The AI model that is disrupting audio production

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1. The AI model that is disrupting audio production

Stability AI, known for its image synthesis model Stable Diffusion, has now ventured into the realm of audio with the launch of Stable Audio. This text-to-audio AI model can generate high-quality music and sound effects from written descriptions. "The technology is a significant upgrade from previous AI audio generators," said a spokesperson from Stability AI.

The company has partnered with Harmonai, an AI lab, to break into commercial AI audio production. Stable Audio is trained on a dataset consisting of over 800,000 audio files and can render 95 seconds of "CD quality" audio in less than one second on an Nvidia A100 GPU. "This is a game-changer for the audio production industry," said an industry expert.

Stable Audio offers a free tier allowing users to generate up to 20 tracks per month, and a $12 monthly Pro plan for more extensive use. Future releases are expected to include open-source models based on Stable Audio's architecture. As AI-generated audio gains traction, it could become another tool in a professional's audio production toolbox, potentially challenging traditional musicians and sound engineers.

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2. Tech leaders endorse AI regulation at closed-door Washington summit

In a rare closed-door meeting in Washington, D.C., tech industry leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates, loosely endorsed the need for government regulations on AI. Organized by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the summit aimed to gather insights from almost two dozen tech executives, advocates, and skeptics on the role of government in AI oversight. "Every single person raised their hands, even though they had diverse views," Schumer said.

While there was a general agreement on the need for regulation, the form it should take remains a subject of debate. Among the ideas floated were the creation of an independent agency to oversee AI and measures to ensure the U.S. stays ahead of global competitors like China. "The key point was really that it’s important for us to have a referee," said Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.

Despite the high-profile nature of the meeting, some senators criticized the lack of public involvement, arguing that tech executives should testify in public. The event also raised concerns about the influence of big tech firms over the regulatory process. "It was hard to envision a room like that in any way meaningfully representing the interests of the broader public," said Sarah Myers West, managing director of the nonprofit AI Now Institute. As the U.S. grapples with the complexities of AI regulation, the meeting serves as a pivotal moment in shaping the future landscape.

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3. Amazon releases AI tool to revolutionize product listings for sellers

Amazon has rolled out a new AI tool aimed at helping sellers generate compelling copy for their product listings. The tool, which was announced at the annual Amazon Accelerate conference, allows sellers to input keywords or sentences about their product. It then generates a range of content options, including product titles, bullet points, and descriptions. "This is just the tip of the iceberg on how we plan to use AI to help improve the seller experience," said Mary Beth Westmoreland, Amazon's VP of worldwide selling partner experience.

The tool is seen as Amazon's response to the growing popularity of AI applications like ChatGPT and Google's Bard in consumer-facing services. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has previously stated that the company plans to incorporate more AI applications across its business sectors. "AI tools are expected to make it easier for sellers to stand out on Amazon's vast, competitive third-party marketplace," said an industry analyst.

Amazon's new AI tool is part of a broader strategy to leverage AI technology in enhancing the seller and consumer experience. As the e-commerce giant continues to evolve, its focus on AI-driven solutions is likely to become a cornerstone in its quest for retail dominance.

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4. EY launches EY.ai

Global professional services firm EY has announced the launch of EY.ai, a platform designed to assist businesses in their AI adoption journey. Backed by a hefty $1.4 billion investment, the platform aims to combine human expertise with AI capabilities. "AI’s moment is now. Every business is considering how it will be integrated into operations," said Carmine Di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO.

EY.ai is not just another AI platform; it places a strong emphasis on responsible and ethical AI adoption. The platform will offer a comprehensive learning program to elevate and expand the AI skills of EY personnel. "It’s about unlocking new economic value responsibly," Di Sibio added. Moreover, EY.ai aims to convene an ecosystem of AI capabilities, partnering with industry giants like Dell Technologies, IBM, and Microsoft.

The future of EY.ai looks promising with plans to roll out AI learning and development programs. As businesses increasingly look to AI for transformation, platforms like EY.ai could play a pivotal role in ensuring that this technological evolution is both effective and ethical.

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5. Professors at MSU are adapting to AI in classrooms

Michigan State University (MSU) is grappling with the growing presence of generative AI like ChatGPT in classrooms. While the university has issued broad guidelines encouraging departments to work with AI, there is no clear-cut policy in place. This leaves faculty with the freedom to decide how to integrate AI into their teaching methods. "A lack of policy could be chaotic for faculty," said MSU Assistant Professor Edward Timke.

Professors are adopting nuanced approaches to AI use. Timke, for instance, is open to discussions on how and when to use AI, emphasizing that it would be a "disservice to students to completely ban it from classes." Casey McArdle, MSU's director of Experience Architecture, sees AI as a tool that can assist with research and believes in its ethical and responsible use. "We must work with students so that it’s being used in ethical and responsible ways," McArdle said.

The university is planning future discussions to address the complexities of AI use, including an "AI and Academic use Roundtable" scheduled for September 22. As educational institutions like MSU navigate the integration of AI, the focus remains on balancing innovation with ethical considerations.

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