AI development Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks Acquires Neon for $1 Billion, Boosting AI Infrastructure with Serverless PostgreSQL

Databricks has acquired Neon, a cloud-based database startup specializing in serverless PostgreSQL, in a billion-dollar deal. This acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' role in the AI tooling landscape and reflects a shift in the database market to meet the needs of AI-native applications. Neon, founded in 2021 and based in Menlo Park, California, had raised nearly million before this acquisition. Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi noted that 80% of databases on their platform are created by code rather than humans, indicating a shift in database management driven by autonomous AI agents. Databricks has been actively acquiring companies to strengthen its AI development capabilities, having previously acquired firms like MosaicML and Arcion. Ghodsi emphasized that as a private entity, Databricks can make long-term strategic decisions without public market pressures. The acquisition reflects a broader trend of increased deal-making in the AI sector and highlights the growing importance of robust data infrastructure in the context of sovereign AI initiatives.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks adds Postgres database with $1B Neon acquisition

Databricks announced its intention to acquire Neon, a developer of a cloud-based dataset platform built on PostgreSQL, to enhance capabilities for developers and autonomous AI agents. The acquisition's estimated value is approximately billion, although financial specifics remain undisclosed. Neon, based in Menlo Park, California, raised .6 million prior to the acquisition. This move will expand Databricks' portfolio with open-source database functionalities, aiding in the development of data and AI applications. Databricks has made several acquisitions to support generative AI development, including MosaicML, Arcion, Einblick, Lilac AI, BladeBridge, and Tabular, with some valued at over billion. Neon's platform allows users to create PostgreSQL instances quickly and features a disaggregated compute and storage architecture for automatic scaling. The Neon team will join Databricks following the acquisition's completion.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft touts AI Dev Gallery for Windows

Microsoft has launched the AI Dev Gallery, an open-source application for Windows developers aimed at integrating AI functionalities into projects. Initially introduced as a concept in December 2024, it was officially showcased on April 22. The platform provides resources such as sample applications, model downloads, and exportable source code, and is available for download in preview format from the Microsoft Store. Key features include the ability to experiment with AI applications offline and a variety of interactive samples, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation, chat interfaces, object detection, text-to-speech/speech-to-text conversion, and document summarization and analysis, all designed to run locally on developers' machines.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now – and how I use them

AI has integrated into daily life, especially for Android users due to Google's embedding of AI capabilities in the operating system. Key AI apps for Android include: 1. Google Gemini: The default AI app that enhances user experience without installation. It features Gemini Live for complex queries and can be used as a handy assistant. 2. Perplexity: An AI-driven query app with an intuitive interface for news summaries and organizing queries. It is free and serves as a default search engine for some users. 3. DeepSeek: An AI development firm from China offering two apps on Google Play: Deep Think (AI chatbot) and DeepSeek (AI assistant), which handles deep queries and basic searches. It is free but requires account registration. 4. Microsoft Copilot: A versatile AI tool for standard queries, drafting, and image creation. It summarizes news and requires a Microsoft account for access. 5. Opera's Aria: An AI tool integrated into the Opera browser, offering standard query capabilities and voice-to-text functionality. It requires installation but is free to use without a subscription.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Google releases enterprise-grade Gemini tier in Android Studio

Google has introduced a new version of Gemini for Android Studio, specifically designed for businesses. This version ensures that company code is not saved by Google and is not used for AI model training. It includes IP protection against claims related to AI-generated code. The offering, available through Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise subscriptions, enhances existing features with security and IP protections, including tools like build and sync error support and App Quality Insights. Google emphasizes its commitment to security with certifications such as SOC 1/2/3 and ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, businesses benefit from IP indemnification against copyright infringement claims related to AI-generated code. The enterprise-grade version can be accessed via the Android Studio Narwhal build on the Canary release channel with an eligible Gemini Code Assist license.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft AI chief Suleyman sees advantage in building models ‘3 or 6 months behind’

Microsoft's CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, outlined the company's strategy for AI development, focusing on adapting its Copilot digital assistant to consumer needs. Despite having a large inventory of Nvidia GPUs, Microsoft is not using them for the most advanced AI models, opting instead for a measured approach that allows for lower costs and targeted solutions. The company collaborates with organizations like OpenAI and CoreWeave to enhance products such as Bing and Windows. A new feature called "memory" will be added to Copilot, allowing it to retain user information for personalized interactions. Microsoft has invested .75 billion in OpenAI, but in July 2024, it classified OpenAI as a competitor. OpenAI announced a collaboration with Oracle on the Stargate project, moving away from exclusive reliance on Microsoft Azure, although Microsoft stated that OpenAI remains committed to Azure. Suleyman emphasized the importance of developing internal AI capabilities and maintaining a long-term partnership with OpenAI through at least 2030.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft’s AI division head wants to create a lasting relationship between chatbots and their users

Microsoft's CEO of the AI division, Mustafa Suleyman, envisions creating a personalized AI companion that will evolve over time and become integral to daily life. This vision was shared during a celebratory event at Microsoft's headquarters, highlighting the importance of AI in the company's future. The flagship product, Copilot, integrates chatbot functionality with tools like Excel and PowerPoint, aiming to foster meaningful relationships with users. Recent updates to Copilot include new visual memory capabilities, while features like an animated avatar are still in development. Suleyman, who has a background at DeepMind and Inflection AI, focuses on personal AI companions rather than artificial general intelligence. The competition in the AI personal assistant space is increasing, with major companies adjusting their strategies. Despite excitement about AI advancements, there are concerns regarding the costs and limitations of generative AI, as demonstrated by Copilot's occasional inaccuracies. Suleyman emphasizes the need for user-friendly tools to encourage adoption and envisions AI alleviating mundane tasks for knowledge workers. During his keynote, he faced protests regarding Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli military but continued to advocate for the potential of AI companions.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft Copilot Updates Make the AI Companion Much More Personal

AI development is rapidly advancing, leading Microsoft to enhance its Copilot AI assistant. The updates aim to transform Copilot into a more engaging and personalized companion. Copilot, powered by OpenAI's GPT technology, is integrated across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Windows, the Edge browser, and Bing search. Key features of the updated Copilot include: - Memory Functionality: Users can allow Copilot to remember personal details, with a focus on security and privacy. - Custom Appearances: Users can customize Copilot's visual representation, including whimsical forms. - Copilot Actions: Copilot can manage tasks like making reservations or sending gifts, collaborating with services like 1-800-Flowers.com and Expedia. - Pages Feature: Users can organize content and generate AI-driven podcasts on preferred topics. - Enhanced Copilot Search: Improvements to the Copilot Search feature in Bing aim to address accuracy issues with search-result summaries. The initial rollout of these features begins on Friday, with full availability expected in the coming months.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Meta Continues to Integrate AI Bot Profiles into its Apps

Meta is integrating AI-powered profiles into its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Messenger has launched an “AI Studio” for users to create and manage their own AI personas for conversations. WhatsApp is also introducing an AI Studio for user interaction with AI bots. Instagram is enhancing this trend with AI options in its “Create” tools, allowing real-time character creation and customization. Meta plans to introduce millions of AI profiles that mimic real users, complete with bios and the ability to post and comment, which raises concerns about user awareness and potential psychological impacts. The integration of AI bots may influence engagement metrics and app usage while also raising ethical questions about social interaction. There are concerns about the mental health implications of social media use, especially in light of rising AI-generated misinformation. The competitive pressure for innovation in AI development is influencing the approach taken by social media companies.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

A high schooler built a website that lets you challenge AI models to a Minecraft build-off

Developers are exploring new methods to benchmark generative AI models, with one initiative being the Minecraft Benchmark (MC-Bench), a platform for head-to-head competitions among AI models that generate unique Minecraft creations. Users vote on the performances without knowing which AI created each entry. The project, created by 12th-grade student Adi Singh, leverages Minecraft's universal recognition to evaluate AI capabilities. MC-Bench currently has eight volunteer contributors and has received support from major AI companies like Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Alibaba. The focus is on simple builds, with plans to scale to more complex tasks. MC-Bench requires models to write code for requested builds, making it easier for users to assess the quality of creations visually. Singh believes the scores from MC-Bench provide meaningful insights into AI performance compared to traditional text-based benchmarks.