Windows 11's 2023 update: A deep dive into AI-centric enhancements

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1. Windows 11's 2023 update: A deep dive into AI-centric enhancements

Microsoft has commenced the deployment of its much-anticipated Windows 11 2023 update. This update not only introduces a plethora of minor enhancements but also prominently features Copilot and a suite of other AI-centric applications that were previously announced. The rollout is a successor to the AI-centric preview released in September for the Windows 11 22H2 update.

The crux of this update is the democratization of Copilot, ensuring its accessibility to a wider spectrum of users and deeply embedding AI capabilities within the Windows ecosystem. In a bid to enhance user experience, this update seamlessly integrates Microsoft Teams into the native Chat application and pioneers the introduction of a "System" label within the Start menu, making navigation more intuitive.

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2. Canva introduces "Classroom Magic" for educators

Canva, after the recent launch of its AI-powered Magic Studio, is intensifying its focus on the education technology sector. The company unveiled "Classroom Magic", a tailored version of Magic Studio for educators and students. Falling under the Canva for Education umbrella, which already serves 50 million users globally, "Classroom Magic" incorporates AI features from Magic Studio to benefit educational institutions.

Jason Wilmot, Canva’s Head of Education, emphasized the AI tools' potential to assist teachers in creating engaging content and fostering student creativity. The new suite includes features like "Magic Write" for text manipulation and "Magic Animate" for dynamic presentations. Ensuring safety, Canva's Shield program offers strict controls, including advanced educator settings and content reviews.

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3. Alibaba unveils Tongyi Qianwen 2.0, challenging US giants

Alibaba has introduced the latest iteration of its artificial intelligence model, Tongyi Qianwen 2.0, positioning itself to rival US tech behemoths like Amazon and Microsoft. This LLM showcases enhanced capabilities in understanding intricate instructions, copywriting, reasoning, and memory. Alibaba touts it as a significant improvement over its predecessor, launched in April.

In addition to the model, Alibaba has rolled out AI solutions tailored for specific sectors, including legal and finance. The company also unveiled the GenAI Service Platform, allowing businesses to craft their own generative AI applications, addressing concerns about data security in public generative AI products.

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4. AI outperforms biopsy in cancer aggressiveness assessment

A groundbreaking study reveals that AI is nearly twice as precise as biopsies in determining the severity of certain cancers. This research, conducted by the Royal Marsden NHS foundation trust and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), specifically evaluated sarcomas, rare cancers originating in connective tissues. The AI algorithm demonstrated superior accuracy in grading the aggressiveness of these sarcomas.

By offering a more precise tumor grading method, AI could enhance patient outcomes, swiftly identifying high-risk patients for prompt treatment. Additionally, low-risk patients might avoid unnecessary procedures and hospital visits. The study's findings, published in the Lancet Oncology journal, suggest potential broader applications of this AI tool for various cancer types in the future.

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5. IBM's "watsonx" transforms COBOL to Java

IBM has launched "watsonx", a generative AI coding assistant, addressing the scarcity of COBOL-knowledgeable mainframe programmers. This move is timely, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the challenge of hiring COBOL experts in an industry where mainframe computers support approximately 70% of global banking transactions.

The standout feature of "watsonx" is its ability to efficiently translate COBOL codes into Java, aiming to modernize mainframe systems. IBM asserts that this AI assistant offers remarkable precision in code translations, reducing potential syntax errors. To further ensure the quality of translations, IBM intends to introduce an automated unit-testing tool for immediate code translation reviews.

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