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2023-04-18

MiniGPT-4

News

  • MiniGPT-4, a language model that aligns a frozen visual encoder with a frozen large language model, Vicuna, using just one projection layer, possesses similar capabilities exhibited by GPT-4, such as generating detailed image descriptions and writing stories and poems inspired by given images.
  • The model is highly computationally efficient, utilizing only approximately 5 million aligned image-text pairs and requires only training the linear layer to align the visual features with the Vicuna large language model.
  • The creators are preparing a lighter model runnable on a single 3090 GPU for future use.

Industry Reactions

  • Researchers create MiniGPT-4 model which outperforms others by linking BLIP2's ViT-L+Q-former to Vicuna-13B with a linear layer and training just the tiny layer on some image-text datasets.
  • Other comments include machine learning models, running LLMs on CPUs, and marketing products based on smaller models.
  • King Abdullah University researchers develop Vicuna, a GPT transformer architecture that generates computer programs and websites from natural language with improved learning efficiency.
  • GPTQ 4bit's faster and more efficient performance presents exciting possibilities for video summarization and other applications for software and tech.

RedPajama: Reproduction of LLaMA with friendly license

News

  • RedPajama, a project to create leading open-source models, starts by reproducing LLaMA training dataset of over 1.2 trillion tokens.
  • RedPajama has three key components: pre-training data, base models, and instruction tuning data and models.
  • RedPajama has released the full RedPajama 1.2 trillion token dataset and a smaller, more consumable random sample can be downloaded through Hugging Face.

Industry Reactions

  • Together XYZ has released RedPajama, an open-source language model dataset that is four times larger than OpenAI's GPT-3-powered GPT-3 and addresses criticism from AI researchers regarding the closed nature of language model development and deployment.
  • Comments on Hacker News refer to various derivatives such as Pythia, OpenAssistant, StableDiffusion, and Midjourney, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, with a focus on image quality and control.
  • There is ongoing debate about the copyrightability of AI weights, and RedPajama faces challenges in creating a sustainable open-source AI initiative that can compete with big tech.

Samsung considers moving to Bing as default search engine

News

  • Samsung is reportedly in talks with Microsoft to make Bing the default search engine on its Galaxy devices, including Android-based smartphones and tablets, with Google appearing to be in "panic mode." This comes as the race to bring the best AI abilities to web search heats up, with Google working on its counter-pitch, Project 'Magi,' which will reportedly provide a far more personalized experience to its current service.
  • Google recently invited employees to test the AI on search engine, with a possible launch in May 2023.

Industry Reactions

  • Samsung is considering switching to Bing as its default search engine, potentially due to Google's increased ad pressure on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and to squeeze more payments from Samsung and Apple.
  • Bing could outbid Google in a potential search engine deal, and Microsoft is pushing Samsung to create a new device.
  • There is a debate on the decline in Google's quality and SEO tactics, pushing users towards alternative search engines such as ChatGPT, DDG, Brave Search, and Bing.
  • Furthermore, the Linux desktop experience has improved, with many users opting for Linux for work, while Chromebooks are preferred in the educational sector.

I liked this simple calculus exercise

News

  • The author shares a calculus exercise that requires students to understand what the integral is computing, rather than just relying on set rules for integrating common functions.
  • To solve the problem, students may use graphing, breaking complicated functions into simpler parts, dealing with piecewise-continuous functions, and utilizing symmetry.
  • The exercise may help students learn valuable techniques and the observation that not every problem can be solved by just pushing around symbols.

Industry Reactions

  • Hacker News users discuss teaching calculus and suggest more exercises to test understanding.
  • They also suggest using modern software and reinforcement of basic concepts throughout the course.
  • Additionally, they share resources for verifying mathematical models or exercises.

Booting Modern Intel CPUs

News

  • Booting modern Intel CPUs involves verifying signatures and executing Authenticated Code Modules (ACMs) for detecting attacks or malware.
  • BootGuard, Intel's security solution for booting, verifies microcode updates, checks for headers in the system flash, reads an ACM, verifies its signature, and executes the IBB in 32-bit mode.
  • The post discusses relying on firmware for heavy lifting instead of the OS and is well-written for new tech industry readers without political/religious bias or externalization of the text, but without any exciting or new aspects.

Industry Reactions

  • Intel CPUs and the difficulties with booting auxiliary processors in multiple systems are discussed, along with ways to resolve these issues through function calls and assembly code without using memory or stacks.
  • Some developers express frustration with buggy firmware and unreliability in products, while others remain satisfied with cheaper alternatives that work for their needs.
  • The conversation also covers legacy boot support being abandoned in favor of firmware updates, with real mode no longer playing a role in booting modern operating systems.

iOS 17 will reportedly set the stage for sideloading apps on iPhone

News

  • Apple may be adding the ability to sideload apps on iPhones with the release of iOS 17, according to a Bloomberg report.
  • The company is reportedly building the groundwork for such functionality and may make an announcement related to it at the upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June.
  • It's unclear if Apple will allow sideloading with iOS 17 or if it's just making some changes at the operating system level to enable it at a later point down the road.

Industry Reactions

  • Apple's iOS 17 reportedly allows sideloading apps on iPhones.
  • some praise the move, while others worry about a decrease in security measures.
  • The debate centers on balancing privacy and security protections with the ability to sideload apps.
  • Critics suggest that Apple has a monopoly and needs to offer users more options, while defenders point to Apple's superior privacy and security protections as compared to its rival, Android.

OpenAI's CEO says the age of giant AI models is already over

News

  • OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, stated that the era of making large language models like GPT is coming to a close.
  • Although OpenAI continues to make advancements in AI, future strides will require new ideas, and according to Altman, will not come from just making models bigger.
  • Many well-funded startups are attempting to catch up with OpenAI's technology, and GPT-4 signals an unexpected twist in the race to develop and deploy new AI algorithms.

Industry Reactions

  • OpenAI's CEO claims that large AI models are no longer economically feasible and future progress in AI will come from improving models in other ways.
  • Multi-modal models are the new frontier of research in AI.
  • Some experts are skeptical about OpenAI's claims regarding GPT-4's size and abilities, while others point out its potential for exponential growth.
  • OpenAI may need to find new sources of training data and improve algorithm and data quality for better AI models.
  • Discussions on GPT-4's language competency and limitations have led to talks about improving language models through multimodal capabilities, more efficient training objectives and optimizers, and advancements in data augmentations.

Microsoft deleted the public support forums for SwiftKey

News

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Industry Reactions

  • Microsoft has removed public support forums for SwiftKey, which users feel loyal to because it learns their typing style and becomes an extension of their body.
  • they can now only email SwiftKey's customer support team with issues.
  • Comments cover various topics, including online identity verification and the effects of spending too much time online.
  • others include issues of ableism and social media addiction.
  • However, some comments also discuss SwiftKey's strengths, including mixed language model learning and ergonomic design, making it a staple alternative to stock keyboard options on Android and iOS devices.

No Source Code == No Patent

News

  • Disclosure of source code in software patents is important because it proves that an inventor can implement the invention and adds credibility to a patent, especially in infringement cases.
  • Including source code fully satisfies the requirement for written description and enablement, reducing the number of software patent applications and avoiding ambiguity in design specifications.
  • The article discusses legal cases and the current state of patents in computer technology and digital communications, highlighting the need for source code in software patents to solve the issue of reasonable experimentation.

Industry Reactions

  • Debate over whether software patents should be abolished or maintained sparks discussion on Hacker News, with arguments for and against the necessity of patents in preventing theft of independently created ideas.
  • Some suggest that software patents hinder innovation and require more than just an idea or concept, such as a physical object or working copy, while others debate the relevance of source code and algorithms to patent rights.

I made my blog solar-powered, then things escalated

News

  • A blogger built a solar-powered system to run their blog and computer desk using solar panels with a combined rating of 740 Watts, powered through a 12-volt system with a large used lead-acid battery, Victron solar charger, inverter and Filax 2 switch, and gathering data involves using Python, InfluxDB and Grafana to collect and display data.
  • Oversized battery cabling and using a 24 or 48 Volt system are recommended for safety and reducing costs, and a sealed lead-acid battery is used for its safety.
  • A dynamic load algorithm prevents deep discharge of the battery, and a dark-themed background can save power.

Industry Reactions

  • A Hacker News thread discusses the pros and cons of using different types of batteries, including lead-acid, LiFePo4, and solid-state batteries, for solar-power projects, and suggests that one should consider their specific needs and goals before deciding on a battery type.
  • Experts share insights on capacity testing and plug-in replacements for lead-acid batteries using lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, and while LiFePO4 batteries may be lighter and faster to charge, their total lifetime cost is still comparable to that of lead-acid batteries.
  • Other comments provide tips for building solar power systems, such as using USB-C power supplies, dividing power over phases, and using 24V or DC components, as well as suggesting alternative solutions like wind turbines or panels as roofing.

Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong

News

  • American Public Media's investigative journalism project 'Sold a Story' debunks the current teaching methods in schools' reading programs, which are based on a long-disproven idea about how children learn to read, Newsly put forth by Marie Clay.
  • However, products using these debunked practices are being sold to schools across the country, with Heinemann making millions of dollars, and parents, educators, and lawmakers calling for changes to the system.
  • The articles include interviews with influential educators and politicians, research analysis, and guidance materials for educators and community members to discuss the topics at hand.

Industry Reactions

  • Various teaching approaches to children's reading, such as phonics and parental involvement, are discussed, with an emphasis on individualized instruction and assessment.
  • Educators and academics debate the effectiveness of phonics-based versus whole-word instruction, and the article warns against blindly trusting teachers' opinions.
  • The discussion also includes recommendations for helpful resources for parents, emphasizing the importance of teaching phonetics for reading proficiency, and the quality of education in elementary schools is currently under debate.

The Windows 11 Trash Party

News

  • The author of the article complains about the default content appearing in the Start menu of Windows 11 including a news about mass shooting that might be inappropriate for children, and garbage from the MSN home page in the weather info's alert.
  • Although you can turn this content off, the article suggests that the Windows experience is disappointing overall.

Industry Reactions

  • Users express concerns over Microsoft's identity crisis and suggest a need for clarification on their vision and focus on being an OS for enterprise corporations.
  • Dissatisfaction with Windows 11 is expressed, and some suggest using Linux as an alternative.
  • Windows' intrusive ads, privacy concerns, and performance are criticized.
  • The post is irrelevant to tech-savvy readers interested in Windows 11's criticisms.

Monthly Fediverse posts cross 1 billion for the first time

News

  • Monthly Fediverse posts have crossed one billion for the first time, according to recent data analysis.
  • Mastodon, a decentralized social network powered by Masto.ai, boasts 8.9K active users and offers features such as following hashtags and profiles, favoriting, sharing, and replying to posts.

Industry Reactions

  • The decentralized social network Fediverse has reached a milestone of over one billion monthly posts across various platforms, with Mastodon being a notable alternative to Twitter.
  • While some criticize Mastodon for its smaller user base and lack of scalability, others commend its quality interactions and community-driven feel.
  • Mastodon is still struggling to gain ground against Twitter due to centralization, and its precise number of Daily Active Users (DAUs) is unknown.
  • Furthermore, the Fediverse raises concerns about search capabilities, UX design and censorship issues.

AWS staff spending 'much of their time 'optimizing customers' clouds'

News

  • AWS staff are helping customers optimize their AWS spend so they can weather the uncertain economy, according to Amazon.com CEO Andy Jassy's annual letter to shareholders.
  • Although AWS's growth rate is slowing as a result of customers optimizing their spend, AWS is still seeing robust pipelines for new customers and active migrations.
  • Jassy also mentioned AWS's intention to develop more custom silicon and the potential of its Kuiper satellite broadband service.

Industry Reactions

  • AWS staff spends a lot of time optimizing customer's clouds, with mixed reviews of the support service, ranging from great basic support to problems with different support levels for customers.
  • Companies may struggle to hire infra engineers with necessary knowledge, and transitioning to cloud can lead to loss of knowledge regarding working with data centers.
  • On-premises infrastructure is cost-prohibitive and running multiple data centers can be painful, while complicated cloud architectures can create unnecessary operational burdens.
  • The cost-efficiency of cloud computing versus on-premises computing is debated, with spiky or unpredictable loads favoring cloud computing.
  • AWS is competing with smaller, cheaper cloud providers, and developers are struggling with complex deployment, operational support, and cost optimization.
  • Cloud computing has become expensive, with companies moving away from it depending on their usage, but few are moving to an on-prem setup due to lack of necessary skills.

Starship Flight Test - [video]

News

  • SpaceX's latest Starship prototype, SN10, has successfully completed a high-altitude test flight and landing, making it the first one to land without exploding.
  • The SN10 was able to ascend to 10 kilometers and perform a belly-first descent to its landing site, but a post-landing fire caused damage to the rocket.
  • SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that the company will prioritize developing the Super Heavy booster to pair with the Starship for orbital flights.

Industry Reactions

  • SpaceX plans to relaunch Starship in 48 hours after an aborted flight test due to a pressurant valve issue.
  • Users on Hacker News debate the market and profitability of Starship, but the article discusses the potential paradigm shift in the economics of space travel if the rocket proves to be as reusable as Musk predicts.
  • Comments also revolve around the central theme of the launch event's impact on US time zones, and there are concerns about protestors hindering SpaceX's tests.