Mistral AI's Inaugural Large Language Model Now Available to a Global Audience

While the majority of widely-used language models are accessible via API, the concept of open models is gaining traction. French AI startup Mistral, which secured substantial seed funding in June, has recently unveiled its inaugural model. Notably, Mistral asserts that this model surpasses others of similar magnitude in performance, and it is offered completely free of charge without any usage limitations.

The Mistral 7B model is now accessible for download through multiple avenues, including a 13.4-gigabyte torrent file (currently supported by several hundred seeders). In addition, the company has initiated a GitHub repository and a Discord channel, fostering collaboration and offering assistance for users.

Crucially, the model has been made available under the Apache 2.0 license, which is an exceptionally permissive licensing framework with no limitations on usage or reproduction, except for the requirement of proper attribution. This implies that the model can be employed by individuals pursuing hobbies, large-scale corporations, or even government entities such as the Pentagon, provided they possess the necessary local computing infrastructure or are willing to invest in the requisite cloud resources.

Mistral 7B represents a notable advancement beyond other 'compact' large language models such as Llama 2, providing comparable capabilities (as indicated by specific standard benchmarks) at a significantly reduced computational expense. In contrast, foundational models like GPT-4 offer more extensive capabilities but come with a considerably higher cost and operational complexity, hence their availability is primarily facilitated through APIs or remote access.

In a blog post accompanying the model's release, Mistral's team articulated their aspiration to emerge as a foremost advocate for the open generative AI community, with the objective of elevating open models to the pinnacle of state-of-the-art performance. They emphasized that Mistral 7B's remarkable performance exemplifies the potential of smaller models when driven by unwavering commitment. Achieving this outcome required a dedicated three-month effort, which included the assembly of the Mistral AI team, the reconstruction of a high-performance MLops infrastructure, and the meticulous creation of a sophisticated data processing pipeline from the ground up.

While the outlined tasks may appear to be an extensive undertaking, potentially spanning beyond the scope of three months for many individuals, it's important to note that the founders enjoyed a head start. Their prior experience in developing analogous models during their tenures at Meta and Google DeepMind provided them with valuable insights and expertise. This familiarity didn't necessarily simplify the process, but it did afford them a comprehensive understanding of the task at hand.

Naturally, while the model is available for download and utilization by all, it's important to clarify that this doesn't categorize it as "open source" or any derivative thereof, as we explored in-depth during last week's Disrupt discussion. Despite the model being governed by an exceedingly permissive license, its development occurred within a private context, financed privately, and its datasets and weights remain proprietary.

This appears to be the crux of Mistral's business strategy: While the core model is available for free use, those desiring deeper integration will find value in their premium offerings. As elucidated in the blog post, '[Our commercial offering] will be disseminated as white-box solutions, encompassing the provision of both model weights and access to the source code. Concurrently, we are diligently developing hosted solutions and bespoke deployments tailored for enterprise needs.

I have reached out to Mistral seeking further clarification on aspects pertaining to their open approach and their prospective release plans. In the event of a response from their team, I will promptly update this post.

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ChatGPT Users Granted Internet Browsing Access, Confirms OpenAI.

Sept 27: - OpenAI, supported by Microsoft (MSFT.O), announced on Wednesday that ChatGPT users will gain the capability to browse the internet, broadening the scope of data accessible to the popular chatbot beyond its previous cutoff date in September 2021.

The artificial intelligence startup announced that its recent browsing capability empowers websites to govern their interactions with ChatGPT.

OpenAI announced that the browsing feature is currently accessible to Plus and Enterprise users, with plans for a broader rollout to all users in the near future. To activate it, users can select "Browse with Bing" from the menu under GPT-4, as detailed in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Additionally, the startup unveiled a significant update earlier this week, allowing ChatGPT to engage in voice-based conversations and interact with users through images. This development brings ChatGPT closer in functionality to widely adopted AI assistants like Apple's Siri (AAPL.O).

OpenAI had previously experimented with a feature as part of its premium ChatGPT Plus offering, which allowed users to retrieve the latest information using the Bing search engine. However, this functionality was later deactivated out of concerns that it might enable users to bypass paywalls.

Earlier this year, ChatGPT achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the fastest-growing consumer application in history, amassing 100 million monthly active users by January, though it was subsequently surpassed by Meta's Threads app.

The ascent of ChatGPT has sparked heightened investor attention towards OpenAI. Media reports, including one from Reuters on Tuesday, have indicated that the startup is engaging in discussions with shareholders regarding the potential sale of existing shares at a significantly elevated valuation compared to just a few months ago.

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AI Job Market Trends: High Demand for Talent

Non-technology corporations are actively pursuing AI expertise and are prepared to provide substantial six-figure remuneration packages. Below is a comprehensive list of organizations that are currently recruiting, with one position offering compensation of up to $300,000.

*Organizations spanning various sectors are actively recruiting professionals to assist them in the development and utilization of generative artificial intelligence.

*Morrison Foerster, a prestigious law firm, and the Walt Disney Company, a recognized industry leader, are both in pursuit of professionals possessing AI proficiency.

*Listings commonly present a base salary threshold of more than $100,000, with the potential for earnings to extend up to $300,000.

AI developers, engineers, and consultants are experiencing a notable increase in employment prospects, including positions in non-traditional technology companies. In addition, remuneration packages for AI-related roles are highly attractive, with many job listings specifying salaries surpassing $100,000.

Organizations are actively seeking individuals whose expertise in AI can enable them to leverage their internal data resources more effectively, such as for enhancing predictive capabilities and informed decision-making. Aaron Sines, a director at the Austin-based tech recruitment firm Razoroo, cited an instance where an agriculture client is exploring the use of AI to potentially improve crop yield estimation.

According to Sines, there is a pronounced shortage of candidates compared to the robust demand for professionals well-versed in AI research, machine learning, and deep learning.

Consequently, organizations are extending offers of compensation exceeding six figures in order to draw in seasoned professionals. According to Sines, the base salary brackets for AI researcher positions, including those at non-tech firms, typically span from $150,000 to $250,000.

Certainly, there is a clear shortage, in my opinion, and our clients are keenly cognizant of this, which naturally leads to an increase in compensation," he stated.

As an example, a machine learning researcher role at Jane Street, a trading firm, features a salary range spanning from $250,000 to $300,000. Furthermore, Disney is in the process of recruiting a senior machine learning engineer with expertise in machine learning, algorithms, and statistical methods, offering an annual salary that falls between $145,400 and $199,870.

In August of the previous year, Travelers, an insurance company, published a data engineer position that specifically required AI proficiency, offering a base salary ranging from $113,900 to $188,000. Travelers' CEO, Alan Schnitzer, reiterated the company's commitment to AI during an earnings call in the same month the job posting was made, stating that 'a substantial portion of our workforce is dedicated to ensuring our leadership position in the field of AI.

AI-related positions may not consistently necessitate engineering or coding proficiencies.

Morrison Foerster, a prestigious law firm, is currently recruiting an Artificial Intelligence and Privacy Analyst. This role involves the critical responsibility of monitoring evolving legal regulations pertaining to AI utilization and data privacy. The ideal candidate, whose annual compensation can range from $116,000 to $198,000 based on location, possesses a juris doctor degree, analytical prowess, proficiency in foreign languages, and prior professional experience in both AI and privacy sectors, as outlined in the job listing.

Companies spanning various sectors are now actively considering ChatGPT experience as an advantageous qualification when crafting job postings.

In June of the previous year, Real Chemistry, a healthcare firm, advertised a senior product manager position seeking an individual with a strong interest in harnessing generative AI, including tools such as ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion, to shape the company's product roadmap. The job posting indicated a salary range of $150,000 to $175,000. Concurrently, Oliver Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to professional development, was in the process of hiring a part-time summer history instructor responsible for instructing students on the effective utilization of ChatGPT to enhance their learning, as stated by CEO Danielle Cox to Insider.

"Our objective is to ensure that our students grasp both the potential and constraints of this emerging technology," stated Cox.

During the month of May, HR company Scratch published a job advertisement for a senior machine-learning engineer to work remotely on behalf of a client. The role, with a salary range specified at $120,000 to $185,000, necessitated proficiency in "current AI tools" including ChatGPT.

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The Evolution of ChatGPT: Voice Conversations

ChatGPT's parent company made a significant announcement on Monday, outlining its strategy to enhance the generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform. The forthcoming improvements will encompass voice and image processing, augmenting its existing text-based capabilities.

Enhancements now featured in the premium editions of the service empower users to engage in dialogues with the AI and even visually demonstrate the subject matter they are discussing, as disclosed by OpenAI.

In a recent statement, OpenAI underscored that the inclusion of voice and image functionalities significantly enhances the versatility of ChatGPT for various aspects of life.

Take a photograph of a renowned landmark while on your journey, initiating a live dialogue regarding its captivating aspects.

Illustrations of the potential applications for these new features encompass capturing an image of a refrigerator's interior to receive meal recipe recommendations or photographing a child's math homework to seek assistance with problem-solving.

OpenAI is in the process of introducing voice and image functionalities to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise subscribers within the upcoming weeks, with plans for eventual integration into Apple and Google's mobile operating systems.

The ChatGPT development team has introduced a new feature that enables users to engage in interactive conversations with the assistant using voice commands.

Interact with it while on the move, ask for a bedtime narrative for your loved ones, or resolve a dinner table discussion.

OpenAI partnered with professional voice actors to enhance the authenticity of spoken interactions, as reported by the startup.

Generative AI systems gained significant attention in the latter part of the previous year, exemplified by ChatGPT's capacity to produce essays, poetry, and dialogues based on concise prompts.

Prominent technology giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft are at the forefront of the competition to harness the potential of generative AI. Simultaneously, they are navigating the challenges associated with the technology, including its susceptibility to misuse for spreading misinformation and engaging in cybercrime.

In an independent disclosure, Spotify, the music streaming platform headquartered in Sweden, announced on Monday that it is leveraging OpenAI's technology to facilitate the translation of podcasts into multiple languages, all while preserving the distinctive speaking style of the original presenter.

In an independent disclosure, Spotify, the music streaming platform headquartered in Sweden, announced on Monday that it is leveraging OpenAI's technology to facilitate the translation of podcasts into multiple languages, all while preserving the distinctive speaking style of the original presenter.

According to an official statement by the company, Spotify will commence the translation process in the upcoming weeks, starting with the conversion of English-language episodes into Spanish, French, and German.

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Microsoft Copilot: The Future of Office Assistance

Microsoft made waves at the recent Surface event by introducing an array of new devices and enhancements. Notable among these were the Surface Laptop Go 3 and Surface Laptop Studio 2. However, the showstopper was Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant, scheduled for a full-scale debut on Windows 11 starting September 26.

However, Copilot's capabilities won't be restricted solely to the Windows 11 environment. Microsoft has disclosed that its Microsoft Edge and Bing-powered AI assistant will have the capacity to interact seamlessly across all Microsoft applications, drawing from your files, Microsoft 365 activities, and even your text conversations on your mobile device. In essence, Microsoft envisions Copilot as the central hub of your Windows experience.

At the Surface event, Microsoft presented a showcase of its functionalities. In a live demonstration, Copilot, materialized as an embedded chatbot within the operating system, was given the task of retrieving a user's flight information from a Windows 11-linked mobile device. Copilot's remarkable performance shone through as it effortlessly extracted the details within mere seconds, sparing users from the tedious process of scrolling through text conversations or email archives.

In addition, the assistant is equipped to send text messages on your behalf. For instance, if you're planning a small movie night, you can task Copilot with dispatching a list of upcoming showtimes to your significant other. Alternatively, when you receive a message from a friend indicating their visit to the city and available free time, Copilot can independently recommend relevant places to visit or events to attend, all without requiring any manual input. Naturally, these functionalities may trigger privacy concerns. Microsoft has assured users that they maintain control over Copilot's access to their text messages through toggle options.

The upcoming feature will be highly visible on desktops, as the Copilot icon will be prominently placed next to the Windows 11 search bar. From this location, you can easily instruct Copilot to perform specific tasks, such as locating a music playlist that matches your current mood, efficiently organizing your multitude of open windows, or activating the dark mode. Given its foundation on the ChatGPT-powered Bing, Copilot excels in handling text-related tasks. You have the capability to request it to summarize, elucidate, or rephrase textual content found on the web, in addition to generating text in response to prompts like "compose a paragraph on minimalist architecture."

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update includes an exciting development: Copilot integration with popular apps like Paint, Photos, and Clipchamp. This integration simplifies the process of automatically applying background blurs and enhancing images.

September 26th marks the beginning of Copilot's journey into Windows 11, ushered in through a complimentary Windows 11 update. Microsoft has outlined its comprehensive strategy, indicating that Copilot will extend its presence to Bing and Edge in the approaching autumn. Notably, Copilot is slated for integration into Microsoft 365, set to become available on November 1.

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ChatGPT Served as a Preview, Workplace Artificial Intelligence Marks the True Revolution

Microsoft and Google have recently unveiled innovative generative A.I. solutions designed to simplify tasks such as meeting management, email composition, travel scheduling, and project updates. These products harness the capabilities of renowned A.I. technologies like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Midjourney, and Bard, offering practical applications that are particularly advantageous within corporate environments. The alignment with workplace needs appears deliberate.

Roughly a year into the era of generative A.I., a discernible pattern is emerging: this technology finds its primary utility within the realm of enterprise, with broader consumer adoption conceivably on the horizon. The meteoric rise of ChatGPT, amassing 100 million users within two months, initially hinted at the potential for rapid, widespread acceptance of A.I. chatbots and their associated tools. However, ChatGPT ultimately served as a demonstration for enterprises seeking to harness its capabilities. Now, as consumer chatbot usage subsides, these products are entering the market.

Microsoft, in particular, unveiled an impressive array of generative A.I. capabilities tailored for businesses. If these functions deliver as promised, they have the potential to significantly enhance the daily work experience. Microsoft's Copilot, described as an 'everyday AI companion,' will prominently feature on Windows 11, Bing, Edge, and Microsoft 365. Its capabilities truly shine when provided with access to meeting transcripts, emails, and documents.

During Microsoft's recent product launch event in New York, I observed the unveiling of solutions aimed at simplifying and automating some of the most challenging aspects of office life. The company presented a text generation tool capable of parsing lengthy Word documents and crafting blog posts that emphasize key highlights. Additionally, they demonstrated a feature that empowers users to instruct Copilot to summarize extensive, unread emails from prolific senders. This technology can also review meeting transcripts, pinpointing crucial segments or responding to user queries regarding the entire discussion. Even seemingly minor tasks, such as instructing Copilot to generate a header image for a presentation, hold significant utility.

In the workplace, individuals will be intrinsically driven to acquire the necessary skills to operate these products effectively, decipher their commands, and gain proficiency in their intricate features. This drive is underpinned by the realization that their next career milestone, salary adjustment, or even job security may be contingent on their adeptness with these tools. In situations of heightened importance, dedicating time to experiment and become proficient with chatbots and image generators is indeed a worthwhile pursuit. However, for the average consumer, the prospect of engaging with this technology might seem somewhat daunting, and the perceived benefits might not justify the effort. As pointed out by a technologist I spoke with this week, issuing prompts might conjure images of the MS-DOS era, a time when user interfaces were less refined. It is evident that we have since made substantial advancements in user-friendly interfaces.

As our proficiency with these tools becomes more pronounced in professional settings, their applicability is poised to extend into our personal lives. We could transition from scheduling business meetings with the assistance of A.I. to planning leisurely vacations. The transition might involve shifting from employing a text generator for crafting blog posts to composing bedtime stories. In some instances, we might integrate content from family members into extensive documents, transforming this material into conversational chatbots.

We will witness elements of generative A.I. seamlessly integrated into our everyday tools, simplifying the adoption process. Google, for instance, is integrating Bard with Gmail, while Microsoft is embedding Copilot directly into Windows, ensuring its prominent presence. According to Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Chief Marketing Officer for consumers, the integration into Windows, along with its natural appearance when needed, is poised to encourage the average user to explore and utilize these tools more extensively than they presently do.

Microsoft expresses confidence in Bing's competitive stance against Google, countering assertions that generative A.I. has not contributed to its market gains. According to Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Chief Marketing Officer for consumers, Bing has indeed been expanding its market share. While he refrained from disclosing precise figures, he emphasized his commitment to commissioning an independent third-party audit, the results of which will be available shortly.

In the immediate future, the recent product launches hold the promise of dispelling anxieties surrounding generative A.I.'s impact on employment. These offerings are designed to assist, almost providing the capacity to be in two locations simultaneously, while also contributing to the reduction of mundane tasks that often consume our workdays. While they might introduce some uniformity in corporate content and design, a human touch can mitigate these effects, ensuring that individuals remain indispensable. In fact, these tools have the potential to enhance the manageability of our demanding work routines.

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