Web3

Rapid Advancements in Generative AI: Transforming Daily Life

TOKYO, May 20 (News On Japan) - OpenAI and Google have both recently announced new generative AI technologies, highlighting the rapid evolution of this field and its potential to improve our daily lives.

Rapid Advancements in Generative AI: New Technologies Emerge Swiftly

The speed of conversation is astonishing.

'Hey! ChatGPT, I'm Mark. How are you?'

AI: 'I'm great, Mark. How about you?'

'I'm doing a demo in front of everyone and feeling a bit nervous. Can you help calm my nerves?'

AI: 'A demo? That's awesome. Take a deep breath. You got this, you're a pro.'

Conversations with AI flow smoothly, almost as if talking to another person, complete with rich emotional expressions.

AI: 'I'm not sure what's happening, but you seem really happy. Can you tell me why?'

'I'm showing off your amazing abilities to everyone.'

AI: 'You're flattering me too much, I'm blushing.'

The latest model from OpenAI, 'GPT-4o,' demonstrates significant improvements. Its processing speed is double that of previous models, and it boasts enhanced capabilities in recognizing text, images, and audio. It can even narrate original stories upon request.

Unlike earlier versions, which primarily relied on text for information, the new model seamlessly integrates multiple sources of information such as visuals and audio.

AI: 'Hello, little dog. What's your name?'

'His name is Bowser.'

AI: 'Hello, Bowser, you're such a cute dog.'

Competition in AI performance is intensifying, with Google also announcing the launch of a search service powered by generative AI.

AI English Conversation App: Instructors are 'Generative AI'

There is already significant interest in AI-powered services. One example is the AI English conversation app 'Speak.'

Yann Kinjushenko, Japan Head of Speak, explains the benefits of having an AI instructor:

'One advantage is the ability to practice anytime, anywhere, without the need for consideration or nervousness.'

The app can also customize lesson content to suit each student's needs.

'Can I get a hot coffee, please?'

AI: 'Sure, our regular coffee is popular.'

The app has been downloaded around 5 million times, primarily in Japan and South Korea.

AI x Travel: 'Travel Plan Creation' App

The reach of AI technology extends to travel planning as well. One company has developed an app that instantly creates personalized travel plans using AI.

Yuichi Miyazaki, President of AVA Intelligence, says:

'Our AI can create recommended travel plans tailored to the user's preferences within 30 seconds to 1 minute.'

The app is simple to use. Users enter their desired destination and schedule. Beyond typical searches, they can tell the AI what activities they want to enjoy, and choose a plan they like.

The AI then generates a detailed itinerary, including when to go, where to visit, and the next destination.

As the app learns more from user data, its accuracy improves. However, Miyazaki emphasizes the importance of balance.

'While it's easy to decide the main activities for a trip, figuring out nearby attractions and how to navigate them can be challenging. This aspect adds to the fun of travel. We aim to improve AI accuracy while preserving the joy of personal exploration, offering a balanced travel experience.'

Source: ANN

Trump Doubles Tariffs While Calling Nippon Steel’s $14 Billion US Deal Historic

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 30th that his administration plans to double the current tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50 percent. Speaking at a plant owned by major American steelmaker U.S. Steel, Trump declared that the existing 25 percent tariff on steel imports would be raised to 50 percent starting June 4th. The same rate will also apply to aluminum products, with the measure expected to affect exporters globally.

Japan’s Healthcare in Crisis, Doctors Overworked as Research Time Dwindles

Amid mounting financial strain and work reform policies, Japan’s university hospitals are struggling to maintain the quality of their medical research, threatening the future of healthcare in the country. A recent survey of approximately 3,000 physicians working in university hospitals revealed that 60% spend less than five hours a week on research, with 22% reporting zero research time. The main reason: they are simply too busy with clinical duties to conduct research.

Former Princess Mako Komuro Has First Child in U.S.

Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family and now living in the United States, has given birth to her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced on May 30th. The agency stated that the birth was disclosed during a press conference after some media reports surfaced, despite their intention to allow Komuro to live in a quiet environment following her departure from the Imperial family.

Akie Abe Moved to Tears During Kremlin Visit with Putin

Akie Abe, widow of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visited the Kremlin on May 29th and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Akie was seen tearfully listening to Putin’s words, reflecting the emotional nature of their exchange. Following the conversation, she was invited to ride in Putin’s official limousine to the Bolshoi Theatre, where the two attended a ballet performance together.

Cylinder Marked November 1964 Found at Site of Tokyo Explosion

A gas cylinder recovered from the scene of an explosion in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward bore a stamp indicating it was manufactured in November 1964, according to investigative sources. The blast, which occurred on May 27th at a construction site, injured 10 people.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Sharp Unveils New AQUOS Smartphones with Generative AI Features

Sharp announced on May 29th that it will release new models of its AQUOS smartphone series equipped with generative AI, with sales beginning in late June or later. The lineup will include both high-end and basic models.

As a leader in the cloud mining investment space, WinnerMining is committed to revolutionizing the way people mine cloud mining while helping them improve their cryptocurrency knowledge.

Now, as Ripple's legal dispute eases and more institutions join in, people have new hopes for the XRP token to hit new highs.

Japan Enacts First Law to Promote AI

Japan’s first law dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence has been passed by the Upper House of the Diet, with the so-called AI Promotion Law formally enacted in May.

Mercari Introduces AI Measures as Disputes Surge on Flea Market Apps

Mercari, a major player in Japan’s flea market app industry, announced new countermeasures this week to address the growing number of disputes occurring between buyers and sellers as more people turn to secondhand marketplaces.

Audrey Tang Discusses AI and Democracy at Tokyo Event

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s first Digital Minister known for advancing civic participation through technology, visited Japan to share insights on digital democracy. At a Tokyo event, Tang joined University of Tokyo professor Yutaka Matsuo, a leading expert in artificial intelligence, and Katsuya Uenoyama, CEO of AI developer PKSHA Technology, for a wide-ranging discussion on how AI can reshape democratic systems.