Microsoft invested how much in AI?

The distinctive earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil is called Petrichor. It can be detected by humans at extremely low concentrations and is thought to have evolutionary benefits by helping to locate water sources.

TODAY:

• Microsoft is investing BIG in Asia.

• AI Music is giving artists a run for their money.

• Around the web: UMG renews its partnership with TikTok.

• Grow fast on Linkedin with Taplio!

MICROSOFT

Microsoft invests $2,200,000,000

Microsoft has committed a huge $2.2 billion to develop AI and cloud infrastructure in Malaysia.

This forms part of their wider strategy to drive digital advancement in Southeast Asia, following similar efforts in Indonesia and Thailand.

Asia’s tech transformation

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared these plans during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, which concluded his Southeast Asia tour.

The investment aims to establish an AI Centre of Excellence and provide digital training for 200,000 Malaysians.

Here’s what you should know about this:

• Microsoft's $2.2 billion investment focuses on increasing Malaysia’s AI and cloud capabilities.

• The project is educating 200,000 Malaysians and upgrading digital skills across the country.

• This move is part of Microsoft’s global strategy to support AI development, positioning Malaysia as a significant tech hub.

Microsoft's investment promises to significantly upgrade Malaysia's digital infrastructure, accelerating its digital transformation and reinforcing its role in the global tech landscape.

Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, sees this as a testament to a strong, trust-based relationship with Microsoft, which helps position Malaysia as an attractive tech investment destination.

The AI gravy train keeps on chugging.

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On This Day

4th May 2000 - The ILOVEYOU computer virus infects millions of Windows personal computers worldwide after users receive an email attachment and unwittingly release the virus, leading to widespread data loss and highlighting vulnerabilities in internet security.

AI Image or Real?

Amazing atmosphere, but Is it real, or is it AI?

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The poll results and correct answer will be revealed in tomorrow’s Mindstream!

Mystery Link…

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AI MUSIC

AI music is raking up listens on Spotify

AI-generated music is making waves on Spotify, leading to heated discussions about its impact on traditional artists.

Tools such as Udio, Suno, and Limewire are making it easier for anyone to create and monetise music quickly.

Here’s what’s happening:

• AI tools have opened up music production to a wider audience, breaking down barriers that once limited this activity to professionals.

• There’s an ongoing debate about the ethical use of AI in the arts and the need for proper data licensing and fair compensation.

• Major platforms and well-known artists are crucial in shaping how AI is integrated into music, striving to protect the rights of traditional artists while embracing innovation.

This trend is challenging the music industry, mirroring issues seen in the visual arts where AI competes directly with human artists.

Ed Newton-Rex, a former leader at Stability Audio, is calling for the responsible use of data in AI music creation.

He notes that AI-generated tracks, though created without human input, are attracting significant attention, posing a real threat to original music.

This raises questions about what constitutes 'authentic' art in today's digital age and how we should manage AI's role in creativity.

Your next jam made by a robot

Spotify has played a key role in addressing these challenges; in late 2023, the platform removed thousands of AI-generated tracks to tackle problems like artificial stream boosting.

Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has made their position clear, separating acceptable uses of AI in music from unacceptable practices, such as impersonating real artists without permission.

Anyone fancy some robot Karaoke?

Mindstream Picks

NASA's inspector general report highlighted issues with the Orion spacecraft's heat shield and other delays affecting its first crewed launch.

TokenUnlocks data indicates that 19 crypto projects plan to release at least $10 million worth of coins into circulation this month.

Blizzard's upcoming WoW expansions will focus on character development and storytelling in three parts, featuring the game's first in-game story cinematics.

Norfolk's fintech sector is projected to reach £100m by 2027, with 24 companies having raised £49m in investment, as per a report by Tech East.

Don’t Miss - Universal Music Group (UMG) has renewed its partnership with TikTok through a comprehensive deal that brings artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Olivia Rodrigo back to the platform, which boasts over a billion users. The new agreement, reinstated after the previous contract expired on February 1st, also focuses on addressing the challenges posed by generative AI in music.

AI Art

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Yesterday’s Poll

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