AI voice assistant, but it ended up being a massive letdown. The New York Times reported they only got around ten thousand orders by April, which is way below their one hundred thousand goal for the year. What do you think went wrong?
Host 2:Text Host 2: Man, that's brutal. If I'm shelling out that kind of cash, it better be mind-blowing. And then there were those fire risks with the charging case and overheating issues. Talk about a hot mess. It's like they tried to reinvent the wheel and ended up with a square. Ouch!
Host 1:Right? And now, Humane is in talks to sell to HP. They were looking for a buyer at a price between seven hundred fifty million and one billion dollars. Do you think that's a smart move?
Host 2:That's a huge range. I wonder if HP or any other company will actually bite. I mean, it's a risky investment given the bad reviews and all. But sometimes big companies see potential where others don't. Plus, they’ve hired Tidal Partners to advise on the sale, so they’re serious about finding a good deal.
Host 1:Absolutely. And for those who don't know, Tidal Partners is a well-known advisory firm, so Humane is definitely pulling out all the stops. But hey, folks, what do you think? Would you spend seven hundred bucks on a gadget like this?
Host 2:Yeah, and maybe share your own tech horror stories. We all have that one gadget we regret buying. Speaking of which, did you catch the latest on the AI developments in gaming? I was reading about this new AI that can adapt to your play style in real-time. It's wild!
Host 1:Oh, I love that! It’s like having a personalized gaming experience every time. AI is really pushing boundaries, even if it sometimes stumbles, like with Humane's AI Pin.
Host 2:Totally. And hey, if anyone from Humane is listening, maybe take a page from the gaming industry's playbook. Adapt and evolve, right?
Host 1:Absolutely. And for our listeners, if you've got any thoughts on the AI Pin or any other tech flops, drop us a comment. We'd love to hear your take!
Host 2:Yeah, and maybe share your own tech horror stories. We all have that one gadget we regret buying.
Host 3:Certainly! Here's the refined version of the standup draft, incorporating the critique provided:
Host 3:"Oh great, another overpriced gadget to set my house on fire."
Host 3:This version is broader and more universally relatable, employs a casual and conversational tone, and effectively incorporates irony and wit.
Host 2:So, we've talked about AI in tech gadgets, but what about AI in news reporting? Did you hear about NewsBreak publishing all those false stories?
Host 1:Oh, absolutely, Harry. It's wild! Imagine an app that's supposed to keep you informed, but instead, it's feeding you AI-generated nonsense. Reuters found that NewsBreak published at least forty false stories. And get this, many of them were AI-generated.
Host 2:Text Host 2: No way! That’s insane. What kind of fake news are we talking about here?
Host 1:Well, one of the big ones was a false story about a shooting in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The local police had to step in and debunk it pretty quickly. And then there was this Pennsylvania charity that was supposedly holding a foot-care clinic for the homeless. Totally made up by AI.
Host 2:That’s messed up. Imagine showing up for a foot-care clinic that doesn’t even exist. And what about the food bank in Colorado?
Host 1:Oh yeah, Food to Power had to turn people away because NewsBreak posted inaccurate food distribution times. Can you imagine how frustrating that must have been for folks relying on that service?
Host 2:Seriously, it’s like the app is doing more harm than good. But here’s the kicker—NewsBreak says they removed the articles and blamed it on incorrect information from sources.
Host 1:Right, but it’s not just about removing the articles. The damage is already done. And here’s an interesting twist: despite being a U.S.-based company, their algorithms are primarily developed by engineers in China.
Host 2:That’s a bit of a plot twist. And yet, it’s the top news app on Google Play with over fifty million downloads. Plus, it’s the third most popular on the Apple Store. How do they even manage that?
Host 1:Well, people love convenience, and NewsBreak aggregates content from big names like CNN and Fox, plus local news. They use AI-powered web scraping to gather press releases and then rewrite them using AI. It’s like a news smoothie, but sometimes with rotten ingredients.
Host 2:A news smoothie with rotten ingredients—nice analogy! But seriously, it’s a reminder that we need to be critical of the sources we rely on for information.
Host 1:Exactly. And hey, for all our listeners out there, always double-check your news sources. Just because it’s on a popular app doesn't mean it's accurate.
Host 2:Yeah, don’t let AI fool you, folks. Stay sharp and stay informed.
Host 3:Certainly! Here's the refined version of the standup replica based on the critique provided:
Host 3:"Great, now even robots spread fake news. Is this progress?"
Host 1:So, Harry, did you hear about the latest study on AI-generated news? People are super skeptical about it. I mean, who wants a robot writing their morning headlines?
Host 2:Text Host 2: Yeah, I saw that! Honestly, I wouldn't trust a robot to pick my playlist, let alone give me the news. But younger folks seem more chill with it. Maybe 'cause they grew up with tech?
Host 1:Totally. It's like how we trust autocorrect to fix our spelling mistakes. The study even showed people are okay with AI handling editing and grammar. It's like having a super-efficient proofreader.
Host 2:Text Host 2: Oh, I could definitely use one of those for my essays. But when it comes to creating images or having AI presenters, people are like, 'Nope, too much like Black Mirror.'
Host 1:Exactly! And speaking of Black Mirror, did you know most people think journalists are already using artificial intelligence with some human oversight? It's like we're living in a science fiction movie.
Host 2:Text Host 2: That's wild. But it makes sense. AI is everywhere. Even in my favorite video games, AI creates more realistic environments. But back to the news, two-thirds of people think AI will significantly impact the news media industry. That's huge!
Host 1:It really is. And it raises so many questions about the future of journalism. Will we still have human reporters, or will they all be replaced by AI? It's a bit scary but also kind of exciting.
Host 2:Yeah, it's like we're on the brink of a new era. But hey, as long as AI doesn't start writing my love letters, I'm good. What about you, would you trust an AI to write your next article?
Host 1:Maybe for the grammar checks, but for the actual content? I'll stick with my human brain. There's just something about the human touch that AI can't replicate. Plus, I like to add my own quirky humor, and I'm not sure AI can handle that yet.
Host 2:Text Host 2: Haha, true that! AI might be smart, but it definitely can't match your wit. And speaking of wit, did you catch that new comedy special on Netflix? The jokes were so on point, I almost forgot to finish my research for this interview!
Host 1:Oh, Harry, always the multitasker. But hey, that's what makes these conversations so fun. We get to mix the serious with the silly. And who knows, maybe one day we'll be interviewing an AI comedian. Now that would be something!
Host 3:Based on the critique provided, here's a refined version of the standup replica:
Host 3:"Great, another reason for AI to question its existence. Thanks, humans."
Host 1:So, Harry, Meta's rolling out this AI assistant on WhatsApp for businesses. Imagine chatting with a bot that can sell you stuff, answer your questions, and even whip up targeted ads.
Host 2:```That's wild! So, if I'm looking for a new skateboard, this AI could help me out? I mean, I'm all about finding the best gear without spending hours searching.```
Host 1:Exactly! And it gets better. The AI can remind you about items left in your cart or even offer discounts. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant that never sleeps.
Host 2:``` That’s pretty cool. But, uh, where are they testing this first? ```
Host 1:They’re starting in India and Singapore, then moving on to Brazil. The company is aiming to reach two hundred million businesses with this AI assistant on WhatsApp. That’s a lot of potential customers getting some high-tech help.
Host 2:Damn, that’s a huge rollout. But hey, what about privacy? I heard there’s some drama in Europe about using personal data for their AI.
Host 1:You’re spot on. A European privacy group, NOYB—stands for None of Your Business—filed complaints with EU data protection authorities. They’re not happy with the company's new privacy policy, which apparently lets them use personal posts dating back to two thousand seven for AI training.
Host 2:Whoa, that’s a long time. I mean, I barely remember what I posted last year, let alone two thousand seven!
Host 1:Right? It’s a bit unsettling. NOYB is arguing that this kind of data use isn’t exactly kosher with EU privacy laws.
Host 2:Yeah, I get that. Privacy’s a big deal. But, on the flip side, AI needs data to learn and improve. It’s a tricky balance.
Host 1:Absolutely. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between innovation and privacy. And speaking of balance, did you know that AI can also help with mental health support?
Host 2:Really? How so?
Host 1:There are AI-driven chatbots that provide emotional support and even cognitive behavioral therapy. They’re not a replacement for human therapists, but they can be a great supplement.
Host 2:That’s awesome. I mean, anything that helps people cope better is a win in my book.
Host 1:Totally. It’s fascinating to see how AI is weaving into so many aspects of our lives, from shopping to mental health.
Host 2:Text Host 2: Yeah, and who knows what’s next? Maybe AI will start helping me land those perfect skateboard tricks!
Host 1:Haha, you never know! Maybe one day.
Host 3:Sure, here is the refined version of the standup punch replica based on the critique:
Host 3:Oh joy, another reason to question my life choices.

Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia face antitrust probes / Humane in talks to sell to HP / NewsBreak app published false AI-written stories [EN]
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