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  • #118. 🧠 How AI Knows Things No One Told It 🎉 New versions of Claude include direct computer control 🚗 VW partners with Google to bring gen AI to the car

#118. 🧠 How AI Knows Things No One Told It 🎉 New versions of Claude include direct computer control 🚗 VW partners with Google to bring gen AI to the car

Plus, AI tools: Scan, price, list stuff to sell; backgrounds for product photos; law practice management software

🎙️ Check out my new Marc Hoag AI Law Pod, a podcast “hosted” by Google's NotebookLM. Now that NotebookLM allows customization, the AI “hosts” actually interact with me, directly reference the newsletter itself, and deep dive quite a bit beyond the bounds of each issue’s content. If nothing else, it’s a very cool alternative way to enjoy Future Perfect while driving.

  • AI’s emergent abilities: AI models like GPT can perform complex tasks, such as writing and executing code, demonstrating capabilities beyond simple data mimicry.

  • Inferred understanding: These models form internal representations of concepts, such as keeping a mental model of a game board, suggesting sophisticated reasoning mechanisms.

  • Learning from user input: Through "in-context learning," AI models adapt based on prior user inputs, improving their responses to complex tasks over time.

  • Ethical and transparency concerns: The opaque nature of these models' internal processes raises concerns about their safety and ethical use.

  • Potential path to AGI: Some researchers believe these emergent abilities may indicate that AI is moving closer to achieving artificial general intelligence.

  • Claude 3.5's new features: Anthropic has introduced upgraded versions of Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Haiku, with enhanced coding abilities and faster performance.

  • Public beta for computer use: Claude 3.5 Sonnet can now interact with computers by navigating screens, clicking buttons, and typing, allowing developers to automate tasks.

  • Performance improvements: Claude 3.5 Sonnet excels in coding and agentic tasks, showing significant gains in benchmarks without increasing latency.

  • Developer feedback: Early users, including companies like GitLab and Replit, report stronger reasoning and problem-solving capabilities.

  • Safety considerations: Anthropic emphasizes proactive safety measures as the new computer use feature evolves, addressing potential risks.

  • Volkswagen integrates generative AI: Volkswagen has introduced generative AI features, powered by Google Cloud, within the myVW mobile app for MY24 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport owners.

  • AI-powered Virtual Assistant: The new myVW Virtual Assistant provides drivers with intuitive access to vehicle information, such as answers to questions and explanations of dashboard indicators.

  • Gemini models integration: The Virtual Assistant uses Google Cloud’s Gemini AI models to offer low-latency responses and even allows users to visually identify dashboard lights via their smartphone cameras.

  • Improved customer experience: Volkswagen aims to enhance the customer experience by making vehicle support more accessible and personalized through AI technology.

  • Broader availability in 2025: The AI Virtual Assistant will be available to most MY20 and newer Volkswagen vehicles starting in 2025.

✨ PowerPrompt™

Pretend that you are a live audience; I am practicing a speech. After each section, I'll pause, and you should grill me with questions. Make sure to provide feedback on content, tone, etc, and help me improve accordingly.

Thanks to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice mode, this is a particularly powerful feature: just activate Advanced Voice mode, and start talking.

🧰 AI Tools & Resources

  • Hero Stuff: Use AI to scan, price, and list stuff.

  • Pixyer: Professional AI-generated backgrounds for product photos.

  • FileVine: AI law practice management service.

🎉 THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY!

See you next time! 👋

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