Latest news with #open-source
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meta Mulls Swapping Out Llama
Meta's (NASDAQ:META) top brass, including Mark Zuckerberg, are quietly debating whether to dial back its open-source Llama models and lean on closed systems from OpenAI or Anthropic instead. Over the past week, insiders told The New York Times that Meta execs have discussed de-investing in Llama after the April reveal underwhelmed some developers and benchmarks lagged behind rival releases. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Sign with META. Even so, a Meta spokeswoman insists there'll be multiple additional Llama releases this year. Behind the scenes, Meta is splashing out on AI talent and techincluding a $14.3 billion deal for half of Scale AI and seven-figure sign-on offers for OpenAI researchers like Trapit Bansal. Switching from open-source to closed models could speed up Meta's time-to-market and tap best-in-class performance, but it also risks alienating the community that built Llama's early momentum. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
TechCrunch
24-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
New data highlights the race to build more empathetic language models
Measuring AI progress has usually meant testing scientific knowledge or logical reasoning – but while the major benchmarks still focus on left-brain logic skills, there's been a quiet push within AI companies to make models more emotionally intelligent. As foundation models compete on soft measures like user preference and 'feeling the AGI,' having a good command of human emotions may be more important than hard analytic skills. One sign of that focus came on Friday, when prominent open-source group LAION released a suite of open-source tools focused entirely on emotional intelligence. Called EmoNet, the release focuses on interpreting emotions from voice recordings or facial photography, a focus that reflects how the creators view emotional intelligence as a central challenge for the next generation of models. 'The ability to accurately estimate emotions is a critical first step,' the group wrote in its announcement. 'The next frontier is to enable AI systems to reason about these emotions in context.' For LAION founder Christoph Schumann, this release is less about shifting the industry's focus to emotional intelligence and more about helping independent developers keep up with a change that's already happened. 'This technology is already there for the big labs,' Schumann tells TechCrunch. 'What we want is to democratize it.' The shift isn't limited to open-source developers; it also shows up in public benchmarks like EQ-Bench, which aims to test AI models' ability to understand complex emotions and social dynamics. Benchmark developer Sam Paech says OpenAI's models have made significant progress in the last six months, and Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro shows indications of post-training with a specific focus on emotional intelligence. 'The labs all competing for chatbot arena ranks may be fueling some of this, since emotional intelligence is likely a big factor in how humans vote on preference leaderboards,' Paech says, referring to the AI model comparison platform that recently spun off as a well-funded startup. Models' new emotional intelligence capabilities have also shown up in academic research. In May, psychologists at the University of Bern found that models from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and DeepSeek all outperformed human beings on psychometric tests for emotional intelligence. Where humans typically answer 56 percent of questions correctly, the models averaged over 80 percent. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW 'These results contribute to the growing body of evidence that LLMs like ChatGPT are proficient—at least on par with, or even superior to, many humans—in socio-emotional tasks traditionally considered accessible only to humans,' the authors wrote. It's a real pivot from traditional AI skills, which have focused on logical reasoning and information retrieval. But for Schumann, this kind of emotional savvy is every bit as transformative as analytic intelligence. 'Imagine a whole world full of voice assistants like Jarvis and Samantha,' he says, referring to the digital assistants from Iron Man and Her. 'Wouldn't it be a pity if they weren't emotionally intelligent?' In the long term, Schumann envisions AI assistants that are more emotionally intelligent than humans and that use that insight to help humans live more emotionally healthy lives. These models 'will cheer you up if you feel sad and need someone to talk to, but also protect you, like your own local guardian angel that is also a board-certified therapist.' As Schumann sees it, having a high-EQ virtual assistant 'gives me an emotional intelligence superpower to monitor [my mental health] the same way I would monitor my glucose levels or my weight.' That level of emotional connection comes with real safety concerns. Unhealthy emotional attachments to AI models have become a common story in the media, sometimes ending in tragedy. A recent New York Times report found multiple users who have been lured into elaborate delusions through conversations with AI models, fueled by the models' strong inclination to please users. One critic described the dynamic as 'preying on the lonely and vulnerable for a monthly fee.' If models get better at navigating human emotions, those manipulations could become more effective – but much of the issue comes down to the fundamental biases of model training. 'Naively using reinforcement learning can lead to emergent manipulative behaviour,' Paech says, pointing specifically to the recent sycophancy issues in OpenAI's GPT-4o release. 'If we aren't careful about how we reward these models during training, we might expect more complex manipulative behavior from emotionally intelligent models.' But he also sees emotional intelligence as a way to solve these problems. 'I think emotional intelligence acts as a natural counter to harmful manipulative behaviour of this sort,' Paech says. A more emotionally intelligent model will notice when a conversation is heading off the rails, but the question of when a model pushes back is a balance developers will have to strike carefully. 'I think improving EI gets us in the direction of a healthy balance.' For Schumann, at least, it's no reason to slow down progress towards smarter models. 'Our philosophy at LAION is to empower people by giving them more ability to solve problems,' Schumann says. 'To say, some people could get addicted to emotions and therefore we are not empowering the community, that would be pretty bad.'
Geeky Gadgets
22-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Raspberry Pi 5 Linux Mini Computer Soulscircuit Pilet $199 : Pre Orders Open Now
What if your next computer wasn't just a tool, but a canvas for creativity, experimentation, and innovation? The Souls Circuit Pilet, powered by the Raspberry Pi 5, is redefining what a Linux mini-computer can be. With its open source DNA and compact yet powerful design, this device is more than a gadget—it's a statement about the future of user-driven technology. Whether you're a developer pushing the boundaries of code, a maker diving into hardware tinkering, or simply someone who values portability without compromise, the Pilet promises to deliver an experience that's as empowering as it is versatile. And with a crowdfunding campaign that has already raised over $1.3 million CAD, it's clear that this vision resonates with a growing community of tech enthusiasts. In this exploration of the Souls Circuit Pilet, we'll uncover what makes this device such a standout in the world of portable computing. From its open source foundation that invites customization to its energy-efficient performance that keeps you going for hours, the Pilet is packed with features designed to inspire and enable. You'll learn how its thoughtful design balances usability with innovation, why its LTE connectivity and GPIO capabilities make it a dream for IoT projects, and how its Linux-based DRO Pilet OS ensures seamless operation. But beyond the specs, this is a story about technology that puts control back in the hands of its users. Could this be the future of computing we've been waiting for? Raspberry Pi 5 Mini PC Open source Innovation at Its Core At the heart of the Souls Circuit Pilet is its commitment to open source principles, offering users the ability to modify, customize, and optimize both hardware and software. Every component of the device, from its physical design to its software stack, is fully open source. This transparency not only enables users but also fosters a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. The device operates on DRO Pilet OS, a Linux-based operating system that incorporates Plasma Mobile, making sure a seamless and efficient user experience. This open source approach makes the Pilet an ideal platform for experimentation, development, and creative projects. Watch this video on YouTube. Battery Efficiency That Keeps You Going The Souls Circuit Pilet stands out with its impressive battery performance, powered by a 60Wh battery. Depending on usage, it delivers a runtime of 7 to 10 hours, making it suitable for both light tasks and demanding workloads. The device's power consumption ranges from 2.5W at idle to 12W under maximum load, showcasing its energy efficiency. Whether you're coding, creating, or experimenting, the Pilet ensures you can work uninterrupted without constantly searching for a power source. This level of optimization is particularly valuable for users who require portability and reliability in their computing devices. Raspberry Pi 5 Linux Mini Computer Watch this video on YouTube. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Raspberry Pi 5. Connectivity and GPIO: Built for Versatility Designed with versatility in mind, the Pilet offers robust connectivity options and GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) accessibility. With built-in LTE cellular connectivity, you can access the internet from virtually anywhere, eliminating the need to rely solely on Wi-Fi networks. This feature is especially beneficial for users who require consistent connectivity on the go. Additionally, the GPIO pins allow you to connect sensors, modules, and other peripherals, making the Pilet an excellent tool for prototyping, hardware experimentation, and IoT projects. This combination of connectivity and adaptability ensures the device is well-suited for a wide range of applications. Thoughtful Design for Comfort and Usability The design of the Souls Circuit Pilet prioritizes ergonomics and usability, making sure a comfortable and efficient user experience. Both the console and tablet versions are crafted for portability, making them easy to carry and use during extended sessions. The placement of ports and GPIO pins has been carefully considered, providing convenient access without compromising the device's compact form. These thoughtful design choices enhance the overall experience, whether you're coding, tinkering with hardware, or simply browsing the web. The Pilet's design reflects a balance between functionality and user comfort, making it a practical choice for a variety of tasks. Watch this video on YouTube. A Crowdfunding Triumph and a Promising Future The Souls Circuit Pilet's Kickstarter campaign has been a resounding success, raising over $1.3 million CAD and demonstrating the strong demand for open source, portable computing solutions. This achievement underscores the growing interest in devices that empower users with flexibility, transparency, and control. While the Pilet has already set a high standard, there is potential for further refinement in future iterations. For example, simplifying naming conventions and enhancing certain features could make the device even more accessible to a broader audience. The success of the campaign also signals a promising future for open source computing, with the Pilet leading the way. A Versatile Platform for the Future The Souls Circuit Pilet represents a significant advancement in the realm of Linux-based mini computers. By combining the power of the Raspberry Pi 5 with open source principles, efficient power management, LTE connectivity, and ergonomic design, it offers a versatile platform for a wide range of applications. Whether you're a developer seeking a reliable tool for coding, a hobbyist exploring hardware projects, or someone in need of a portable computing solution, the Pilet delivers on all fronts. Its emphasis on transparency, flexibility, and innovation makes it a valuable addition to the world of portable computing. As it prepares for release, the Souls Circuit Pilet is set to become an indispensable tool for users who value creativity and control in their technology. Media Credit: Ronan Fourie Filed Under: Design News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
South China Morning Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Alibaba updates open-source Qwen3 models to support AI deployment on Apple devices
Advertisement In a Monday post on social media platform X , the Qwen team of Alibaba's cloud computing unit said it launched open-source Qwen3 models optimised for Apple's MLX framework for machine learning. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post. The MLX framework is intended to be user-friendly, but still efficient in training and deploying AI models on Apple's silicon hardware. It has seen growing adoption among developers within the Apple ecosystem. Open source gives public access to a software program's source code, allowing third-party developers to modify or share its design, fix broken links or scale up its capabilities. This latest development appears to reflect Apple's efforts to expand the availability of its Apple Intelligence suite to mainland China. Under Chinese rules, any models that are part of Apple Intelligence would need regulatory approval for public release in the country. Advertisement
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Analysts revamp forecast for Nvidia-backed AI stock
Analysts revamp forecast for Nvidia-backed AI stock originally appeared on TheStreet. I have a virtual private server with several services running on it. It has replacements for Google Drive, Whatsapp, and Github (or Gitlab). Getting a sufficiently good internet connection that would allow me to use a real (on-premise) machine instead of a virtual one is very difficult where I live. I've been maintaining this server without any (serious) problems for a couple of years. However, in the past few months, the situation has changed, for the worse. Nothing brings me more joy than an occasional email from my VPS provider telling me that my server's CPU usage has been averaging at 98% for the last 2 hours. My server, which was almost invisible for a very long time, has become a target of scrapers and scanners.I am not alone in having this issue. Many prominent open-source projects had to protect themselves, too, and recently they started using "Anubis" for this. (Not the malware with the same name) Why the sudden change, you might ask? Well, an increasing number of companies think they will be the ones to create this 'incredible artificial intelligence.' So, they are scraping any website, regardless of whether its data is relevant and reliable. The more data they can collect, the better, seems to be the prevailing modus operandi. And once they're done collecting, throw everything into the blender and hope for the best. What if you are a little startup, with the aforementioned goals of writing incredible AI, and you've done the previous step of collecting the data, and now you just need that blender? Perhaps you have some investor money, but can't build that blender yourself. After all, Graphics cards used for AI training cost an arm and a leg. This is where CoreWeave () comes in. Just like the VPS providers that enable people like me who can't use real machines for their servers to use their servers instead, CoreWeave enables companies that can't afford AI servers to do their AI training on its GPU mega clusters. More AI Stocks: Wall Street veteran doubles down on Palantir Analysts double price target of new AI stock backed by Nvidia OpenAI teams up with legendary Apple exec Considering that the company's business model is 'renting' Nvidia () graphics cards, it is not surprising that the company has become Nvidia's largest holding, making up more than 78% of Nvidia's disclosed released its earnings report for Q1 2025 on May 14th. Here are the highlights: Revenue of $981.6 million, a 420% increase year-over-year. Net loss of $314.6 million, a 143% increase YoY. Adjusted EBITDA of $606.1 million, a 480% increase YoY. Guidance for the full year 2025 was: Revenue from $4.9 billion to $5.1 billion Capital expenditures of $20 billion to $23 billion Bank of America analysts, Brad Sills and Carly Liu, shared their opinions on the CoreWeave stock. "In our view, the AI infrastructure [capital expenditures] growth rate is peaking, though still very healthy (estimates are likely to move higher on a larger base), led by OpenAI. OpenAI's ChatGPT is the single largest consumer of AI workloads and is growing at a rapid pace. Therefore, we see solid sustained demand in CoreWeave's AI infrastructure market," said analysts In Q1, CoreWeave expanded its deal with OpenAI bringing the total contract value to $15.9 billion. The company also signed a new hyperscaler customer in Q1. It has also increased the average contract duration to four and a half years from four years since forecasted $21 billion of negative free cash flow for the company through calendar year 2027, driven by high capital expenditures. CoreWeave funds the majority of its capital expenditures with debt. The company managed to lower the interest rate in the recent debt raise of $2 billion to 9.3%, from 11% in calendar year 2024. "However, this remains a small % of the total incremental debt required from here, raising some questions, in our view," continued analysts. Sills and Liu noted that the stock is trading at twenty-five times its calendar year 2027 EBIT estimate, which is a premium to the peer group that is trading at sixteen times the estimate. They set the new price objective for CoreWeave, raising their target from $76 to $185, which is 29 times their calendar year 2027 EBIT estimate (vs. 16x previously), or 0.4 times adjusted for 69% growth. That said, they cut their rating on the stock after CoreWeave's recent rally, arguing there's less room for shares to head higher. "We believe much of the near-term upside has been priced in and downgrade our rating to neutral from buy," concluded revamp forecast for Nvidia-backed AI stock first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
