Modular secures $100M to simplify AI development

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1. Modular secures $100M to simplify AI development

Modular, co-founded by ex-Googlers Chris Lattner and Tim Davis, has secured $100 million in a funding round led by General Catalyst. The startup aims to simplify the complex technical infrastructure that often hampers development. "This funding will support the growth of our team and improve our core products," said CEO Chris Lattner.

The company's engine enhances the inferencing performance of models on CPUs and, soon, GPUs. Compatible with existing cloud environments and machine learning frameworks, Modular's engine allows developers to run trained models up to 7.5 times faster. "We're attacking the complexity that slows development today," Lattner added.

Modular is also introducing its programming language, Mojo, designed to combine Python's usability with features like caching and adaptive compilation techniques. The language is currently in preview and has already attracted hundreds of early adopters.

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2. Cal Fire deploys AI for early wildfire detection

California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has teamed up with UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia to deploy a cutting-edge system for early wildfire detection. The system employs 1,039 high-definition cameras across the state to monitor for signs of fire. "This is a game-changer in wildfire detection and management," said a Cal Fire official.

Since its rollout two months ago, the system has successfully identified 77 fires before any 911 calls were made. This has enabled rapid response and containment, particularly in remote areas where fewer people can report smoke or flames. "The success of this project is the fires you never hear about," said Phillip SeLegue, staff chief of fire intelligence with Cal Fire.

Cal Fire has invested about $20 million in the project over the past four years. As wildfires continue to devastate parts of California, this technology offers a promising avenue for early detection and rapid response, potentially saving lives and property.

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3. Meta's unveils new tool to streamline developer workflows

Meta has introduced Code Llama, a tool built on its Llama 2 large language model, designed to generate new code and debug existing human-written code. "The goal is to make developer workflows more efficient so they can focus on the most human-centric aspects of their jobs," Meta stated in a blog post.

The tool comes with specialized versions, including Code Llama-Python for Python-specific tasks and Code Llama-Instrct, which understands natural language instructions. According to Meta, Code Llama outperformed other publicly available LLMs, scoring 53.7% on the HumanEval code benchmark.

As code generators like GitHub's Copilot and Amazon's CodeWhisperer continue to make waves, legal and ethical considerations are coming to the forefront. Code Llama not only promises efficiency but also raises questions about the responsible use of technology in coding.

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4. U.K. to host world's first AI safety summit

The United Kingdom is set to host the world's first safety summit focused on frontier technology at Bletchley Park, the iconic location where World War II codebreakers cracked the Enigma Code. "To fully embrace the extraordinary opportunities, we must tackle the risks to ensure it develops safely," said U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The summit will discuss how risks can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The U.K. is positioning itself as the "geographical home of global safety regulation," a move that could set the stage for global standards in safety and ethics.

While the U.K. aims to be a leader in safety, it faces stiff competition from major players like the U.S. and China. The summit could be a pivotal moment for the U.K. to assert its role in shaping the future of technology.

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5. Virtualitics honored for transforming AI-Driven data exploration

Virtualitics Inc. has been honored in Fast Company's Innovation by Design Awards for 2023. The recognition highlights the company's role in revolutionizing traditional data exploration methods. "Being included in Fast Company's awards spotlights our ongoing mission to use groundbreaking advancements in analytics," said Michael Amori, CEO and co-Founder of Virtualitics.

The company's platform, known for its "Intelligent Exploration" mission, employs algorithms that automatically uncover relationships within data. These algorithms generate immersive 3D visuals and provide actionable insights. "Our platform transforms how organizations use their data, enabling them to go deeper and discover real meaning," Amori added.

Virtualitics' patented technology includes rich 3D visuals and VR experiences designed to display complex findings clearly. This enables stronger storytelling and enhanced understanding, guiding smarter business decisions and initiatives.

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