Niantic uses Pokémon Go player data to build AI navigation system

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1. Niantic uses Pokémon Go player data to build AI navigation system

Niantic has developed an AI system that can access the distributed knowledge of churches, allowing local models to capture their location. The technology builds on Niantic's Lightship Visual Positioning System, which allows players to place virtual items in real-world locations with centimeter-level precision.

It could support augmented reality products, robotics, autonomous systems, spatial planning, logistics, and remote collaboration. The process is likely covered by Pokémon Go's data collection terms of service.

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2. Messenger app is getting new AI features

Messenger has announced new features to enhance the user experience, including AI backgrounds in video calls, HD video calls, background noise suppression, and voice isolation. Users can personalize chat themes with unique, AI-generated images from Meta AI, and can use AI backgrounds to reflect their feelings or add excitement to their calls.

HD video calls will be enabled by default for WiFi calls, while background noise suppression and voice isolation can be enabled via call settings. Messenger Calling now allows users to leave audio or video voice messages when friends can't pick up. Additionally, users can now use Siri for hands-free calling and messaging when their phone is out of reach.

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3. Numenta, backed by Gates Foundation, releases open-source AI model

Numenta, a company with the Gates Foundation backing, has released an open-source AI model that aims to require less energy and data to create intelligent machines than existing technologies. The model, co-founded by Jeff Hawkins, the founder of Palm Computing, believes that training brain cells can be a more constant process, gathering small bits of information from senses and constantly developing models of the world that can be modified on the fly as conditions change.

The approach can be applied to robots learning to navigate the world and other types of knowledge like writing. Numenta will release open source computer code to let other companies and researchers try its approach.

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4. Advancing urban tree monitoring with AI-powered digital twins

Researchers at MIT, Google, and Purdue University have developed the "Tree-D Fusion" system, which merges AI and tree-growth models with Google's Auto Arborist data to create accurate 3D models of existing urban trees. The project has produced the first-ever large-scale database of 600,000 environmentally aware, simulation-ready tree models across North America.

The technology allows city planners to predict tree growth and impact on their surroundings over time, potentially changing urban forest management from reactive maintenance to proactive planning. The system also offers a new window into the future of urban forests.

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5. Altman Raises Funds for Rain AI in Push to Rival Nvidia

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is pursuing a $150 million funding round for Rain AI, a semiconductor startup aiming to compete with Nvidia. Rain AI is valued at $600 million and has recently hired former Apple executive Jean-Didier Allegrucci to oversee its hardware engineering initiatives.

With an estimated 85% share, Rain AI claims its chips are more energy-efficient than those of Nvidia. Altman's efforts coincide with Nvidia's strengthening ties with Elon Musk, who plans to buy 100,000 Nvidia processors for AI projects.

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