In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser sits down with AnhPhu Nguyen, one of the Harvard students behind the I-XRAY, a controversial pair of hacked Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that use facial recognition technology to identify people in real-time, revealing personal details like names and home addresses.

AnhPhu discusses the ethical motivations behind the project, emphasizing how it was designed to raise awareness of AI privacy and surveillance risks rather than for profit. Together, they unpack the privacy issues, ethical implications, and the potential for policy changes in AI surveillance.

• [0:00] – Viral story of AI-driven facial recognition glasses

• [2:15] – Meet AnhPhu Nguyen: Harvard student and co-creator of the I-XRAY

• [5:07] – The project’s origin and purpose: Raising awareness on AI privacy

• [8:43] – How the I-XRAY works: Combining smart glasses, facial recognition, and AI

• [15:02] – The ethics of AI surveillance: Privacy vs. convenience

• [18:02] – Reactions from tech companies: Meta and PimEyes’ response

• [19:10] – Advice to developers on ethical tech design and responsible AI

• [22:36] – What’s next for AnhPhu: Exploring ethical boundaries in future tech

This conversation explores crucial questions around AI-driven surveillance, responsible tech development, and what needs to change in policy to avoid a dystopian future. If you’re interested in AI, privacy, and the future of ethical tech, this episode sheds light on how these issues intersect and what we need to consider moving forward.

AnhPhu's original Twitter/X post that went viral:
https://x.com/AnhPhuNguyen1/status/1840786336992682409

AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio's paper on how to make yourself "unsearchable":
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iWCqmaOUKhKjcKSktIwC3NNANoFP7vPsRvcbOIup_BA/preview

AnhPhu Nguyen on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/AnhPhuNguyen1

Caine Ardayfio on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/CaineArdayfio

Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/10/04/these-2-hackers-have-created-real-x-ray-specs/

Original coverage from The Register:
https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/04/harvard_engineer_meta_smart_glasses/

The New York Times coverage:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/technology/facial-recognition-glasses-privacy-harvard.html

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In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser dives into his experience at TechCrunch Disrupt (aka “DorkFest 2024”), exploring AI’s trajectory from hype to real-world impact. With 99% of companies showcasing some form of AI, Jeff unpacks the crowded landscape, from AI infrastructure to flashy generative AI tools. Here’s what you’ll hear:

Main Topics Covered:

TechCrunch Disrupt & AI’s Ubiquity

•Flying cars, self-driving cars, and “non-human employees” headline Dorkfest 2024.

•Reflecting on how AI has taken over the tech industry and the potential future of AI startups.

•The competitive nature among AI giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind.

Behind the Scenes: AI Startups and Industry Consolidation

•Why many AI startups focus on infrastructure over “shiny objects” like generative AI.

•Predictions for consolidation within the AI space and potential impacts on innovation.

3 Quick Things: This Week in AI News

1.ChatGPT with Search – OpenAI’s latest feature brings real-time web access, potentially disrupting traditional search engines like Google and Perplexity.

2.AI Deepfakes & 2024 Election – As of November 4th, deepfakes have not heavily influenced the U.S. election, despite prior concerns.

3.Time Magazine’s “Best Inventions of the Year” – Jeff shares his insights from writing for Time’s annual list, focusing on how AI is driving real solutions, from healthcare documentation to farming and cancer treatment.

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In this episode of AI-Curious, we delve into the disconnect between businesses’ aspirations for AI and their practical implementation. Featuring insights from Anthony Batt and Shane Robinson, co-founders of Co-AI—a hub for AI knowledge and resources—this conversation explores how businesses can adopt AI more effectively.

Jeff, Anthony, and Shane start by identifying two major challenges: finding trustworthy AI tools among the influx of new options and addressing the gap between wanting to use AI and actually seeing results. They then dive into Co-AI’s practical approach, emphasizing the importance of mindset, cultural shifts, and active experimentation as foundational steps for businesses looking to leverage AI.

Topics include:

•How companies can create a culture of experimentation and reward AI exploration.

•Practical use cases of AI as a “thought partner” and “sales coach” to enhance productivity.

•Ways business leaders can overcome inertia and initiate AI practices that evolve with company needs.

•Stories from Anthony and Shane on AI’s role in business evolution, informed by their years in tech innovation.

This episode offers essential guidance for leaders, technologists, and anyone navigating the AI landscape. Join us to learn actionable strategies for bridging the gap between abstract AI goals and measurable business outcomes.


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In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with world-class magician, brand strategist, and AI educator Mike Jacobson, also known by his stage name, Magic Mike. Beyond his acclaimed magic performances, Mike has expanded his career into corporate strategy, marketing consulting, and AI education, making him a dynamic force across multiple industries.

During this lively conversation, Jeff and Mike explore the intersection of magic, curiosity, and AI. From Mike’s early “PowerPoint Parties” with friends to AI-infused variety shows at bars in New York, the episode delves into how play and creativity can be powerful tools for demystifying AI. Mike shares his experience leading engaging AI workshops for major corporations, including Meta, where he brings fun and experimentation into the typically serious corporate environment.

Key themes:

•How curiosity can unlock new ways of thinking.

•How AI can be used to inject playfulness into learning, team building, and even corporate workshops.

•Mike’s innovative “It Writes Itself” workshops, where participants create AI-powered presentations, games, and creative projects.

•Practical advice on embracing AI in both work and personal life, with examples from Mike’s unique approach.

Tune in to see how magic and AI can come together to spark creativity, inspire curiosity, and break down the barriers to understanding emerging technologies.

Timestamps:

•[00:00] Intro to Magic Mike and his diverse career

•[05:14] The origin of AI-themed PowerPoint Parties

•[11:59] How AI workshops began with fun and curiosity

•[18:23] What AI can and can’t do for creativity

•[21:24] Transitioning from AI bar shows to corporate workshops

•[29:36] The role of low-stakes creativity in demystifying AI

Magic Mike:
https://hellomagicmike.com/

Mike Jacobson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsonmike/

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In this episode of AI-Curious, Jeff Wilser reports from LA Tech Week, where he delves into the pressing questions surrounding AI’s role in Hollywood. Will AI replace actors and screenwriters, or will it enhance the creative process, making content production faster and more efficient? Jeff shares insights from a fireside chat with Susanne Daniels, former Global Head of Content at YouTube, on the limits of AI in the entertainment industry and the need for keeping “humans in the loop.”

Key topics:

•The potential and concerns of AI in film production, animation, and the role of studio executives.

•The idea of AI-powered content personalization, where AI could tailor shows for individual viewers.

•How AI-generated art is breaking new ground, including the robot artist Ai-Da’s abstract portrait, sold at Sotheby’s for over $120,000.

•A news story about an AI-powered site mistakenly accusing a district attorney of murder.

•The latest developments in AI tools like Perplexity and its customizable knowledge search for businesses.

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In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser sits down with Allison Duettmann, CEO of Foresight Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing transformative technologies for the benefit of humanity. They dive into a forward-thinking conversation about AI, nanotechnology, brain emulation, and longevity biotech—exploring how these emerging fields could reshape our future.

Key Topics:

•Foresight Institute’s Vision (3:02): Allison shares how Foresight has been pushing the boundaries of futuristic technologies like AI, nanotech, and neurotech since 1986, supporting advancements that can dramatically improve the human condition.

•Longevity Biotech (5:25): An in-depth discussion about the latest innovations in longevity science, including cryonics and the push toward life extension technologies. Allison discusses the surge of interest from investors like Sam Altman and how cryonics may offer a long-term hedge against death.

•Neurotech and Whole Brain Emulation (11:06): Allison breaks down the cutting-edge work in neurotechnology, including efforts toward brain emulation and the future possibility of digitizing human consciousness, leading to digital longevity.

•Molecular Nanotechnology (17:44): Allison explains how nanotechnology can revolutionize material science, enabling the construction of stronger, more efficient materials at an atomic level. They explore the potential for drug discovery, environmental impact, and even space exploration.

•AI and the Future of Humanity (30:00): They explore how AI progress could fast-track these technologies, but also touch on the existential risks of runaway AI development.

Final Thoughts (45:41): Allison and Jeff reflect on the importance of imagining and pushing for ambitious futures, emphasizing that the first step to achieving transformative progress is envisioning it.

Enjoy this discussion about the intersection of science fiction and reality, where once-impossible ideas are becoming tangible opportunities for the future.

Foresight Institute:
https://foresight.org/

Allison Duettmann on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/allisondman?lang=en

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In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser delves into the rapidly evolving world of digital twins and their growing presence in everyday tasks, such as remote work. Jeff discusses Zoom’s new "AI Companion" feature, which allows users to create their own digital avatars—referred to as “digital twins”—that can attend meetings on their behalf. He also touches on the practical implications of this technology as it enters the mainstream, including other players like HeyGen and their Avatar 3.0 update, which automates content creation for busy creators.

We also cover Elon Musk’s recent unveiling of Tesla’s long-awaited robo-taxi and the introduction of a futuristic robot bus. Jeff reflects on the potential of autonomous vehicles to reshape cities, reduce traffic, and make roads safer by eliminating human error.

And finally, we cover the story about Apple Intelligence... and romantic breakups.

Tune in to explore how AI is transforming both work and everyday life, one digital twin at a time.

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In this episode of AI-Curious, host Jeff Wilser dives deep into the shifting dynamics of AI with Parmy Olson, Bloomberg technology columnist and author of the book Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World.

We explore her fascinating character study of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind. Both men began with the ambitious vision of creating AI for the benefit of humanity, but as their projects evolved, so did their goals. From non-profit beginnings to corporate pivots, they now find themselves at the center of a high-stakes race between major tech giants, including Google and Microsoft.

Key themes discussed in the episode:

•The rise and rivalry between OpenAI and DeepMind

•How “mission drift” turned altruistic AI projects into profit-seeking ventures

•The challenges of governance, control, and transparency in AI development

•The broader implications of AI’s shift toward corporate dominance and its potential societal harms

•Insights into AI regulation, including the European Union’s AI Act and the difficulties of regulating major tech companies

Timestamps:

•[0:25] Introduction to the episode and guest, Parmy Olson

•[6:48] The origin stories of Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis

•[17:41] Elon Musk’s involvement in OpenAI and early ideals

•[22:14] The pivotal shift from non-profit to for-profit in AI development

•[35:26] The consequences of AI’s secrecy and the risks of developing in a “black box”

•[40:02] The European Union’s AI Act and potential future regulations

This episode uncovers the deep complexities of AI’s evolution and its consequences for the future of innovation, governance, and society.

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World
https://www.amazon.com/Supremacy-ChatGPT-Race-Change-World-ebook/dp/B0CLJTMF84/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kbMUMf_48bq2qFLdMBLWU3Rrl-m-H-pHU3V-xxS6dp8.QPkxtzUrG6GBRfyL6ksoHfc5rGxYjxYqcobNLi-5fAA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=709963915673&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9028770&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=12472730836779239893--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12472730836779239893&hvtargid=kwd-2338411313895&hydadcr=22561_13493272&keywords=supremacy+parmy+olson&qid=1728510497&sr=8-1

Parmy Olson on Twitter/X:
https://x.com/parmy


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