Home Blog Page 244

The State of AI Chatbots in SEO

0

How Valuable Is AI Chatbot Visibility?

I’ve analyzed 14 studies and research papers to answer five key questions:

  • How valuable is AI chatbot visibility?
  • How can you grow your AI chatbot visibility?
  • How are people searching on AI chatbots?
  • What challenges are associated with AI chatbots?
  • Where are AI chatbots headed?

How Valuable Is AI Chatbot Visibility?

While AI chatbot traffic currently represents a tiny percentage of overall traffic, the data shows early evidence for the value of citations and mentions. AI chatbot adoption is skyrocketing, referral traffic to websites is growing, and traffic quality is high.

Adoption

ChatGPT has over 400 million weekly users as of January 2025. According to Semrush, 12/24, most ChatGPT users are from the U.S. (25%) or India (12%), followed by India, Brazil, the UK, and Germany. 70% are male, and over 50% are between 18 and 34 years old.

Referral Traffic

According to Semrush, 02/25, the generative AI market was valued at $67 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow annually by 24.4% through 2030.

Growth

Semrush, 02/25, reports that ChatGPT referrals to websites grew by 60% between June and October. Semrush, 02/25, also reports that ChatGPT’s reach has expanded dramatically, sending traffic to over 30,000 unique domains daily in November 2024, up from less than 10,000 in July.

Impact On Purchase Decisions

Adobe, 10/24, reports that 25% of Britons use AI while shopping online. According to Adobe, 10/24, 7 in 10 respondents who have used generative AI for shopping believe it enhances their experience. Additionally, 20% of respondents turn to generative AI to find parameter, but links in search results don’t have the parameter.

Brand Bias

Semrush, 12/24, reports that consumers and users are skeptical about AI output. 50% say they trust it more when it’s been reviewed by a human.

Conclusion: Where It’s All Going

The data we have today shows that AI chatbots are developing into a significant customer acquisition channel with many familiar mechanics. However, their task-based nature, bias, and demographics suggest we should be cautious when using the same approach as classic search engines.

Don’t forget – Search is just a means to an end. Ultimately, people search to solve problems, i.e., do tasks. The fact that AI chatbots can skip the search part and do tasks on the spot means they’re superior to classic search engines. For this reason, I expect Google to add more agentic capabilities to AI Overviews or launch a new Gemini-based product in Search.

FAQs:

Q: What are the key findings of the analysis?
A: The analysis shows that AI chatbots are developing into a significant customer acquisition channel with many familiar mechanics. However, their task-based nature, bias, and demographics suggest we should be cautious when using the same approach as classic search engines.

Q: What are the key takeaways from the analysis?
A: The key takeaways are that AI chatbots are valuable, traffic quality is high, and there are challenges associated with AI chatbots.

Q: What are the challenges associated with AI chatbots?
A: The challenges associated with AI chatbots include bias, task-based nature, and demographics.

Q: Where are AI chatbots headed?
A: AI chatbots are headed towards becoming a significant customer acquisition channel with many familiar mechanics. However, their task-based nature, bias, and demographics suggest we should be cautious when using the same approach as classic search engines.

Ebook Readers for 2025

0

What I’m Looking for

How We Test E-Readers

When testing a new ebook reader, I make sure to use it as my primary device for at least a full week. For those seven days, if not longer, that e-reader is my principal way of consuming ebooks, audiobooks, and most articles from the web (if applicable). If the device has note-taking capabilities, I’ll use it to annotate books and jot down various reminders, to-do lists, and notes. I’ll even use it for some light journaling, as well as doodling.

Comfort

How easy is it to use and read on? A sharp display and relatively fast performance are essential to an enjoyable reading experience, as are size and weight.

Build Quality

Some e-readers come with different features, like waterproofing, which means you really can read anywhere. Others offer buttons that make using the e-reader more intuitive to use.

Supported Content Types

There must be easy, direct access to a wide selection of digital titles, which includes audiobooks as well as various file formats.

Affordability

Is the price justified, given what the e-reader offers?

The Best Ebook Readers for Everyone

I’ve been using ebook readers for nearly a decade, and I’ve gone hands-on with dozens, from the Kindle Paperwhite to lesser-known rivals like the Pocketbook Era. Whether you want something your kid can throw against the wall or a waterproof, warm-glow Kindle that won’t ruin your spa ambiance, these are the best ebook readers for everyone.

Recommendations

  • The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: The first Kindle to feature E Ink’s color screen technology, it stands out from other color e-paper devices with customizations.
  • The Kobo Clara Colour: A non-Amazon alternative that’s more affordable than the Kobo Libra Colour, it offers a six-inch display and IPX8 waterproof design.
  • The Onyx Boox Palma 2: A smartphone-sized E Ink device that’s just as easy to slip into a pocket, but with more capabilities than an e-reader.
  • The Onyx Boox Go 10.3: An ad-free ebook reader that’s excellent as a note-taking device, with an impressively wide range of writing tools and more prebuilt notebook templates than Kobo’s Elipsa 2E.
  • The Nook Glowlight 4 Plus: A good e-reader with a lot to offer, including a lovely 300ppi screen, waterproofing, physical page-turning buttons, and even a headphone jack.

Conclusion

Ebook readers offer a more book-like reading experience, with fewer distractions and less eye strain, and many include extra features, like adjustable frontlighting. Some really are pocketable. Others are waterproof or offer physical page-turning buttons, while a few even let you take notes.

FAQs

Q: What is an ebook reader?
A: An ebook reader is a device that allows you to read digital books and other written content in a more traditional, book-like format.

Q: What are the benefits of using an ebook reader?
A: Ebook readers offer a more book-like reading experience, with fewer distractions and less eye strain, and many include extra features, like adjustable frontlighting.

Q: How do I choose the right ebook reader for me?
A: Consider your reading habits, your budget, and the features that matter most to you, such as screen size, display quality, and storage capacity.

Q: Can I use an ebook reader for note-taking?
A: Yes, many ebook readers offer note-taking capabilities, and some are designed specifically for note-taking, like the Onyx Boox Go 10.3.

Norway’s First AI Factory for Sustainable Data Processing

0

Norway’s First Sustainable and Secure AI Cloud Service

Norway’s first sustainable and secure AI cloud service, launched by Telenor, demonstrates how countries can maintain data sovereignty while advancing green computing initiatives. The service is a significant milestone for the country, and its impact is expected to be far-reaching.

Telenor’s AI Factory

Telenor, a telecommunications provider with a 170-year history, opened Norway’s first AI factory in November. The facility allows organizations to process sensitive data securely on Norwegian soil while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Telenor’s Chief Innovation Officer and Head of the AI Factory, Kaaren Hilsen, joined the NVIDIA AI Podcast to discuss the AI factory’s rapid development and its benefits.

Sustainability and Security

Telenor’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its plans to build a data center in Oslo that will run on renewable energy and repurpose excess heat for district heating in nearby residential buildings. Sovereign AI infrastructure helps nations manage sensitive data and advance sustainability goals. As Hilsen said, "The AI factory isn’t just about building infrastructure – it’s about helping move society forward, responsibly and sustainably."

Customer Success Stories

The AI factory is now serving customers across various industries, including logistics and public services. These customers are using the service to process sensitive data securely and efficiently. Hilsen discussed the importance of security and building trust with customers, ensuring that their data is protected and processed in a responsible manner.

GTC and Beyond

Hilsen will share more insights at NVIDIA GTC, the leading global AI conference, in a session titled, "Accelerating Sovereign AI Factories: Insights from Telco Case Studies." Attendees can explore the lineup of telecom sessions at GTC and learn more about telecom companies becoming sovereign AI factories.

Industry Trends and Insights

According to NVIDIA’s third annual survey of telecommunications professionals, 84% of respondents intend to offer generative AI solutions to their customers, primarily as software-as-a-service (52%) and as a developer platform, including compute services (35%). Learn more in the full report.

Conclusion

Telenor’s AI factory is a significant milestone in Norway’s journey towards sustainable and secure AI cloud services. The facility demonstrates how countries can maintain data sovereignty while advancing green computing initiatives. As the world continues to rely on AI, it is essential to prioritize sustainability and security, ensuring that the technology benefits both humanity and the environment.

FAQs

Q: What is Telenor’s AI factory?
A: Telenor’s AI factory is a secure and sustainable AI cloud service that allows organizations to process sensitive data on Norwegian soil while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Q: What are the benefits of Telenor’s AI factory?
A: The AI factory enables organizations to process sensitive data securely and efficiently, while prioritizing environmental responsibility and maintaining data sovereignty.

Q: What is the importance of security in AI?
A: Security is crucial in AI, ensuring that data is protected and processed in a responsible manner, building trust with customers, and maintaining data sovereignty.

Q: What is the significance of GTC and its relation to Telenor’s AI factory?
A: GTC is a leading global AI conference where Telenor’s AI factory is featured, providing insights into the development and benefits of sovereign AI factories.

OpenAI Unveils GPT-4.5 for More ‘Natural Conversation’

0

The Evolution of AI: GPT-4.5 and the Future of Natural Language Processing

A New Era in AI: GPT-4.5

When OpenAI started giving private demonstrations of its new GPT-4 technology in late 2022, its skills shocked even the most experienced A.I. researchers. It could answer questions, write poetry, and generate computer code in ways that seemed far ahead of its time. More than two years later, OpenAI has released its successor: GPT-4.5. The new technology signifies the end of an era. OpenAI said GPT-4.5 would be the last version of its chatbot system that did not do "chain-of-thought reasoning."

From Instant Responses to Reasoning Systems

After this release, OpenAI’s technology may, like a human, spend a significant amount of time thinking about a question before answering, rather than providing an instant response. GPT-4.5, which can be used to power the most expensive version of ChatGPT, is unlikely to generate as much excitement as GPT-4, in large part because A.I. research has shifted in new directions. Still, the company said the technology would "feel more natural" than its previous chatbot technologies.

The Future of AI: Reasoning Systems

"What sets the model apart is its ability to engage in warm, intuitive, naturally flowing conversations, and we think it has a stronger understanding of what users mean when they ask for something," said Mia Glaese, vice president of research at OpenAI.

The Development of Reasoning Systems

The company introduced technology called OpenAI o1, which was designed to reason through tasks involving math, coding, and science. The new technology was part of a wider effort to build A.I. that can reason through complex tasks. Companies like Google, Meta, and DeepSeek, a Chinese start-up, are developing similar technologies.

How Reasoning Systems Work

These reasoning systems are based on technologies like GPT-4.5, which are called large language models, or L.L.M.s. L.L.M.s learn their skills by analyzing enormous amounts of text culled from across the internet, including Wikipedia articles, books, and chat logs. By pinpointing patterns in all that text, they learned to generate text on their own.

The Limitations of Reasoning Systems

To build reasoning systems, companies put L.L.M.s through an additional process called reinforcement learning. Through this process — which can extend over weeks or months — a system can learn behavior through extensive trial and error. However, experts point out that the new reasoning system cannot necessarily reason like a human. And like other chatbot technologies, they can still get things wrong and make stuff up — a phenomenon called hallucination.

Availability and Pricing

OpenAI said that, beginning Thursday, GPT-4.5 would be available to anyone who was subscribed to ChatGPT Pro, a $200-a-month service that provides access to all of the company’s latest tools.

Conclusion

The evolution of AI is a rapidly changing landscape, and the latest developments from OpenAI are a testament to the rapid progress being made. With the release of GPT-4.5, OpenAI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with natural language processing. As the company continues to innovate and improve its technology, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.

FAQs

Q: What is GPT-4.5?
A: GPT-4.5 is the latest version of OpenAI’s chatbot system that can reason through complex tasks.

Q: How does GPT-4.5 differ from previous versions of OpenAI’s chatbot system?
A: GPT-4.5 is the last version of OpenAI’s chatbot system that does not do "chain-of-thought reasoning."

Q: What is the future of AI development?
A: The future of AI development is likely to involve the development of reasoning systems that can solve complex tasks through a series of discrete steps, each one building on the last.

Q: How does GPT-4.5 compare to other AI systems?
A: GPT-4.5 is one of the most advanced AI systems available, but it is not yet capable of reasoning like a human.

Automatizando a Qualidade de Dados com DQX

0

Introdução ao DQX

No cenário atual, onde os dados são frequentemente comparados ao "novo petróleo", garantir sua qualidade tornou-se uma prioridade estratégica para organizações de todos os tamanhos. Dados imprecisos, incompletos ou inconsistentes podem gerar análises equivocadas, decisões mal fundamentadas e até mesmo comprometer a confiabilidade de sistemas críticos. Para enfrentar esse desafio, ferramentas como o DQX, um framework de qualidade de dados open-source desenvolvido pelo Databricks Labs, surgem como soluções poderosas e acessíveis.

O que é o DQX?

O DQX (Data Quality Framework) é uma ferramenta de código aberto projetada para simplificar a validação, limpeza e monitoramento da qualidade de dados em ambientes de big data. Ele utiliza o poder do PySpark e a infraestrutura do Databricks para processar grandes conjuntos de dados de forma eficiente, permitindo que os usuários definam regras de qualidade personalizadas e apliquem-nas automaticamente. O framework separa os dados em registros "válidos" (que atendem às regras) e "inválidos" (que violam alguma condição), facilitando a correção e a análise posterior.

Principais Funcionalidades

  • Regras Personalizadas: Defina critérios de qualidade (como completude, singularidade ou validação de formatos) usando arquivos YAML.
  • Separação Automática: Divida os dados em conjuntos válidos e inválidos com base nas regras aplicadas.
  • Escalabilidade: Aproveite o PySpark para lidar com terabytes de dados sem perda de desempenho.
  • Monitoramento Contínuo: Gere métricas e relatórios para acompanhar a qualidade ao longo do tempo.
  • Integração com Pipelines: Incorpore verificações de qualidade diretamente em processos ETL (Extração, Transformação e Carga).

Vantagens do DQX

O DQX se destaca por oferecer uma combinação única de flexibilidade, automação e integração nativa com o Databricks. Aqui estão suas principais vantagens:

  • Automação Total: Reduz drasticamente o esforço manual em verificações de qualidade, eliminando processos repetitivos e propensos a erros.
  • Integração com Databricks: Projetado para o ecossistema Databricks, ele se conecta facilmente a pipelines existentes, sem necessidade de adaptações complexas.
  • Flexibilidade nas Regras: Permite que os usuários criem regras sob medida para atender às demandas específicas de cada projeto.
  • Isolamento de Problemas: Separa automaticamente registros problemáticos, agilizando a análise e correção.
  • Desempenho em Escala: Processa grandes volumes de dados com eficiência, aproveitando a arquitetura distribuída do PySpark.
  • Governança de Dados: Facilita o monitoramento contínuo e a geração de relatórios, essenciais para a conformidade e a tomada de decisão.

Casos de Uso do DQX

O DQX pode ser aplicado em uma ampla gama de situações. Aqui estão alguns exemplos práticos do que é possível fazer com ele:

  • Verificar Completude: Garanta que campos obrigatórios estejam preenchidos.
  • Validar Formatos: Confirme que dados como e-mails, CPFs ou datas seguem padrões esperados.
  • Assegurar Singularidade: Detecte duplicatas em identificadores únicos.
  • Controlar Intervalos: Certifique-se de que valores numéricos ou temporais estejam dentro de limites definidos.
  • Referenciar Integridade: Valide que chaves estrangeiras correspondam a registros existentes em outras tabelas.

Exemplo 1: Validação de Dados de Clientes

Imagine que você gerencia uma tabela de clientes com as colunas customer_id, customer_name e customer_email. Seu objetivo é garantir que:

  • O customer_id seja único e não nulo.
  • O customer_name não esteja vazio.
  • O customer_email siga o formato "@example.com".
  • O customer_id seja único.

Conclusão

O DQX é uma ferramenta revolucionária para equipes que precisam garantir a qualidade de dados em escala. Com sua capacidade de automatizar validações, separar registros problemáticos e integrar-se a pipelines existentes, ele reduz o esforço manual e aumenta a confiabilidade dos dados. Experimente integrá-lo ao seu ambiente Databricks e explore como ele pode otimizar seus processos.

FAQs

Q: Qual é o propósito do DQX?

A: O propósito do DQX é simplificar a validação, limpeza e monitoramento da qualidade de dados em ambientes de big data, garantindo a confiabilidade e precisão dos dados.

Q: Qual é a vantagem principal do DQX em relação a outras soluções de qualidade de dados?

A: A vantagem principal do DQX é sua capacidade de automatizar validações, separar registros problemáticos e integrar-se a pipelines existentes, reduzindo assim o esforço manual e aumentando a confiabilidade dos dados.

Q: Qual é a linguagem de programação utilizada no DQX?

A: O DQX utiliza a linguagem de programação Python.

Turning 1M Real-Time Data Sources into Actionable Intelligence

Keeping Up with Events in Today’s Fast-Paced World

In a world where information is abundant, it’s no longer easy to stay on top of the latest developments. From breaking news to extreme weather to the latest trends on social media, there’s a plethora of data that can be overwhelming. This is where Dataminr, a 16-year-old company, comes in. Dataminr’s mission is to consume all event data from public sources, including text, image, video, and sound, and transform it into actionable information for its customers.

The Power of Multi-Modal Fusion

Dataminr’s secret lies in its ability to merge different data modalities, a process known as multi-modal fusion. By analyzing a variety of data sources, the company can create a comprehensive analysis that’s superior to analyzing each data modality separately. With a data firehose that consists of 1 million data sources, generating 43TB of raw data per day, Dataminr’s AI-powered platform is capable of spotting trends and patterns that might go unnoticed by human analysts.

The Magic of AI

Dataminr uses a variety of large language models (LLMs) and other AI techniques to automatically analyze and summarize the information, delivering it to customers in the form of alerts. According to Chief Partner Officer Matt Harrell, "It would take one human 950 years to consume one day’s worth of data that we ingest." This is where AI comes in handy, as it enables the company to apply 50 LLMs to draw correlations and surface real-time threats.

Real-Time Information

Dataminr’s goal is to transform real-time information using newly available sources of digital data. CEO and Founder Ted Bailey explains, "If you’re an individual on the ground seeing an event, taking a picture and publishing it in social media, you’re recording that event in digital data. If a sensor on a ship detects it veering off course, that is recording an event in digital data. If a plane transponder in the sky goes dark all of a sudden again, these events are recorded in digital data."

ReGenAI: The Future of AI

Dataminr’s latest innovation is ReGenAI, a generative AI that automatically updates alerts based on the latest data. According to Bailey, ReGenAI is only possible because of the company’s vast data archive, consisting of all events over the past decade and proprietary LLMs to process it. "We do something with AI that others can’t do," he says. "We don’t just plug into one of these multi-purpose AI APIs that everyone is plugging into and trying to build generative AI. We’ve built our own foundation models, our own LLMs that are trained and customized on a data asset that only we have."

Partnerships and Expansion

Dataminr is expanding its reach through partnerships with other companies. The company has formed alliances with 1,500 news organizations, 20 foreign governments, and two-thirds of the Fortune 50. Dataminr also supports 150 different languages, making its product applicable around the globe.

Conclusion

Dataminr’s mission to transform real-time information using newly available sources of digital data is a game-changer in today’s fast-paced world. With its AI-powered platform, the company is able to analyze a vast amount of data and deliver actionable information to its customers. As the company continues to expand its reach through partnerships and innovations, it’s likely to make a significant impact in the world.

FAQs

Q: What is Dataminr’s mission?
A: Dataminr’s mission is to consume all event data from public sources, including text, image, video, and sound, and transform it into actionable information for its customers.

Q: How does Dataminr analyze data?
A: Dataminr uses a variety of large language models (LLMs) and other AI techniques to automatically analyze and summarize the information, delivering it to customers in the form of alerts.

Q: What is ReGenAI?
A: ReGenAI is a generative AI that automatically updates alerts based on the latest data, making it possible to deliver real-time information to customers.

Q: What are the different ways companies can partner with Dataminr?
A: Companies can partner with Dataminr as technology alliance partners, industry partners, or solution providers.

Unreal Engine 5 Film Babiru is Changing Animation

0

Unreal Engine – The Future of Filmmaking

Babiru is an action feature film concept created using Unreal Engine alongside DaVinci Resolve and Fusion Studio. The production, a trailer that’s acting as a proof of concept, centres around the remnants of Babiru, a megalopolis populated by A.I. robots. The conceptual short pitches the idea, what happens when humanity is gone and the machines are left alone to live on?

The Birth of Babiru

The concept is the brainchild of Nguyen-Anh Nguyen, a filmmaker based in Montreal. The idea actually originated a number of years before it finally started to take shape in 2017, when Nguyen met with two concept artists, Nivanh Chanthara and Fred Rambaud. Together, they pitched the idea as a live-action film before realising that something of this scale would be impossible to pull off in the traditional way.

Unreal Engine – The Future is Real-Time

Without Unreal Engine, Babiru would not have been possible. Nguyen considered Unity as an option but landed on Unreal Engine because of its all-in-one solution. Being able to handle pre-viz, animation, lighting, shot acquisition, and even final pixel all in the same software is a big win for any filmmaker. This workflow is becoming increasingly commonplace but was groundbreaking at the time.

Using Unreal Engine

Nguyen found there to be a lot more support from the community with guides, forums, and videos that helped them get started quickly. He also loved “the diversity and quality of content being made in Unreal” and was instantly drawn in. Traditional digital content creators can have steeper learning curves and the fact that they don’t offer real-time results is something that goes against products like Autodesk 3ds Max.

The Future of Filmmaking

The process of making films is changing before our very eyes. This was brought home to me when I interviewed director Freddy Chávez Olmos about his horror film BYE-BYE. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask Nguyen about his views on it all.

He said that, “Now, with AI and machine learning influencing content creation, we’re only just beginning to see the real impact. I think we’re going to see a huge fragmentation of the industry. On one hand, you’ll have a wave of new talent creating films and content using these accessible tools in ways we’ve never seen before, using technology that was once reserved for big-budget studios. And on the other hand, you’ll have traditional, larger productions that require more resources but still hold onto those established, long-form methods.”

Conclusion

The realisation of Babiru shows that we’re at a point in time where technology is enabling a new generation of creators to do things that were unthinkable a few years ago and explore new, hybrid forms of storytelling. Traditional digital content creators are dead, long live real-time engines (for more, read our guide to the best game development software). It might be overstated but I believe time will prove its truth. If you want to know what the future of filmmaking is going to look like, keep your eye on visionary directors such as Olmos and Nguyen.

FAQs

Q: What is Unreal Engine?
A: Unreal Engine is a game engine developed by Epic Games, used to create high-performance, interactive and real-time content for a wide range of industries, including film, television, architecture, product design, and more.

Q: What is the future of filmmaking?
A: The future of filmmaking is rapidly changing, with the rise of real-time engines and AI/machine learning influencing content creation. We can expect to see a fragmentation of the industry, with new talent emerging and traditional, larger productions holding onto established methods.

Q: What is Babiru?
A: Babiru is an action feature film concept created using Unreal Engine alongside DaVinci Resolve and Fusion Studio, set in a megalopolis populated by A.I. robots.

Lack of AI Literacy Hinders Widespread Adoption

0

AI in the Workplace: A Study Reveals Widespread Pessimism

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have become increasingly entrenched in our daily lives since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022. However, a new study suggests that the American workforce seems largely uninterested in adopting AI en masse.

The Study

According to a Pew Research study released this week, around 80% of Americans don’t generally use AI at work, while those who do use AI seem unenthusiastic about its benefits. Moreover, fewer than one-third of those surveyed said they’re "excited" about using AI in future workplaces. Only 6% of workers say workplace AI use will lead to more job opportunities in the long run.

Key Findings

  • 52% of respondents are worried about the future of AI use in the workplace, while 36% are hopeful and 29% are excited.
  • 31% of workers say at least some of their work can be done with AI.
  • 69% of workers do not use AI chatbots in their workplace.
  • 36% of non-AI chatbot users have never used AI chatbots for work purposes because "there isn’t any use for them in their job."
  • 22% of non-AI chatbot users are not interested in using AI chatbots.
  • 24% of workers received training related to AI use, while most workers received no training or training unrelated to AI use.

Analysis

The study explored how class, age, and education informed participants’ answers to questions concerning AI use and job opportunities. The results suggest that workers with lower and middle incomes are more likely to be pessimistic about AI use in the workplace and convey sentiments that AI will lead to fewer job opportunities for them. In contrast, upper-income workers are more likely to say workplace AI use won’t make much difference in their job opportunities.

Conclusion

The lack of effective and adequate AI training feeds into AI pessimism in the workplace, and this has much to do with company leaders’ lack of a clear vision regarding how AI can increase workplace productivity. As Hatim Rahman, an associate professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, notes, "Employees are legitimately scared that the organization may justify laying them off by saying AI can do this job."

FAQs

Q: How many Americans use AI at work?
A: Around 20% of Americans use AI at work.

Q: Are Americans excited about using AI in future workplaces?
A: No, fewer than one-third of those surveyed said they’re "excited" about using AI in future workplaces.

Q: Will AI lead to more job opportunities?
A: Only 6% of workers say workplace AI use will lead to more job opportunities in the long run.

Q: How many workers received training related to AI use?
A: 24% of workers received training related to AI use, while most workers received no training or training unrelated to AI use.

OpenAI Launches GPT-4.5 for ChatGPT—It’s Huge and Compute-Intensive

0

GPT-4.5: OpenAI’s New Generative AI Model

A Bigger and More Compute-Intensive Model

GPT-4.5 is the latest generative AI model from OpenAI, and it’s bigger and more compute-intensive than ever. This new model is designed to better understand what users mean with their prompts, and it’s available to select users who are part of the first wave to try it out. However, to access GPT-4.5, users will need to sign up for OpenAI’s $200-a-month ChatGPT Pro subscription.

A Year of New AI Model Releases

2025 has already seen a flurry of new AI model releases, including a hybrid reasoning model from Anthropic and a powerful model from Chinese researchers at DeepSeek. In response, OpenAI dropped a "mini" version of its reasoning model just a month ago. This latest move from OpenAI is part of its strategy to build the infrastructure needed to fuel even larger models.

A Different Approach

GPT-4.5 is a departure from other recent AI innovations, such as DeepSeek’s R1, which aimed to match the performance of a frontier model with minimal resources. OpenAI is sticking to its "bigger is better" approach, believing that this will allow the model to capture more nuances of human emotions and interactions.

How Big is GPT-4.5?

The exact size and compute intensity of GPT-4.5 remain unclear, as OpenAI declined to share specific numbers. However, according to Mia Glaese, who leads OpenAI’s alignment team and human data team, the model’s size is likely to help it hallucinate less frequently. "If you know more things, you don’t need to make things up," she says.

What’s It Like to Use GPT-4.5?

Pro users are getting an early look at the new model, with rollouts for Plus and Team users scheduled for next week and Enterprise and Edu users the week after. GPT-4.5 supports web search, canvas feature, and uploads of files and images, but it’s not yet compatible with AI Voice Mode.

Academic Benchmarks

OpenAI released academic benchmark results showing that GPT-4.5 outperformed the o3-mini model on language benchmarks, but was outpaced on math. However, the researchers believe these measurements don’t capture the full story.

Conclusion

GPT-4.5 is a significant step forward in the development of generative AI models. While its size and compute intensity are impressive, it’s unclear what specific advantages it will bring to users. As the model is rolled out to more users, it will be interesting to see how it performs in real-world applications.

FAQs

Q: What is GPT-4.5?
A: GPT-4.5 is a new generative AI model from OpenAI that is bigger and more compute-intensive than its predecessors.

Q: How big is GPT-4.5?
A: The exact size and compute intensity of GPT-4.5 are unclear, as OpenAI declined to share specific numbers.

Q: What features does GPT-4.5 support?
A: GPT-4.5 supports web search, canvas feature, and uploads of files and images, but it’s not yet compatible with AI Voice Mode.

Q: Is GPT-4.5 a reasoning model?
A: No, GPT-4.5 is not a reasoning model. OpenAI is working on a blended experience for future releases, where users won’t have to choose between different models.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Twilight of the Republic

0

How a Star Wars Fan Film Helped Launch a New VFX Studio

Hoplite Studio, a new VFX studio, has launched with a bang, thanks to their impressive Star Wars fan film, "The 212th". The 2-minute 40-second film is a testament to the team’s skills and dedication, and we spoke to the team to learn more about their journey and the making of this stunning short film.

How does this project like Star Wars: The 212th help the team?

The 212th project came about before the creation of Hoplite Studio. It was through our collaboration with the artists on this project that we realized we could embark on the adventure of creating Hoplite Studio.

This project allows us to showcase our expertise in creating game cinematics and trailers, which is a market we’re highly interested in. We hope this project serves as a strong portfolio piece for us.

Moreover, our artists were thrilled to collaborate on this fan film, which is non-profit. Each one dedicated personal time to bring it to life, and we made sure to meet every artistic request, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to contribute in the way they envisioned.

How long did the Star Wars: The 212th take to make, and what was the most challenging or fun part?

The 212th project took 1.5 years to complete, which is quite a long time, but it was all done during our personal time, outside of work hours. The biggest challenge was coordinating between artists and managing file transfers. With a six-hour time difference between France and Quebec, we had to coordinate carefully to ensure everyone was available at the same time within their personal schedules.

As for the pipeline, we set everything up via the cloud. The most fun part, I think, was recreating iconic designs and characters from the saga. The majority of the artists are huge Star Wars fans, so producing 3D versions of concept art that had never been used before, and adding as many details as possible to the fan film, became a true playground for them. Everyone really embraced the project, and we formed lasting friendships along the way.

What core values define the studio’s culture?

At Hoplite Studio, our core values are passion, independence, and teamwork. We’ve built a studio that thrives without relying on tax incentives, giving us the flexibility to focus entirely on delivering top-tier VFX.

Passion drives everything we do, creating stunning visuals requires dedicated artists who love their art. And above all, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our success is rooted in the strength of our artist network, working together to bring each project to life with creativity and precision. We are truly grateful to have so many talented people by our side.

What emerging trends or technologies do you see as the most promising opportunities for VFX studios in the near future?

There are many emerging technologies right now, from the rise of immersive experiences, real-time rendering, and cloud advancements to AI. These could bring significant changes to our industry. For smaller studios like ours, the innovations around data management through the cloud are an exciting opportunity.

As we collaborate with artists from all over the world, cloud tools are essential for our growth and efficiency. AI tools are also something to keep a close eye on. Some, like MoveAi, have proven to be incredibly useful, enabling us to do motion capture at a much lower cost.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start in VFX?

I believe this is an industry that requires both passion and patience. You need to stay attuned to the continuous evolution around you and keep practicing, testing, and learning from failures, just like any other discipline. What’s crucial in our field is the network. It’s important to make time for networking and foster connections. It’s through these encounters that new projects and collaborations come to life.

AI is a big issue, but can it help VFX studios compete without losing jobs?

I’ll be transparent: there will certainly be job losses because of AI, but it’s also important to be realistic about the changes and adapt to the evolving industry. AI will cause job cuts, but it will also create new jobs in areas such as development, research, prompt management, and render farm management.

It’s a powerful tool that we need to learn how to handle. And let’s not forget that AI is not just about image generation; it also includes tools like Move Ai, which will allow small structures to grow more easily and at a lower cost.

AI will help accelerate the creative process, generating ideas faster and cheaper, especially in pre-production for small projects. It can also provide some foundations for the VFX industry.

However, there will always be a need for an artistic vision behind each prompt. What the public looks for most is the human touch, creativity, and the emotion conveyed by an image. AI can be a catalyst, but it will never replace the human element in the creative process.

Conclusion

Star Wars: The 212th is an impressive testament to the team’s skills and dedication, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Hoplite Studio. With their passion for VFX and commitment to delivering top-tier results, we’re confident that they’ll continue to thrive in the industry.