Newsletter: Data & AI Digest #3

Generated with DALL-E

Welcome to the latest edition of the ‚Data & AI Digest‘, where we voyage through the cascading waves of data and AI innovations. This edition is brimming with fresh advancements, critical discussions, and a sprinkle of controversy that showcases the dynamic nature of our field. Let’s delve into the highlights:

  1. [Generative AI] OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 Revolution: OpenAI unveils the third iteration of its acclaimed DALL-E visual art platform. Experience enhanced contextual understanding, seamless ChatGPT integration, and bolstered security in this generative marvel: Dive deeper.
  2. [Microsoft] AI Integration in Windows 11: Microsoft introduces Copilot, bringing the prowess of GPT-4 to Windows 11. Engage with this new AI assistant across various applications and discover Bing’s support for DALL.E 3: Explore Copilot.
  3. [ChatGPT] Internet-Savvy ChatGPT: OpenAI supercharges ChatGPT with real-time internet scanning capabilities, ensuring your interactions are backed by the most recent information. Discover the new browsing rules ensuring respectful web interaction: Unveil the update.
  4. [Finance AI] Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management AI: In collaboration with OpenAI, Morgan Stanley is launching a generative AI chatbot aimed at revolutionizing wealth management. Explore this new virtual assistant’s journey from conception to deployment: Read more.
  5. [Meta] AI-Powered Creativity Unleashed: Meta unfolds new AI experiences across its app ecosystem. Dive into the AI-powered assistants, characters, and creative tools enriching digital interactions: Discover more.
  6. [Artistic Stand] AI Image Generation Sparks Debate: Chinese artists rally against a major social media platform over AI-generated imagery concerns. Uncover the discourse between creativity and AI: Join the discussion.
  7. [Google] Privacy-Forward AI Training: Google unveils an opt-out feature for publishers wary of contributing to AI training datasets. Explore the implications for data privacy and AI development: Learn more.
  8. [Amazon] Generative AI on Amazon Bedrock: AWS heralds a new era of generative AI innovation with the rollout of Amazon Bedrock. Uncover the powerful new offerings accelerating the AI frontier: Explore Bedrock.

If you found value in this edition, share the knowledge with colleagues and friends. For those keen on diving deeper into discussions and networking, the LinkedIn Data & AI Hub awaits your insights. Until the next issue, where we’ll venture further into the data and AI cosmos, thank you for your continued support and curiosity.

Get the Data & AI Digest newsletter delivered to your email weekly.

Goodbye to Cryptic Prompts: DALL-E 3 Integrates With ChatGPT for Multi-Modal Image Generation 🎨

DALL-E 3 integrates with ChatGPT so you don't have to write cryptic txt2img prompts anymore! (source: OpenAI)
DALL-E 3 integrates with ChatGPT so you don’t have to write cryptic txt2img prompts anymore! (source: OpenAI)

Ever struggled with cryptic text prompts while trying to generate an image with AI? The latest iteration of OpenAI’s image generation model, DALL-E 3, is now natively integrated with ChatGPT for a more seamless and intuitive user experience. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the capabilities of DALL-E 3, its integration with ChatGPT, and why this is a game changer for anyone looking to translate text into highly accurate images.

What Sets DALL-E 3 Apart?

DALL-E 3 is not just another upgrade; it’s a leap forward in AI image generation. It understands far more nuance and detail than previous models. This means that the images generated are more closely aligned with the text prompt you provide. No more struggling with prompt engineering or settling for images that only vaguely resemble what you had in mind.

DALL-E 3 integrates with ChatGPT so you don’t have to write cryptic txt2img prompts anymore!

Multi-Modal Models: The Tech Behind the Magic

The secret sauce behind DALL-E 3’s advanced capabilities lies in its foundation as a multi-modal model. These models are trained to understand and generate both text and images, making them incredibly versatile. Multi-modal models like DALL-E 3 and ChatGPT are at the forefront of AI research, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in natural language understanding and computer vision. For a deeper dive into the world of multi-modal models, check out my previous blog post The Rise of Generative AI.

DALL-E 3 Built Natively on ChatGPT

Built natively on ChatGPT, DALL-E 3 allows you to use ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner. Not sure what kind of image you want to create? Just ask ChatGPT and it will automatically generate customized, detailed prompts for DALL-E 3 that can bring your vague ideas to life. You can also ask ChatGPT to tweak an image with just a few words if it’s not quite what you were looking for.

See DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT in Action

DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT in action (link to tweet)
„Goodbye to Cryptic Prompts: DALL-E 3 Integrates With ChatGPT for Multi-Modal Image Generation 🎨“ weiterlesen

Newsletter: Data & AI Digest #2

Generated with DALL-E
Generated with DALL-E

👋 Hello Data & AI Enthusiasts,

Welcome to another edition of the Data & AI Digest! We’re excited to bring you a curated selection of the week’s most compelling stories in the realm of data science, artificial intelligence, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a curious beginner, there’s something here for everyone.

  1. [AI] Understanding AI Performance: Discover how modern AI models often match or exceed human capabilities in tests, yet struggle in real-world applications. Read more
  2. [AI] Generative AI Strategy for Tech Leaders: CIOs and CTOs need to integrate generative AI into their tech architecture effectively. Explore 5 key elements for successful implementation. Read more
  3. [Statistics] Mastering the Central Limit Theorem in R: Understand the Central Limit Theorem, a cornerstone in statistics, and learn how to simulate it using R in this step-by-step tutorial. Read more
  4. [Graph Theory] Comprehensive Introduction to Graph Theory: This quarter-long course covers everything from simple graphs to Eulerian circuits and spanning trees. Read more
  5. [SQL] SQL Konferenz Highlights on Microsoft Fabric: Get an in-depth look at Microsoft Fabric and its role as a Data Platform for the Era of AI. Read more
  6. [Microsoft] Forbes Insights on Microsoft’s Copilots: Learn six critical things every business owner should know about Microsoft Copilot. Read more
  7. [GitHub] How GitHub’s Copilot is Being Used: GitHub’s Copilot remains the most popular AI-based code completion service. Find out the latest usage trends. Read more
  8. [Apple] iPhone 15 Pro’s Spatial Videos: Teased at Apple’s latest keynote, learn about the new spatial video capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro. Read more
  9. [Geopolitics] China’s AI Influence Campaign: Researchers from Microsoft and other organizations discuss Beijing’s rapid change in disinformation tactics through AI. Read more

That’s a wrap for this week’s Data & AI Digest! We hope you found these articles insightful and thought-provoking. If you enjoyed this issue, help us make it bigger and better by sharing it with colleagues and friends. 🚀

Don’t forget, for real-time updates and discussions, join our LinkedIn Data & AI User Group. We look forward to your active participation and valuable insights.

Get the Data & AI Digest newsletter delivered to your email weekly.

Until next week, happy reading and exploring!

4 Years at Microsoft: AI, Power BI, and A Future Full of Possibilities

Me at Microsoft Redmond campus - Celebrating 4 years at Microsoft
Me at Microsoft Redmond campus – Celebrating 4 years at Microsoft

Today marks my 4-year anniversary at Microsoft. Reflecting on this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for a year that has been the most turbulent and exhilarating of my career. The integration of AI into our products has been groundbreaking, and the velocity of development has been extraordinary. Here’s a look back at last year’s achievements.

The Year of AI: A Game Changer for Microsoft

  1. AI Integration Across Products: This year, AI has found its way into almost every product, transforming the way we work, interact, and innovate. The collaboration with OpenAI has brought additional excitement and potential to our AI initiatives.
  2. GPT-4 and Bing: As I highlighted in GPT-4 Launches Today: The Rise of Generative AI from Neural Networks to DeepMind and OpenAI, Bing’s integration of GPT-4 has significantly enhanced its search capabilities, providing more accurate and personalized results.
  3. The Rise of Generative AI: Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI focuses on democratizing AI models like GPT and DALL-E. We’ve already integrated GPT into Power BI and are actively developing integrations across products, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Teams. Read more about The Rise of Generative AI here.
  4. Power BI Mastery: My latest book, Teach Yourself VISUALLY Power BI (Amazon), is designed to help users of all levels master this robust data visualization software. It’s part of Microsoft’s commitment to making powerful tools accessible and user-friendly. The book is a testament to our shared mission to empower every person. Learn more about mastering Power BI here.

Looking Forward: Embracing the Future with a Growth Mindset

The people around me have made this journey truly special. From motivating work to a team I love and leadership I respect, the human aspect has been the cornerstone of my Microsoft experience. The future holds exciting challenges, and it’s the wisdom, creativity, and passion of our team that fills me with optimism.

I’m sure the coming years will continue to be fast-paced, filled with innovation and growth. With an extraordinary team by my side, I look forward to embracing the challenges and joys ahead.

Stay Connected: Follow Me for More Insights on Microsoft, AI, and Power BI

The experiences we’ve shared have shaped me, and I’m grateful for every moment. I invite you to join our ongoing conversation about AI, digital transformation, Power BI, and more. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together.

„4 Years at Microsoft: AI, Power BI, and A Future Full of Possibilities“ weiterlesen

The Rise of Generative AI: Revolutionizing Innovation and Enhancing Human Collaboration

Alexander Loth speaking at German Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) on March 24, 2023. Title of the presentation: "The Rise of Generative AI".
The Rise of Generative AI (photo by Bernd Vellguth)

Last week I had the pleasure of presenting a talk for the German Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). The session sparked lively discussions and elicited numerous thought-provoking questions from our engaged audience.

Following the talk, I was inspired by a conversation to leverage the power of GPT-4 and create an automatically generated summary of the Microsoft Teams transcript. This approach not only streamlines information sharing but also showcases the practical applications of advanced AI technology.

Below, I will share the key insights generated by GPT-4 and also include some captivating images from the event:


Decisively Digital: AI’s Impact on Society

In my talk, I drew inspiration from my book Decisively Digital, which discusses the impact of AI on society. I shared about the innovative projects underway at Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. In light of GPT-4’s recent launch, I also highlighted our mission to leverage technology to benefit humanity.

Alexander Loth presents his book Decisively Digital, which also discusses Generative AI.
AI’s impact on society is discussed in Decisively Digital: From Creating a Culture to Designing Strategy. John Wiley & Sons. (photo by Gerhard Müller)

By harnessing Generative AI, we can stimulate the creation of innovative ideas and accelerate the pace of advancement. This cutting-edge technology is already transforming industries by streamlining drug development, expediting material design, and inspiring novel hypotheses. AI’s ability to identify patterns in vast datasets empowers humans to uncover insights that might have gone unnoticed.

Generative AI can Augment our Thinking

For instance, researchers have employed machine learning to predict chemical combinations with the potential to improve car batteries, ultimately identifying promising candidates for real-world testing. AI can efficiently sift through and analyze extensive information from diverse sources, filtering, grouping, and prioritizing relevant data. It can also generate knowledge graphs that reveal associations between seemingly unrelated data points, which can be invaluable for drug research, discovering novel therapies, and minimizing side effects.

„Now is the time to explore how Generative AI can augment our thinking and facilitate more meaningful interactions with others.“

Alexander Loth

At the AI for Good Lab, we are currently employing satellite imagery and generative AI models for damage assessment in Ukraine, with similar initiatives taking place in Turkey and Syria for earthquake relief. In the United States, our focus is on healthcare, specifically addressing discrepancies and imbalances through AI-driven analysis.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion centers on fostering digital equality by expanding broadband access, facilitating high-speed internet availability, and promoting digital skills development. Additionally, we are dedicated to reducing carbon footprints and preserving biodiversity. For example, we collaborate with the NOAH organization to identify whales using AI technology and have developed an election propaganda index to expose the influence of fake news. Promising initial experiments using GPT-4 showcase its potential for fake news detection.

Alexander Loth: "We live in a rapidly changing world, facing big challenges."
„We live in a rapidly changing world, facing big challenges.“ (photo by Gerhard Müller)

ChatGPT will be Empowered to Perform Real-time Website Crawling

While ChatGPT currently cannot crawl websites directly, it is built upon a training set of crawled data up to September 2021. In the near future, the integration of plugins will empower ChatGPT to perform real-time website crawling, enhancing its ability to deliver relevant, up-to-date information, and sophisticated mathematics. This same training set serves as the foundation for the GPT-4 model.

GPT-4 demonstrates remarkable reasoning capabilities, while Bing Chat offers valuable references for verifying news stories. AI encompasses various machine learning algorithms, including computer vision, statistical classifications, and even software that can generate source code. A notable example is the Codex model, a derivative of GPT-3, which excels at efficiently generating source code.

Microsoft has a long-standing interest in AI and is dedicated to making it accessible to a wider audience. The company’s partnership with OpenAI primarily focuses on the democratization of AI models, such as GPT and DALL-E. We have already integrated GPT-3 into Power BI and are actively developing integrations for Copilot across various products, such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Teams. Microsoft Graph is a versatile tool for accessing XML-based objects in documents and generating results using GPT algorithms.

Hardware, particularly GPUs, has played a pivotal role in the development of GPT-3. For those interested in experimenting with Generative AI on a very technical level, I recommend Stable Diffusion, which is developed by LMU Munich. GPT-3’s emergence created a buzz, quickly amassing a vast user base and surpassing the growth of services like Uber and TikTok. Sustainability remains a crucial concern, and Microsoft is striving to achieve a CO2-positive status.

Generative AI Models have garnered Criticism due to their Dual-use Nature

Despite its potential, Generative AI models such as GPT-3 have also garnered criticism due to their dual-use nature and potential negative societal repercussions. Some concerns include the possibility of automated hacking, photo manipulation and the spread of fake news (➡️ deepfake disussion on LinkedIn). To ensure responsible AI development, numerous efforts are being undertaken to minimize reported biases in the GPT models. By actively working on refining algorithms and incorporating feedback from users and experts, developers can mitigate potential risks and promote a more ethical and inclusive AI ecosystem.

Moving forward, it is essential to maintain open dialogue and collaboration between AI developers, researchers, policymakers, and users. This collaborative approach will enable us to strike a balance between harnessing the immense potential of AI technologies like GPT and ensuring the protection of society from unintended negative consequences.

Alexander Loth discusses Microsoft's responsible AI principles: fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, and inclusiveness, underpinned by transparency and accountability, which also apply to Generative AI.
Microsoft‘s responsible AI principles: fairness, reliability & safety, privacy & security, and inclusiveness, underpinned by transparency and accountability. (photo by Gerhard Müller)

GPT-3.5 closely mimics human cognition. However, GPT-4 transcends its forerunner with its remarkable reasoning capabilities and contextual understanding. GPT models leverage tokens to establish and maintain the context of the text, ensuring coherent and relevant output. The GPT-4-32K model boasts an impressive capacity to handle 32,000 tokens, allowing it to process extensive amounts of text efficiently. To preserve the context and ensure the continuity of the generated text, GPT-4 employs various strategies that adapt to different tasks and content types.

GPT-4 Features a Robust Foundation in Common Sense Reasoning

One of GPT-4’s defining features is its robust foundation in common sense reasoning. This attribute significantly contributes to its heightened intelligence, enabling the AI model to generate output that is not only coherent but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter. As GPT-4 continues to evolve and refine its capabilities, it promises to revolutionize the field of artificial intelligence, expanding the horizons of what AI models can achieve and paving the way for future breakthroughs in the realm of generative AI.

Comparisons between GPT-4 and GPT-3 show the superior performance of the former in various tasks. Finally, I will present the results of my live Twitter poll asking the audience about the feasibility of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Nearly half of the respondents are of the opinion that AGI is achievable within the next five years.

Alexander Loth discussing the results of the live Twitter survey: 47.8% predict the emergence of AGI is possible within the next 5 years
Results of the live Twitter survey: 47.8% predict the emergence of AGI is possible within the next 5 years (photo by Bernd Vellguth)

In the near future, advanced tools like ChatGPT will elucidate intricate relationships without requiring us to sift through countless websites and articles, further amplifying the transformative impact of Generative AI.

I appreciate the opportunity to share my insights at the German Chapter of the ACM.


The slides of my talk are available on ResearchGate.

Did you enjoy this GPT-generated Summary of my Talk?

Leveraging GPT-4 to generate a summary of my talk was an exciting experiment, and I have to admit, the results are impressive. GPT was able to provide a brief overview of the key takeaways from my talk.

Now, I would love to hear about your experiences with GPT. What are your experiences with GPT so far? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section of this Twitter thread or this LinkedIn post:

„The Rise of Generative AI: Revolutionizing Innovation and Enhancing Human Collaboration“ weiterlesen