Is Microsoft's global AI plan a risk?

+ Google meet will merge your mics

Mindstream Banner

PRESENTED BY

The late Betty White, born in 1922, was older than several modern inventions, including ballpoint pens, trampolines, and even sliced bread​.

TODAY:

  • Microsoft has signed an AI collab with the UAE.

  • Google audio update will keep you from fighting on the same laptop.

  • Around the web: AWS accelerates generative AI integration for space tech, focusing on satellite design and constellation management.

  • Guidde makes documentation a breeze with AI!

MICROSOFT

Microsoft's deal with UAE-backed AI firm G42 has raised concerns about national security.

This agreement could eventually involve transferring sophisticated AI components, sparking debate among U.S. lawmakers.

Microsoft President Brad Smith discussed the deal in a Reuters interview, revealing that the transfer of crucial AI technology might happen in a second phase.

U.S. officials warn that AI systems could pose security risks, such as aiding in the creation of weapons.

The Biden administration has already mandated that makers of large AI systems share details with the government.

Here’s what you should know:

  • Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment in G42 aims to spread U.S. technology influence.

  • The deal includes security assurances but lacks detailed public safeguards.

  • Lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations on AI technology exports.

Innovation meets regulation in a high-stakes deal

For the deal to advance, it needs U.S. Department of Commerce approval.

Microsoft claims it has measures to protect its technology from misuse, but the specifics are not public, leading to scepticism from some lawmakers.

They fear that the closed-door negotiations might not adequately safeguard against Chinese espionage.

The deal highlights regulatory gaps in U.S. laws regarding AI exports. Currently, there are no restrictions on exporting AI models.

However, new legislation is being proposed to give U.S. officials more control over such exports.

Microsoft supports a debate on new legal frameworks and ensures that G42 will comply with evolving U.S. regulations.

Maybe this is just Microsoft's way of fast-tracking world peace with super-smart AI diplomacy?

What do you think of Microsoft's AI deal with UAE's G42?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Vote for live results and see results + opinions from yesterday at the bottom of the email.

AI CHROME EXTENSIONS

We all have that one colleague who keeps asking the same thing over and over again, no matter how many times we explain it to them.

It’s time you let AI do the explaining instead of you. Guidde is an AI-powered tool that helps you explain the most complex tasks in seconds with AI-generated documentation:

  • Turn boring documentation into stunning visual guides

  • Save valuable time by creating video documentation 11x faster

  • Use it to document workflows for your teammates, share insights across your company, train and onboard new hires, and much more

  • Brand new features like video intros and outros, and an improved editor!

Simply click capture on our browser extension and the app will automatically generate step-by-step video guides complete with visuals, voiceover and call to actions.

Guidde is used and trusted by 20,000+ users. And we’re rated 5/5 stars on the Google Chrome store.

On This Day

May 26th 1896 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average is published for the first time. Its initial value is 40.94.

AI Image or Real? - The Results!

A nice black-and-white shot. Was it real?

73% said AI…

27% said it was real…

It was AI! Okay, we’re making it way harder next time.

Free Resources

Having trouble getting that job? We have the perfect cheat sheet for you.

GOOGLE

Google has unveiled "adaptive audio," a new feature for Google Meet.

This aims to improve the audio experience for Google Workspace users, especially those without dedicated videoconferencing gear.

Once available, Google Meet will automatically detect multiple laptops in the same room and merge their speakers and microphones into a single source.

This ensures clear audio for all participants without the need to gather around a single laptop.

It’s particularly useful for small teams or organisations without dedicated equipment or when facing technical issues.

Additionally, it allows meetings in various locations like cafés or lounges, offering more flexibility when a conference room isn’t available.

Here are the key bits:

  • New feature merges audio from multiple laptops for clear communication.

  • Google says it will provide flexibility for meeting locations.

  • It could be beneficial for small teams without dedicated equipment.

Virtual meetings become bearable

The feature will be gradually rolled out to Google Workspace customers with specific packages, including Gemini Enterprise, Business, Education, Education Premium, and the AI Meetings and Messaging add-on.

It will be enabled by default but can be manually turned off if needed.

Additionally, during the Google Next event, it was announced that new features like Gemini 1.5 Pro and Google Chip will be added to Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Gmail, enhancing connectivity and functionality.

This update is set to improve the overall user experience, making virtual meetings more efficient and versatile.

The days of echoing around and muting yourself are finally over!

Mindstream Picks

Hyundai is intensifying its EV efforts, investing $7.6 billion in a new manufacturing facility in Georgia.

US stocks rebounded on Friday with the S&P 500 rising 0.7% and the Nasdaq gaining 1.1%, recovering from the Dow's worst performance in over a year.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players can soon claim a free Porygon2, modelled after the one used in the Europe International Championships.

Phantom Wallet, a popular app for the Solana web3 ecosystem, has risen to #11 in the U.S. Google Play Store rankings, surpassing both Facebook and ChatGPT.

Don’t Miss - Amazon Web Services is updating its cloud infrastructure to leverage generative AI in the space sector, where over 60% of its aerospace customers already utilise AI. AWS has restructured internally to focus more on generative AI applications, establishing a specialised team and a laboratory for customer experimentation. This focus includes developing AI models that optimize satellite design and manage complex satellite constellations more effectively, aiming to revolutionize space technology with advanced AI capabilities.

AI Art

Our Image of the Day

Artwork submitted by Mindstream reader Roland S: “A Cherry Tree in Sicily”

Daily Image Prompt

An epic boxing match betwen aliens and robots

We get a lot of submissions, but we do look at every single one! So please don’t hesitate to send us your art.

Yesterday’s Poll

“Are you invested in Nvidia?”

No, missed out! - 57%

Yes - I’m happy! - 43%

Reader’s Opinions

“Saw this coming long ago…They are the new Amazon. Out with the old, in with the new!” - rgray

“I got in a little later than I wished but have reaped fantastic returns, nonetheless.” - xanaduwhc

Submit your opinions in our daily poll for the chance to be featured!

Collage of Authors

Another week comes to a close. We're starting fresh tomorrow!

❤️ We need your feedback to make our newsletter better.

📣 Refer our newsletter to your friends and make us feel all warm and fuzzy.

🚀 Advertise in our newsletter to reach 130,000+ founders, engineers, and content creators.

Were You Satisfied Today?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.