OpenAI Tinker API, Meta Models, Nvidia AMD Funding

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with new tools and investments emerging across various sectors. Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati's startup, Thinking Machines Lab, has launched Tinker, an API designed to simplify the fine-tuning of AI models using custom data. This tool, which supports open-weight models from companies like Meta, aims to make AI customization more accessible and is backed by significant funding from investors including Nvidia and AMD. Meanwhile, the global race for AI product dominance is heating up, with China reportedly leading due to its manufacturing capabilities, while the U.S. focuses more on innovation and infrastructure. This manufacturing gap raises concerns about U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities. In the semiconductor industry, the demand for AI infrastructure is boosting companies like Samsung and SK Hynix, with SK Hynix set to supply advanced chips for OpenAI's Stargate project. Investment firms like AIR Asset Management are exploring opportunities in the pre-IPO AI sector. However, the widespread adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT is also sparking concerns among workers about potential job displacement, particularly in fields like translation, court reporting, and editing. Studies also indicate that current AI models, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini, struggle with complex financial questions, such as those related to student loans, underscoring the need for users to verify AI-generated advice. On a more practical level, AI is being implemented in diverse areas, from enhancing campus safety with AI cameras in Ohio schools to improving food production efficiency at Nestlé. To ensure fairness, several U.S. states are enacting laws to combat bias in AI used for hiring.

Key Takeaways

• Thinking Machines Lab, cofounded by ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has launched Tinker, an API for fine-tuning AI models with custom data.
• Tinker supports open-weight models from companies like Meta and is backed by investors including Nvidia and AMD.
• China is leading the AI product race due to its manufacturing capacity, while the U.S. prioritizes innovation and infrastructure.
• The demand for AI infrastructure is driving up stock prices for semiconductor companies like Samsung and SK Hynix, with SK Hynix supplying OpenAI.
• Investment firms are exploring opportunities in the pre-IPO AI sector, indicating growing interest in AI growth companies.
• Workers express concerns about AI tools like ChatGPT potentially replacing jobs in sectors such as translation and editing.
• Popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini have shown limitations in accurately answering complex student loan-related questions.
• AI is being adopted for practical applications, including enhancing campus safety with AI cameras and improving production efficiency at Nestlé.
• U.S. states are implementing laws to prevent bias in AI systems used for hiring processes.
• OpenAI's Stargate project is a significant driver of demand for advanced AI chips from companies like SK Hynix.

Mira Murati's startup launches Tinker AI model tuner

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati's company, Thinking Machines, has launched its first product called Tinker. Tinker is an API that helps researchers and developers fine-tune AI language models using their own data. The tool handles the complex process of distributed training, allowing users to experiment with various models easily. Thinking Machines received significant funding, including from A16z, Nvidia, and AMD, before launching this product. Tinker is currently in private beta, with users able to sign up for a waitlist on the company's website.

Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab releases Tinker AI tool

Thinking Machines Lab, cofounded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has launched its first product, Tinker. This tool is an application programming interface that allows developers to customize open-source AI models using their own datasets. Thinking Machines manages the necessary infrastructure for this process. The company aims to make AI model customization more accessible.

Ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati's startup launches Tinker AI

Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab has released Tinker, an API designed to simplify the fine-tuning of AI models. This tool allows users to customize models with their own data, making specialized AI applications more accessible. Tinker supports various open-weight models and aims to democratize AI development. Murati, formerly OpenAI's CTO, founded Thinking Machines with this vision.

Thinking Machines launches Tinker API to customize AI models

Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab has launched Tinker, a flexible API for fine-tuning AI models, backed by $2 billion in seed funding. Tinker simplifies the process of customizing frontier models for researchers and developers. It functions as a managed service, allowing users to control algorithms and data without managing infrastructure. The platform supports various open-weight models and uses techniques like LoRA for efficient compute sharing. An open-source library has also been released to aid adoption.

Thinking Machines' Tinker tool lets users fine-tune AI models

Thinking Machines Lab, founded by former OpenAI executive Mira Murati, has released its first product, Tinker. This AI tool is designed for users who want to fine-tune existing open-source AI models for specific purposes. Tinker allows customization using personal data and algorithms, with Thinking Machines handling the infrastructure. Initially, it supports models from Meta and Alibaba, offering supervised and reinforcement learning options. The service is in private beta, with a waitlist available.

US losing AI product race to China due to manufacturing gap

The United States is falling behind China in the AI product race because it lacks manufacturing capacity, while China focuses on embedding AI into products. China's "Artificial Intelligence Plus" action plan contrasts with the U.S. AI Action Plan, which emphasizes innovation and infrastructure over products. Concerns include reliance on Taiwan for semiconductors, China's control over critical minerals, and dominance in communications infrastructure. Rebuilding U.S. manufacturing is crucial for national security, job growth, and economic competitiveness.

US risks losing AI product race due to manufacturing weakness

China is leading in AI product deployment by integrating the technology into manufacturing and daily life, while the U.S. focuses on innovation and infrastructure. This gap is highlighted by China's higher production of AI-powered robots compared to the U.S. Vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain, including semiconductors, critical minerals, and communications technology, further disadvantage the nation. Experts suggest rebuilding domestic manufacturing capabilities is essential to regain competitiveness in the AI product race.

Ohio schools use AI cameras for enhanced campus safety

The Johnstown-Monroe Local School District in Ohio has implemented a new AI-powered security system called Verkada. This system uses facial recognition and real-time alerts to monitor who enters school buildings, replacing older cameras. Administrators can input photos of unauthorized individuals, and the system alerts staff if they approach. The AI can also search footage based on descriptions of clothing or objects, improving incident response times. The district spent about $120,000 on the system, which has been live for about a month.

AI boom boosts Samsung and SK Hynix stock prices

South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have seen their stock prices surge due to their central role in supplying AI infrastructure, particularly for OpenAI's Stargate project. SK Hynix, a leader in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), will supply OpenAI with advanced HBM chips. Samsung is also focusing on HBM4 and expanding into data center design and management. This AI demand is reshaping the semiconductor market, potentially smoothing out traditional memory market cycles.

AIR Asset Management explores AI investment opportunities

AIR Asset Management, based in Chicago, is exploring the launch of investment products focused on the pre-IPO Artificial Intelligence sector. The firm plans to collaborate with experienced specialists in private securities to evaluate these opportunities. AIR aims to provide qualified investors with access to late-stage AI growth companies. This initiative aligns with AIR's strategy to offer innovative alternative investment products.

Minnesota workers worry AI will take their jobs

Many Minnesota workers are concerned about artificial intelligence replacing their jobs, especially in a challenging job market. Companies are investing heavily in AI tools like ChatGPT, leading to anxiety among employees. While some see AI as a tool for efficiency, others fear widespread job displacement, particularly in white-collar roles. Experts note that AI's rapid development and adoption could significantly impact the workforce, potentially altering recovery trajectories after economic downturns.

AI tools fail on complex student loan questions

A study by The College Investor found that popular AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini struggle to accurately answer complex questions about student loans. Researchers discovered that while AI could define basic terms, it failed to provide information on recent legislative changes. This highlights the need for borrowers to verify AI-generated financial advice with trusted sources or loan servicers. Experts advise caution when using AI for financial guidance, as it may not address specific individual needs.

Nestlé uses AI to improve chocolate powder production

Nestlé's plant in Waverly, Iowa, is using AI and machine learning with Aveva's Connect platform to improve the production of Nesquik and Ovaltine. The AI system analyzes real-time data to predict product moisture and density, providing operators with recommendations for adjustments. This data-driven approach reduces variability and waste, leading to more consistent, fluffier chocolate powder and saving up to 10% of product. Human expertise remains crucial for developing and interpreting these AI models.

States enact laws against AI bias in hiring

Several U.S. states, including California, Illinois, and Colorado, are passing laws to address bias in artificial intelligence used for hiring. These regulations aim to prevent AI systems from discriminating against applicants based on protected characteristics. Employers must retain records related to AI use, notify applicants about AI analysis, and obtain consent. While AI can improve efficiency, it can also unintentionally perpetuate biases, making these new laws crucial for fair employment practices.

AI may eliminate jobs in translation, court reporting, and editing

Artificial intelligence systems, like ChatGPT, are becoming capable of performing tasks previously done by humans, potentially leading to job displacement. Jobs involving repetitive tasks, such as translation, courtroom recording, copy editing, and legal support, are at high risk. While AI offers efficiency and cost savings, it may miss the nuances of human interaction and context. Experts suggest focusing on training the workforce for new AI-related opportunities rather than solely replacing human workers.

Sources

• Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines launches first product, Tinker
• Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab Launches First Finetuning Product
• OpenAI’s former CTO Mira Murati’s AI startup launches its first product - The Times of India
• Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab Launches ‘Tinker’ API to Challenge OpenAI in Model Customization
• Tinker Is Thinking Machines Lab's First AI Product, But It's Not The ChatGPT Rival Some Expected
• We’re Losing the AI Product Race. Here’s How to Win It.
• We’re Losing the AI Product Race. Here’s How to Win It.
• Johnstown-Monroe Schools use AI-powered cameras to boost campus security
• AI Boom Lifts Samsung and SK Hynix to Multiyear Highs
• AIR Asset Management Exploring Opportunities in Pre-IPO Artificial Intelligence
• In tough job market, Minnesota workers wonder if AI will replace them
• AI will likely delete these four jobs — is yours one of them?
• AI tools struggle with student loan questions, study finds
• AI piles on new capabilities
• The State of Employment Law: States Begin to Pass Artificial Intelligence Bias Laws