Welcome to this week's edition of Jumble, your go-to source for the latest in AI. This issue covers the iOS18 feature that helped saves lives and the educator who quit teaching because of AI. It’s a packed week in AI and here’s what you need to know ⬇️

Apple Feature Saves Lives During Hurricane Helene 💨

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed over 100 lives and left thousands without power and cell service across several US states, Apple's new satellite messaging feature is emerging as a vital lifeline for survivors. Introduced with iOS 18, this feature allows iPhone users to send and receive messages even when cellular networks and Wi-Fi are unavailable.

While the connection isn't perfect, with users reporting a "50/50 chance" of getting through, it's proving to be significantly better than having no communication at all. The satellite messaging capability is offering peace of mind to worried families and facilitating rescue efforts in areas devastated by the hurricane.

In response to the disaster, Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will be making a donation to support relief efforts. As recovery operations continue, Apple's innovative technology is demonstrating its potential to make a real difference in crisis situations, potentially saving lives and reuniting families in the wake of natural disasters.

Educator Quits Because of AI ✏️

Victoria Livingstone, a veteran educator with nearly two decades of experience, has decided to leave the teaching profession, citing the widespread use of AI language models like ChatGPT as a primary reason. Livingstone, who holds a doctorate in Hispanic literature and was a Fulbright scholar, argues that these AI tools are fundamentally changing the way students approach writing and thinking.

In her article, Livingstone emphasizes that writing is not merely transcribing thoughts but a process closely tied to thinking itself. She recounts her own experience of spending months trying to solve the puzzle of her dissertation, ultimately finding the solution through the act of writing. However, she observed that many students, when faced with the easy option of AI-generated content, were unwilling to push through the discomfort and challenges of the writing process.

Surprisingly, even graduate students who understood the limitations and ethical concerns of AI tools still relied heavily on them. Livingstone notes that her doctoral students, many of whom were computer scientists, recognized the unreliability of LLMs as research tools and acknowledged their environmental and ethical problems. Despite this awareness, several students admitted to drafting their research in note form and asking ChatGPT to write their articles.

The educator expresses deep concern that the use of AI in writing is undermining the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that the writing process traditionally fosters. This story highlights the growing tension between traditional educational methods and the rapid advancement of AI technology in academic settings, leading experienced educators like Livingstone to reconsider their roles in the changing landscape of education.

Bests and Busts

Here's a look at this week's AI highlights and lowlights:

⭐ Best: AI-Driven NPCs Revolutionize Game Narratives
AI-powered NPCs are transforming video game storytelling by creating dynamic, personalized experiences that adapt to player choices. These intelligent characters offer more realistic interactions, emotional depth, and adaptive world-building, significantly enhancing game narratives. Key benefits include increased replayability through varied outcomes, more engaging character relationships, and evolving game worlds. While challenges like maintaining narrative consistency and balancing emotional realism exist, AI-driven NPCs are pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling.

💩 Bust: Meta Dodges Questions on AI Training with Smart Glasses Photos
Meta, the company behind AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, has refused to clarify whether it uses photos captured by these devices to train its AI models. When questioned by TechCrunch, Meta representatives avoided giving a direct answer, raising concerns about user privacy and data usage. The smart glasses can take photos both on command and automatically based on AI triggers, potentially capturing images without users' full awareness. 

The Scoop 🍦

🎨 AI Art Contest Winner Sues for Copyright Recognition
Jason Allen, who controversially won a Colorado State Fair art competition with an AI-generated image in 2022, is now suing the U.S. Copyright Office for refusing to register his work "Théâtre D'opéra Spatial." Allen argues that his extensive use of prompts and post-processing makes him the true creator of the artwork, despite the involvement of AI tools like Midjourney.

🕷️ Sony Reveals AI Use in Spider-Man 2 Development
Sony has disclosed its initial steps in integrating AI into game development, starting with Marvel's Spider-Man 2. The company used machine learning to automate subtitle synchronization for multiple languages, significantly speeding up the localization process. This revelation highlights the company's strategy to use AI to streamline development, potentially delivering games faster and more cost-effectively.

💻 Chromebooks Get AI-Powered 'Quick Insert' Button
Google has unveiled a new 'Quick Insert' button for Chromebooks. The button replaces the search/launcher key and provides quick access to various AI tools, including "Help me write" for composing emails and memos, and future image generation capabilities. The button also offers easy access to recently visited websites, files, GIFs, and emojis.

🛑 California Governor Vetoes Landmark AI Safety Bill
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 1047, a groundbreaking AI safety bill that would have imposed strict regulations on large AI models. The bill, which aimed to mandate safety testing and include "kill switch" requirements for powerful AI systems, was rejected due to concerns that it could stifle innovation and drive AI companies out of the state. Despite the veto, the governor signed 17 other AI-related bills.

🌾 Kenyan Farmers Embrace AI to Boost Crop Yields
Small-scale farmers in Kenya are increasingly turning to AI-powered tools like Virtual Agronomist and PlantVillage to improve their agricultural practices. These apps provide personalized advice on fertilizer use, pest control, and crop management, helping farmers increase their yields significantly. For example, one farmer’s coffee production rose from 2.3 to 7.3 tonnes after adopting these tools.

🐶 Mark Cuban: AI Lags Behind Canine Problem-Solving Skills
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has expressed skepticism about AI's current problem-solving capabilities, comparing them unfavorably to those of a smart puppy. In a recent interview with Wired, Cuban argued that AI lacks the adaptability and situational awareness of even a young dog, using the example of a seeing-eye dog versus a self-driving car to illustrate his point. Cuban believes it could take a decade for AI to rival a small puppy's intelligence.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Jumble! See you next week for more updates on the latest trends and developments in AI.

Stay informed, stay curious, and stay ahead with Jumble!

Zoe from Jumble