AI Ringing in the News: Google's AI Mode, Whisper Rings, and Ethical Datasets
Today’s AI news is a mixed bag of accessibility, innovation, and ethics. From Google expanding its AI Mode to a new wearable device designed for capturing voice notes with a whisper, and a new dataset that implements best practices for consent, privacy, compensation, safety, diversity and utility, it’s clear that AI is becoming more ingrained in our lives.
Google is expanding its “AI Mode” to Chrome on Android and iOS, aiming to make search more “agentic” by adding new floating controls on Android. (9to5Google) This hints at a future where AI anticipates our needs and proactively assists us, potentially streamlining everything from booking appointments to gathering information. The push for more agentic features in AI search could drastically change how we interact with the internet, raising questions about user agency and data privacy.
On the hardware front, a new wearable company called Sandbar, founded by former Meta employees, is set to release the Stream Ring, an AI-powered smart ring that allows users to record voice notes with a whisper. (The Verge) This discreet form factor could have profound implications for how we capture and interact with information on the go, making voice-based AI even more accessible and integrated into daily life.
Finally, a new image dataset called the Fair Human-Centric Image Benchmark (FHIBE) has been created to promote ethical AI benchmarking. (Nature) FHIBE implements best practices for consent, privacy, compensation, safety, diversity, and utility. This is a crucial step towards addressing biases in AI systems and ensuring that AI development is responsible and equitable.
Today’s AI developments highlight both the exciting potential and the ethical considerations that come with increasingly sophisticated AI technologies. As AI continues to permeate different facets of our lives, the need for thoughtful development and ethical frameworks becomes ever more pressing.