AI News Digest: Interactive Clones, OpenAIs $3.4B, and Innovative Partnerships
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Sources: The Neuron,

Welcome to Digest.fm's Daily AI News, your curated briefing on the latest and greatest in artificial intelligence. I'm your host, James. Today's episode is packed with some incredible stories pulled from the top AI newsletters, and we've distilled the top 5 news items you need to know today. Let's dive right in.

First up, let's talk about an intriguing, albeit somewhat eerie, development. Michael Bommer, a terminal cancer patient, told NPR that he has created an interactive clone of himself for his wife to interact with after he passes. He used a service called Eternos, feeding it 300 sentences in his own voice and 150 life stories so that the AI could respond as if it were him. This could be a positive way to preserve memories and offer comfort, sure, but it does raise some philosophical and ethical questions. We've seen this plot play out in science fiction before; anyone familiar with "Be Right Back" from Black Mirror might get a chill down their spine. In that episode, a software mimics deceased loved ones, and, spoiler alert, it doesn’t end well. Whether this kind of technology brings solace or discomfort is something only time will tell.

Now shifting gears to the business side of things, OpenAI's latest revenue numbers are turning heads. It appears the bull market is alive and kicking for AI, with OpenAI’s annualized revenue hitting a whopping $3.4 billion—double what it was just six months ago. For context, that's more than what Pinterest, Peloton, OR Dropbox made in the entirety of 2023. Some might say this is indicative of an AI bubble, especially when considering that AI startups raised $12.4 billion in May alone, which accounts for 40% of all global venture capital funding. However, OpenAI’s growth suggests real demand for AI products and services. So, are we in an AI bubble? The verdict is still out, but it doesn’t look like it’s bursting any time soon.

Next up, Apple and OpenAI are making headlines with their partnership. Interestingly, neither company is paying the other for ChatGPT's integration into Apple devices. This sort of symbiotic relationship could set the tone for future tech collaborations, heralding a new era of cooperative innovation. While specifics of the arrangement haven't been disclosed, one can speculate the benefits lie in cross-promotional opportunities and enhancing user experience. It’s an approach worth keeping an eye on, as it might just redefine how we view partnerships between tech giants.

Switching to another groundbreaking innovation, we have Jurny, an AI startup that's shaking up the hospitality industry. Jurny's AI multi-agents are helping property managers from Airbnb to Booking.com automate everything from reservations to pricing—addressing a whopping $1 trillion inefficiency. After experiencing a 5x customer growth and processing over $35 million in bookings, they're now opening an opportunity for investment through StartEngine. So, if you're bullish on AI in hospitality, you might want to consider investing. Jurny's advancements signal a nuanced shift in how AI can revolutionize sprawling industries beyond just tech.

Finally, let’s touch on Perplexity's interesting approach to collaboration with publishers. They're planning revenue-sharing deals with publishers whose content appears in their search results. This move could set a precedent in how AI and media companies interact, potentially offering a sustainable model for both sides to thrive. By ensuring content creators get compensated for their work, Perplexity is addressing a long-standing concern about fair use in the digital age. This could be a significant step towards creating a more equitable digital ecosystem.

So, to quickly recap today's highlights:

1. Michael Bommer uses AI to create an interactive clone of himself.
2. OpenAI's annualized revenue has hit $3.4 billion, doubling in just six months.
3. Apple and OpenAI’s mutually beneficial partnership that doesn’t involve monetary exchange.
4. Jurny revolutionizes hospitality with AI multi-agents, offering investment opportunities.
5. Perplexity plans revenue-sharing deals with publishers, proposing a novel collaboration model.

That’s a wrap for today's Daily AI News Digest. Thank you for joining us and enriching your knowledge of the evolving AI landscape. For more in-depth exploration of today’s stories, check the episode description where you'll find links to the newsletters mentioned. Join us again in the next episode for another selection of top AI news. Keep exploring, and we'll see you next time on Digest.fm's Daily.