AI Integration in Windows 11 Revealed by Microsoft at Surface Event + Ex-Google Engineer Accused of AI Theft + Adobe Express Beta Introduces AI-Driven Content Creation
Good morning!
Welcome to the 63rd edition of the Quantumics Weekly Roundup.
In this edition, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest AI trends.
And as usual, we’ll explore the latest news and information in data and AI, business, and tech.
Microsoft Teases AI-Powered Upgrades for Windows 11
Since the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022, interest in artificial intelligence has soared, with tech giants investing heavily in AI technologies and integrating AI-powered features into their products. Microsoft, a major investor in ChatGPT's parent company OpenAI, is expected to unveil AI-driven functionalities for Windows 11 at its upcoming New Era of Work event on March 21. The event, confirmed by Microsoft, will showcase advancements in AI, particularly in Windows features and Surface devices. The event, scheduled for March 21 at 9 am PDT (which translates to March 21, Friday, at 10:30 pm Indian time), aims to provide insights into scaling AI solutions in various environments, including Copilot, Windows, and Surface devices, as highlighted on the event's dedicated webpage titled "Advancing the new era of work with Copilot."
According to a recent report from Windows Central, Microsoft is gearing up to launch the highly anticipated all-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptops during its upcoming event. These devices are expected to offer significant advancements in both performance and efficiency, likely powered by Intel Core Ultra and Snapdragon X Elite-based processors. Microsoft is branding these devices as innovative AI PCs due to their integration of cutting-edge AI technology. The release timeline suggests an April launch for the Intel hardware, followed by the Arm hardware in June. The inclusion of Arm technology in the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 represents a notable expansion, with specific details regarding Arm devices potentially reserved for a later announcement closer to June. Additionally, the report suggests that a specialized commercial variant of the Surface Laptop featuring a built-in CAC reader might also be introduced during the event.
Furthermore, Microsoft's event will cover updates on new Windows and Copilot features, potentially involving the incorporation of the next-generation neural processing unit (NPU) in the upcoming devices. One of the anticipated features is the "AI Explorer," which serves as an advanced Copilot, allowing users to transform PC activities into a searchable memory using natural language.
Former Google Engineer Faces Charges for AI Theft and Suspected Ties to Chinese Companies
Linwei Ding, a former software engineer at Google, has been accused by the Justice Department of stealing artificial intelligence (AI) technology from the company while covertly collaborating with two Chinese firms. Ding, a 38-year-old Chinese citizen, was arrested in Newark, California, and is facing four counts of federal trade secret theft. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed the charges during an American Bar Association Conference in San Francisco, emphasizing the ongoing concern among law enforcement officials regarding Chinese economic espionage and its implications for national security, particularly concerning advancements in AI technology.
The indictment, unsealed in the Northern District of California, alleges that Ding, who had been employed by Google since 2019, transferred hundreds of files to a personal Google Cloud account two years ago. These files contained confidential information pertaining to Google's supercomputing data centers.
Shortly after engaging in the theft, Ding received an offer to become the chief technology officer at a Chinese technology firm specializing in AI. Additionally, he established and assumed the role of CEO at a startup in China dedicated to training "large AI models powered by supercomputing chips." Allegedly, Ding actively participated in investor meetings and sought funding for both endeavors without disclosing his association with Google.
Google became aware of Ding's activities when he appeared as the CEO of one of the Chinese companies at an investor conference in Beijing just three days after resigning from Google on December 26. Surveillance footage uncovered that another employee had scanned Ding's access badge, creating a false impression that he was present at the Google premises during times when he was actually in China.
Adobe Express Beta Brings AI-Enhanced Content Creation to Android and iOS
On Thursday, Adobe unveiled its new Adobe Express app in beta for Android and iOS mobile devices, integrating the company's Firefly generative AI capabilities. The app introduces features such as Firefly Generative Fill, text-to-image functionality, text effects, and video editing tools tailored for mobile workflows.
Govind Balakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Adobe Express and Digital Media Services at Adobe, stated in a press release, "The new Adobe Express mobile app places Firefly – our generative AI models – at the forefront, providing users with unprecedented options to craft standout videos, designs, photos, and images." He highlighted the increasing number of users turning to Adobe Express to create content, noting a significant surge in content creation over the past year.
Text to Image: Users can generate new images for their projects by utilizing Firefly to create fresh looks.
Generative Fill: This feature enables users to manipulate images by inserting, removing, or replacing elements, such as people or objects. The app automatically fills in the replaced area of the image.
Text Effects: Users can generate eye-catching text and messages with styling generated by AI.
Video: Adobe Express provides templates, images, music, animations, and the ability to merge video clips and generate real-time captions.
Expanded Content and Templates: Users gain access to a wide range of video and multipage templates, including Adobe Fonts and Adobe Stock videos, music tracks, and image and design assets.
Quick Actions: Users can efficiently edit photos and videos, remove backgrounds, and resize images with just a few clicks.
The Adobe Express app is currently accessible on iPhones running iOS 16 or higher, and on select Android phones with a minimum of 4GB of RAM and running [the required version]. iOS users will need to sign up for the beta version due to limitations imposed by Apple on the number of beta users, whereas Android users can download the app directly from the Google Play Store.