100+ Tech Blogs, 10+ Research Journals, Summarized on a Single Feed

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Saluting Notion’s winter interns


Notion | By Shivani Patel

April 25, 2024

AI
  • Notion, a popular workspace app, recently completed its second engineering internship program, where students worked on projects such as enhancing button colors, improving image quality, and aiding search functionality.
  • The interns were mentored by Notion teams and learned valuable lessons about collaboration, feedback, and the importance of being both kind and direct.
  • Each intern had the opportunity to showcase their work at a company meeting and contribute to the app's development, often impacting features used internally by all Notion employees.
  • Some interns shared their favorite Notion features and how they use them, highlighting the app's versatility and the passion of its users.
  • Notion encourages student applications for its next round of internships, offering an opportunity for aspiring engineers to gain hands-on experience and make a lasting impact on a widely used productivity tool.

Code A Chess Game with AI Opponent


freeCodeCamp | By Beau Carnes

May 2, 2024

Web
AI
Backend
  • Calling all chess and coding enthusiasts! FreeCodeCamp has launched a video course on YouTube that guides you through building your own chess game with JavaScript and Angular.
  • Even if you're new to Angular, don't worry! This course breaks down each step and introduces you to integrating the Stockfish API, a powerful chess engine, to create an AI opponent.
  • You'll learn the fundamentals of chess programming, how chess pieces move, and how to implement essential chess rules.
  • The course also covers handling special game situations like stalemates and checkmates.
  • By the end, you'll not only have a functional chess game but also gain valuable experience in integrating external services into your applications.

Say It Again: ChatRTX Adds New AI Models, Features in Latest Update


Nvidia | By Jesse Clayton

May 1, 2024

AI
  • Chatbots have gotten smarter with AI, and NVIDIA ChatRTX lets you talk to these chatbots on your computer.
  • The latest update adds new features like support for more AI models and the ability to interact with images and voice.
  • NVIDIA has also updated RTX Remix, a tool for transforming classic PC games, by adding DLSS 3.5 with Ray Reconstruction for better graphics.
  • Overall, AI is making it easier to chat with computers, improve old games, and create new interactive experiences.

What’s the future of AI?


Mckinsey

April 30, 2024

AI
Blockchain
  • We are witnessing a transformative era driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which parallels the impact of industrialization in the 18th century.
  • AI encompasses various technologies that are reshaping work, economies, and society.
  • These technologies include generative AI, which can create new content, deep learning for enhanced machine learning capabilities, prompt engineering for optimizing AI outputs, machine learning for autonomous learning, and tokenization for securing and managing data.
  • As AI advancements continue, these technologies will play a significant role in shaping our future.

A guide to verticalization: What it is, when to try it, and how to get started


Zapier | By Melissa King

May 3, 2024

AI
  • To attract specific customers, companies can create marketing strategies focused on particular industries or "verticals." Case studies and eBooks illustrate these strategies effectively.
  • To create a successful vertical marketing plan, it's essential to understand your target audience's needs and preferences.
  • This includes identifying their preferred marketing channels, such as LinkedIn for tech companies or local events for traditional industries.
  • Automation tools like AI and Zapier can assist with tasks like market research and workflow management.
  • Monitoring your results through analytics and making adjustments as needed will ensure the effectiveness of your vertical marketing strategies.

How Notion Calendar helps you manage your time more effectively


Notion | By Ellen Minkin

March 15, 2024

Backend
  • Managing your schedule can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
  • Notion Calendar aims to simplify this task by connecting all your calendars, personal and professional, in one place.
  • With auto-blocking, you avoid double-booking and ensure your schedule is accurate.
  • The scheduling snippet feature makes finding mutually available times easier, while keyboard shortcuts streamline the process.
  • By minimizing distractions and providing easy access to your schedule from your menu bar, Notion Calendar promotes productivity and flow.
  • Additionally, it allows you to connect important dates and deadlines from Notion databases to your calendar, giving you a comprehensive view of your commitments and goals.

How tl;dv increased user upgrades with Zapier


Zapier | By Krystina Martinez

May 2, 2024

AI
  • tl;dv is an AI-powered meeting assistant that simplifies collaboration and saves time.
  • It automatically records meetings, takes notes, and shares information, freeing up users from administrative tasks.
  • By partnering with Zapier, a platform that automates tasks between different tools, tl;dv has enhanced its offering.
  • Now, users can seamlessly connect tl;dv with their other applications, such as CRM systems and task managers.
  • This integration has boosted active user growth by 20% and increased signup rates by 40%.
  • By integrating with Zapier, tl;dv has empowered its users to maximize the value of their meetings, leading to increased productivity and business growth.

How to create a custom AI chatbot with Zapier Chatbots


Zapier | By Elena Alston

May 3, 2024

Web
AI
Security
Robotics
  • AI-powered chatbots can significantly enhance your workflow by providing tailored responses using your data and resources.
  • With Zapier Chatbots, you can create these chatbots effortlessly, even without coding experience.
  • By setting up instructions, providing knowledge sources, and customizing actions, you can create chatbots that meet your specific needs.
  • These chatbots can provide support, editorial feedback, and more.
  • You can adjust their style, test them, and share them with others.
  • Embed them on your website and view user conversations to track their effectiveness.
  • Zapier Interfaces allows you to create landing pages to present your chatbots to users conveniently.
  • Explore various use cases and pre-built templates to inspire your own chatbot creations.
  • By embracing the power of AI through Zapier Chatbots, you can streamline work processes and empower your team.

Four key elements to building an AI team


Notion | By Shir Yehoshua

April 5, 2024

AI
UI/UX
Robotics
  • The author, Shir Yehoshua, discovered her passion for solving complex math problems in high school and pursued it in college.
  • Later, she joined Google and encountered limitations in developing a voice-activated assistant.
  • At Waymo, she realized the importance of clarity in overcoming technical challenges.
  • Currently leading Notion's AI team, Yehoshua emphasizes the significance of flexibility, humility, clarity, and speed in making progress.
  • She believes that remaining flexible allows for the exploration of different approaches, while humility helps acknowledge limitations.
  • Clarity enables alignment on solutions, and speed drives innovation by facilitating rapid iteration and decision-making.
  • By embracing these principles, the Notion AI team aims to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI technology.

Poly-View Contrastive Learning


Apple ML Research

May 1, 2024

  • Contrastive learning aims to train models by matching related images while distinguishing them from unrelated ones.
  • Traditional methods match pairs of related images, but this research explores tasks involving multiple related images ("poly-view tasks").
  • They derive new learning objectives that prioritize matching related images, even when there are more than two views.
  • Their findings suggest that using a larger number of related images is ideal, but within practical constraints, reducing unique samples and increasing the number of views for each sample leads to better performance.
  • Notably, their method outperforms other contrastive models on the ImageNet1k dataset, challenging the belief that contrastive models need extensive training and large batch sizes.

AI Takes a Bow: Interactive GLaDOS Robot Among 9 Winners in Hackster.io Challenge


Nvidia | By Scott Martin

May 1, 2024

AI
Hardware
Robotics
Algorithms
  • YouTube robotics enthusiast Dave Niewinski won first prize in a competition for his interactive GLaDOS robot, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to respond to queries and move around.
  • Niewinski uses NVIDIA's Jetson platform to power the robot's AI, allowing it to recognize speech, generate realistic responses, and control its movements.
  • Other competition winners included Andrei Ciobanu, who developed an AI system for virtual clothing try-ons, and Allen Tao, who created a robot to help find lost items using AI and object detection.
  • All of these projects demonstrate the growing power of AI and its potential to enhance our daily lives in various ways.

Open Source Hackathon 2024 winners


Supabase

April 30, 2024

Web
Database
AI
  • Supabase recently announced the winners of its 2024 Open Source Hackathon, with projects showcasing the platform's versatility and innovation.
  • The winning projects impressed with their use of AI, interactivity, fun and games, technical prowess, and visual appeal.
  • Winners and runners-up will receive exclusive Supabase swag kits and special prizes like Apple AirPods for the best overall project.
  • To get started with Supabase, you can refer to the provided quick start guides or explore the latest resources on AI, edge functions, and more.

How to create a group in Gmail


Zapier | By Bryce Emley

April 29, 2024

  • With Google email lists, you can group contacts and perform actions for the entire group, such as sending newsletters, sharing documents, or adjusting permissions.
  • Labels in Gmail allow you to quickly send pre-written messages to specific groups, and you can even create nested labels for more organization.
  • When removing labels, it's important to note that the contacts may also be removed.
  • To further enhance collaboration, you can automate Gmail using Zapier, which connects Gmail with other apps and streamlines repetitive tasks.

Trade’s trajectory: A conversation with Yuvraj Narayan


Mckinsey

May 1, 2024

Algorithms
  • Trade and supply chain management have faced significant transformations due to technology, climate concerns, and changing customer preferences.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for a connected and flexible supply chain.
  • Climate change is altering transportation routes and costs, while political uncertainties have impacted trade agreements.
  • As a result, companies like DP World are embracing innovation, utilizing technology to streamline processes, and reducing their carbon footprint.
  • The United Arab Emirates, with its strategic location and focus on trade, remains an important hub.
  • Future innovation in trade will be driven by automation, transparency, and sustainability, as industries adapt to changing business and social expectations.

Intuit Runs Gameday Simulations to Test Resilience of Critical Business Systems and Apps at Scale


Intuit | By Venkatesh Rangarajan

May 1, 2024

DevOps
Backend
Hardware
Algorithms
  • Intuit uses "gamedays" to test the resilience of its systems and apps.
  • During these exercises, participants simulate real-world failures and respond using established incident response playbooks.
  • This helps Intuit: 1) identify areas for improvement in incident management, 2) validate the accuracy and effectiveness of playbooks, 3) improve monitoring and recovery time, and 4) strengthen organizational preparedness for large-scale incidents.
  • Company-wide gamedays occur quarterly, while teams can also run self-serve challenges more frequently.
  • Intuit emphasizes participation, reporting, and recognition to ensure the success of its gameday program, ultimately building confidence in the company's ability to handle crises and delivering reliable services to its customers.

8 Airtable automation ideas


Zapier | By Krystina Martinez

May 2, 2024

Web
AI
  • Airtable, a combination of spreadsheets and databases, makes data management easier than ever.
  • By connecting Airtable to Zapier, you can automate workflows and streamline data handling.
  • You can automatically add or update records, send notifications, create content based on new records, sync calendars, and more.
  • Zapier integrates with thousands of apps, allowing you to connect Airtable to your favorite tools and eliminate manual data entry.
  • With a few simple Zaps, you can unlock the full potential of Airtable and make data management a breeze.

The best AI content detectors in 2024


Zapier | By David Hartshorne

April 30, 2024

AI
  • Most AI detectors struggle to identify text generated by a specific tool called Claude as AI-generated.
  • This suggests that Claude creates more human-like text than other tools and that many detectors are not adequately trained to recognize Claude's content.
  • It's important to note that AI detectors are still imperfect and should not be fully trusted; they may struggle to differentiate between high-quality AI-generated text and human-written content.
  • Therefore, it's wise to use common sense and proceed with caution when evaluating content suspected of being AI-generated.

Bringing the Artificial Analysis LLM Performance Leaderboard to Hugging Face


HuggingFace

May 3, 2024

Web
Cloud
AI
Robotics
Algorithms
  • Artificial Analysis has developed the LLM Performance Leaderboard to help AI engineers choose the best language models (LLMs) and API providers based on quality, price, and speed.
  • The leaderboard assesses over 100 LLMs and provides metrics like model accuracy, context size, pricing, latency, and throughput.
  • It also allows users to explore performance under various workload scenarios.
  • Engineers can use this information to decide which LLMs and providers meet their application requirements and balance factors such as cost, speed, and overall quality.
  • For instance, while high-quality models offer better performance, they may be more expensive and slower.
  • Therefore, in some cases, using a combination of faster and cheaper LLMs can achieve optimal system quality and cost-effectiveness.

Automating the Klarna Card Ownership Fees System using AWS Step Functions


Klarna | By Michel Neumann

May 2, 2024

Cloud
  • To reduce workload and enhance efficiency, we automated system tasks using AWS Step Functions.
  • By setting up a CRON schedule, we triggered the state machine to run regularly at a specific time.
  • To ensure error monitoring, we integrated Datadog and OpsGenie.
  • This automation has freed up resources, reduced operational costs, and minimized human errors.
  • It also allowed us to optimize IAM roles and improve the staging environment.
  • Moreover, the project enhanced our AWS knowledge and led to the acquisition of the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification.
  • AWS Step Functions provide a powerful tool for task automation within AWS accounts, enabling more complex workflows and error management strategies.
  • This approach has significantly improved system operation and freed up time for more innovative projects.

Executive Overview: The Rise of Open Foundational Models


Databricks

May 3, 2024

AI
Backend
  • To implement practical generative AI applications, businesses need to ensure control, stability, and data management.
  • They are choosing open-source frameworks to achieve this, as these frameworks enable customization, transparency, and enhanced data governance, helping to streamline the transition of generative AI from experimental to real-world applications.

Code a Full Stack Fiverr Clone


freeCodeCamp | By Beau Carnes

May 1, 2024

Web
AI
  • FreeCodeCamp's YouTube channel now offers a comprehensive course that will guide you step-by-step through the development of a Fiverr clone website.
  • Led by expert Vuk Rosić, this course introduces you to cutting-edge technologies like NextJS, React, Convex, Typescript, and Tailwind CSS.
  • You'll learn to create a visually appealing frontend, manage backend logic, design a database, implement payment systems, and add interactive features.
  • By the end of the course, you'll have gained a thorough understanding of full-stack software development, enabling you to apply these skills to other projects.
  • The course is available for free on YouTube, with a total watch time of approximately six hours.

AI marketing: A guide to implementing AI in your marketing strategy


Zapier | By Luke Strauss

May 2, 2024

Web
AI
Algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers numerous benefits in marketing, including predicting campaign success, collecting customer sentiment, translating content, improving chatbot interactions, and personalizing experiences.
  • AI can enhance data collection, streamline communication, and uncover insights through sentiment analysis and intuitive bots.
  • For example, it can predict the success of website layouts, optimize copy, and personalize call-to-actions.
  • By utilizing AI's capabilities, businesses can improve decision-making, save time, refine customer profiles, enhance creativity, and increase customer satisfaction.
  • However, there are challenges, such as configuration difficulties, integrating AI with human talent, customer anxieties, and the need for high-quality data.
  • When selecting AI platforms, consider identifying gaps, diversifying usage, determining investment size, exploring options, and auditing current tools.
  • Different AI types exist, such as standalone automation apps, integrated automation apps, stand-alone machine learning apps, and integrated machine learning apps.
  • To leverage AI effectively, consider using tools such as AI chatbots, CRMs with built-in AI, and SEO tools.
  • AI is rapidly changing marketing, and integrating it into your strategy can provide significant advantages.

Guiding Instruction-based Image Editing via Multimodal Large Language Models


Apple ML Research

May 2, 2024

  • Instruction-based image editing allows users to modify images using natural language commands.
  • However, these instructions can sometimes be too vague for current methods to follow.
  • To address this, researchers have developed MLLM-Guided Image Editing (MGIE), which leverages large language models' ability to translate human instructions into more detailed and precise commands.
  • MGIE employs a two-part system where the first part learns to extract more expressive instructions from the user's input, and the second part uses these expanded instructions to manipulate the image.
  • Experiments have demonstrated that MGIE can significantly enhance the quality and controllability of instruction-based image editing, leading to better results in tasks like photo optimization, global editing, and local editing.

Pseudo-Generalized Dynamic View Synthesis from a Video


Apple ML Research

May 2, 2024

  • Creating realistic views of a scene from different perspectives, based on information from a single camera video, is a complex task.
  • For still scenes, methods exist that specialize in specific scenes or use general approaches that only process the video once.
  • However, for videos of moving scenes, only methods that focus on specific scenes are available.
  • This research team devised an approach that attempts to generalize the process for dynamic scenes without the need for scene-specific adjustments.
  • They found that with accurate depth estimates, it is possible to achieve this, even without optimizing the appearance of the scene.
  • While their approach does not fully match the results of methods that specialize in specific scenes, it still outperforms some of them.

Expand your Mailchimp audience automatically with OnlineCourseHost.com


Zapier | By Nicole Replogle

May 3, 2024

  • Create and share your expertise with online courses on OnlineCourseHost.com, an AI-powered platform that simplifies the setup and promotion process.
  • Avoid the hassle of maintaining your email lists by connecting OnlineCourseHost.com to Mailchimp through Zapier, a tool that automates workflows.
  • With just a few clicks, you can ensure that all new student contacts are automatically added to your email list, making it easy to nurture your audience from one central hub.
  • Don't use Mailchimp? No problem! OnlineCourseHost.com integrates with other email marketing platforms through Zapier as well, so you can streamline your email list management regardless of your preferred tool.

From Construction Worker to Teaching Millions of Developers with John Smilga [Podcast #122]


freeCodeCamp | By Quincy Larson

May 3, 2024

  • John Smilga, a renowned programming teacher from Latvia, initially worked as a construction worker before pursuing his passion for coding.
  • He eventually became a teacher after excelling in online courses and moved to the US with his Ukrainian wife.
  • Smilga is known for his distinctive voice, which resulted from a medical condition affecting his vocal cords.
  • Through his popular courses on freeCodeCamp and paid classes, he has imparted his expertise in programming and computer science to countless fellow developers.

Crossed 10 Million Docker Downloads, Improved Dashboards UX with New Panel Types & OSS Summit - SigNal 36


SigNoz

May 3, 2024

AI
DevOps
  • In this month's product newsletter, SigNoz announces several updates, including reaching 10 million Docker downloads for its open-source project.
  • The company has enhanced its dashboards with various visualization options, such as pie charts and panel type changes.
  • It has also expanded its integrations to include Clickhouse and improved the user experience for adding data sources.
  • Additionally, SigNoz has added a drag-select feature to charts in alerts, allowing users to quickly focus on specific time ranges.
  • It has also introduced a timestamp column in its Trace Explorer for improved visibility.
  • The company highlights community contributions and showcases a tutorial on tracing generative AI applications with SigNoz.
  • Lastly, SigNoz emphasizes its commitment to open-source observability and reflects on the adoption of OpenTelemetry in the industry.

Databricks Assistant Tips & Tricks for Data Engineers


Databricks

May 2, 2024

AI
  • The groundbreaking generative AI revolution is revolutionizing how teams operate, and Databricks Assistant harnesses the most advanced AI capabilities.
  • With this tool, teams can achieve a seamless fusion of human knowledge and AI power, unlocking new levels of productivity and efficiency.

How to Use Nodemon to Automatically Restart Node.js Applications


Refine.dev

April 30, 2024

Web
Backend
  • Nodemon is a tool that automatically restarts your Node.js applications when you change any files.
  • To use it, install Express.js and Nodemon.
  • Then, start your application using the command "nodemon app.js." Nodemon will watch all files in the project directory and restart the application if any of them change.
  • You can customize Nodemon's behavior by specifying which directories to watch, which files to ignore, and how long to delay before restarting the application.
  • If you encounter any issues with Nodemon, check that your configuration is correct, that your application is free of errors, and that you're using the latest versions of Nodemon and Node.js.

Recapture abandoned carts with Burst SMS


Zapier | By Nicole Replogle

May 2, 2024

  • SMS marketing, made easy with Burst SMS, allows businesses to reach customers through text messages, a channel they constantly use and trust.
  • It's an affordable yet effective way to connect with potential customers, nurture relationships with existing ones, and increase sales.
  • Burst SMS simplifies the process by providing tools for managing contacts, automating campaigns, and translating emails to SMS.
  • For Shopify users, there's a convenient solution to send automated reminders to customers who abandon their carts, maximizing sales with minimal effort.
  • Zapier, a workflow automation software, makes it possible to connect Burst SMS with other tools, such as Shopify, regardless of the tech stack you use.
  • Zapier empowers you to automate a wide range of tasks and streamline your business processes.

Explainable AI: Insights from Arthur’s Adam Wenchel


Nvidia | By Brian Caulfield

May 1, 2024

AI
Security
  • Arthur.ai aims to enhance the effectiveness of AI systems.
  • In a recent podcast, Arthur's CEO, Adam Wenchel, discussed the potential and challenges of generative AI, including: overcoming bias in AI systems, ensuring their observability through real-time monitoring, and adapting AI models to specific business needs.
  • These advancements offer practical implications for businesses, empowering them to optimize job performance and address real-world challenges, such as wildfire detection.

What we launched at Framework


Figma | By Jacob Miller

April 16, 2024

UI/UX
  • Figma's design systems aim to enhance teamwork and productivity.
  • To increase adoption and utilize their full potential, they've implemented marketing strategies and collected community feedback.
  • New features like variables, advanced prototyping, and Code Connect streamline code access for developers, making design systems more accessible and useful.
  • Typography and gradient variables offer greater control and flexibility over text and color schemes.
  • Additionally, the Library Analytics API enables in-depth data analysis for Enterprise customers.
  • With these advancements, Figma empowers teams to create and maintain robust design systems that promote collaboration and ensure consistency throughout organizations.

What is a proof of concept? And how to write one (with template)


Zapier | By Luke Strauss

May 1, 2024

  • To start a new project, you need to define your purpose and goals.
  • First, determine what you want to achieve, then set specific criteria to meet.
  • Next, estimate the scale and timeline of your project, considering how widely you plan to launch it and how quickly.
  • Use these details to create a proof of concept (POC), a document that outlines your project's feasibility.
  • Refer to the included templates and examples for guidance.
  • As you proceed, use no-code tools to automate your workflow, ensuring your ideas become a reality.

AMD 55th Anniversary Special: Relive History with AMD Ryzen™ AI


AMD | By AMD_AI

May 2, 2024

AI
Backend
Hardware
  • Founded in 1969, AMD has pioneered computing innovations, including the first 64-bit x86 processor.
  • Today, AMD Ryzen AI laptops feature a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed for AI tasks, allowing users to restore and enhance old photos and videos.
  • Using tools like Adobe Photoshop's Neural Filters and Topaz Photo AI, AMD Ryzen AI laptops can bring back memories by restoring, colorizing, and upscaling historical images and videos.
  • From early AMD employees to the groundbreaking Apollo 11 mission, these restored moments demonstrate the transformative power of AI technology and how it can preserve our past and make it more vivid.

Powerful ASR + diarization + speculative decoding with Hugging Face Inference Endpoints


HuggingFace

May 1, 2024

  • Hugging Face's Inference Endpoints make it easy to deploy Whisper models for speech recognition.
  • To enhance the pipeline, you can add diarization to identify speakers using the Pyannote model.
  • Speculative decoding can speed up inference using a faster assistant model, but it requires a batch size of 1.
  • The handler.py script initializes and runs the pipeline, with parameters defined in config.py.
  • Speculative decoding is beneficial for short audio but may hinder longer audio due to batch size limitations.
  • Payload parameters and deployment instructions are available for integration with your applications.
  • This modularized pipeline and Hugging Face's flexibility allow for customization and deployment of advanced speech recognition and analysis models with ease.

The biggest use cases for AI in Automotive (that aren’t just self-driving cars)


Canonical | By Bertrand Boisseau (Bertrand Boisseau)

April 30, 2024

AI
Backend
Hardware
Robotics
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the automotive industry, bringing four major use cases to enhance the driving experience.
  • Firstly, AI optimizes vehicle design, material selection, and manufacturing processes, resulting in lighter and more efficient vehicles.
  • Secondly, AI enables predictive maintenance systems that identify and prevent mechanical and electrical faults, reducing downtime and improving reliability.
  • Thirdly, AI streamlines supply chains, enabling manufacturers to anticipate demand fluctuations and optimize inventory levels, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
  • Finally, AI enhances the in-car experience through personalized settings, natural language assistants that facilitate hands-free interaction, and advanced mobility solutions that foster urban planning and optimization, ultimately leading to safer, more enjoyable, and more sustainable transportation.

First Block with Notion Co-Founders Ivan Zhao and Simon Last


Notion | By Anastasia Crew

March 21, 2024

  • "First Block" is a podcast series where successful founders share their experiences building companies.
  • In the final episode of Season 1, Notion co-founders Ivan Zhao and Simon Last talk about Notion's journey, from its early beginnings to its current success.
  • They discuss the challenges they faced along the way, such as finding product-market fit and scaling company culture, and the lessons they learned from each experience.
  • The episode concludes with a glimpse into the future of artificial intelligence and a peek into the daily lives of the founders.

SEA.AI Navigates the Future With AI at the Helm


Nvidia | By Brian Caulfield

April 29, 2024

Mobile
AI
Hardware
Robotics
  • SEA.AI, a company partnering with NVIDIA, aims to enhance maritime safety through AI.
  • Driven by the commitment of its founder, SEA.AI created a unique training data by capturing underwater images.
  • By combining AI with optical sensors, the company developed a system that can detect objects in real-time, including people in water from up to 700 meters away.
  • This AI-powered system enhances situational awareness, complementing traditional marine safety systems and providing early detection of potential hazards.
  • Integrated with various industry-leading platforms, SEA.AI's solutions cater to a wide range of maritime vessels, from recreational boats to commercial ships.
  • With a mission to make the seas safer for all, SEA.AI has established a global presence and continues to innovate, providing advanced safety technologies for oceangoers around the world.

6 ways to automate Pipedrive with Zapier


Zapier | By Daniel Kenitz

May 2, 2024

AI
Algorithms
  • Pipedrive keeps track of your sales process, from leads to closed deals.
  • When paired with Zapier, it automates tasks like creating leads from forms and adding prospect data to Pipedrive.
  • Zapier integrates with over 6,000 apps, allowing you to connect Pipedrive with your lead generation tools, use AI to qualify leads, and schedule appointments.
  • This integration helps streamline your sales process, improve efficiency, and close more deals by automating various tasks and ensuring timely follow-ups.

How to Use the useReducer Hook in React


freeCodeCamp | By Timothy Olanrewaju

May 3, 2024

Algorithms
  • Imagine you've ordered something online.
  • At the warehouse, an employee identifies themselves and lets the manager know they're there to collect the goods.
  • The manager checks the orders, logs them into the system, and hands them over to the employee.
  • Similarly, in web development, the "dispatcher" is like the employee, sending a request to the "warehouse manager," represented by the "reducer" function.
  • The reducer processes the request, updates the "inventory system," and sends the updated information back.
  • Using the "useReducer" hook helps keep track of changes in the application's state, making it easier to manage complex state transitions and improve performance.

The Modern Data Stack: How The Evolution of Data Architecture Led to The Data Intelligence Platform


Databricks

May 1, 2024

Algorithms
  • The modern data stack is a collection of technologies that helps businesses manage and analyze large amounts of data.
  • It is designed to overcome the challenges businesses face when collecting, storing, and analyzing data, such as the sheer volume of data, the variety of data types, and the need to analyze data in real-time.
  • The modern data stack provides a unified platform for data management and analysis, making it easier for businesses to get value from their data.

GeForce NOW Delivers 24 A-May-zing Games This Month


Nvidia | By GeForce NOW Community

May 2, 2024

Hardware
  • GeForce NOW, a cloud gaming service, has added 24 new games to its library, including the acclaimed "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice." Players can now experience this award-winning game on a wider range of devices, including the Steam Deck, thanks to improved support.
  • Additionally, GeForce NOW makes it easy to play PC games from various platforms, such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect, without the need for downloads or system configurations.
  • The service boasts over 1,900 supported titles, giving members a vast selection of games to choose from.

What is machine learning?


Mckinsey

April 30, 2024

AI
Backend
Algorithms
  • Learning isn't just for humans anymore; animals and plants are also capable of acquiring knowledge.
  • Machines, too, have become adept learners, particularly using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence that adjusts its predictions based on data and experiences.
  • Deep learning, a more advanced type of machine learning, excels at processing complex data and generating accurate results.
  • Today, machine learning is revolutionizing industries like healthcare and weather forecasting, and its use is expected to continue growing.
  • Its widespread deployment has been aided by advances in computing power, cloud services, and techniques like transformer networks, which power generative AI systems like ChatGPT.
  • While AI and machine learning offer great potential, organizations must carefully consider their implementation to maximize benefits.
  • By reframing challenges as machine learning problems, incorporating it into their enterprise architecture, and developing a human-centered talent strategy, organizations can harness the full transformative power of this technology.

The best appointment schedulers and booking apps in 2024


Zapier | By Nicole Replogle

May 1, 2024

  • Booking appointments can be made easier with various options.
  • You can use dedicated booking apps, which offer standalone services and have been carefully selected for their quality.
  • If you have a WordPress website, there are plugins that enable visitors to book appointments.
  • Niche apps cater to specific needs, such as displaying QR codes for mobile businesses.
  • Calendly, while not specifically designed for appointments, can handle meeting scheduling and offers features similar to appointment schedulers.
  • No matter the size of your staff or the nature of your business, using an appointment booking tool can streamline your operations.
  • These tools can reduce no-shows, facilitate payment, and automate tasks, freeing up your time to focus on other important aspects of your work.

Evaluating the helpfulness of AI-enhanced catalogue data


Amazon Science

April 30, 2024

  • Amazon's vast online catalog provides detailed information about countless products, helping customers make informed purchasing choices.
  • To keep this data accurate and up-to-date, Amazon uses machine learning models that combine information from various sources, like seller listings and customer reviews.
  • These models create clearer and more concise product descriptions.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of these improvements, Amazon conducts experiments by exposing some customers to the enriched data while others see the old version.
  • However, running these experiments can delay the rollout of improvements and require resources.
  • To address this, Amazon has developed machine learning models that extrapolate insights from previous experiments and observational modeling techniques to assess the impact of these improvements without needing as many experiments.

Introducing Object Storage


Replit

May 2, 2024

  • Replit Object Storage is a new feature that makes it easy and fast to store and share files in your Replit workspace.
  • It's designed to handle large amounts of unstructured data, like images, PDF documents, and other files.
  • Object Storage is also highly scalable, meaning it can handle many processes reading and writing files simultaneously.
  • This makes it a great option for applications that need to handle a lot of traffic or that need to scale up or down quickly.

12 Facebook ad copy examples to learn from


Zapier | By Ana Gotter

May 3, 2024

  • When creating effective Facebook ads, it's crucial to write clear and concise copy.
  • Start by identifying products with similar uses and highlighting their common benefits.
  • Consider using long-form storytelling to connect with customers on an emotional level.
  • Keep it simple, especially if the accompanying image effectively conveys the product's value.
  • Offer deals or discounts to incentivize purchases.
  • Understand what your target audience wants and incorporate those desires into your copy.
  • Continuously test different copy variations and monitor the results to optimize your strategy.

The 6 best AI voice generators in 2024


Zapier | By Miguel Rebelo

May 3, 2024

AI
  • OpenAI offers an AI voice generation model, accessible through technical expertise via API.
  • Their AI voice cloning model is highly advanced but not publicly available.
  • AI-generated voices from various platforms are legal as long as you comply with their terms.
  • However, AI voice cloning, which can recreate anyone's voice with minimal samples, raises concerns about identity theft and copyright infringement.
  • Laws may exist to regulate these uses and require consent or prevent criminal intent.
  • AI voice generators allow you to convert scripts into spoken narratives without the need for voice actors or production crews.
  • Explore different platforms to find one that aligns with your needs, and start creating with the power of AI voice.

The 4 best AI website builders in 2024


Zapier | By Harry Guinness

April 30, 2024

Web
AI
  • AI website builders have become popular, but most of the new ones are unreliable.
  • Traditional builders like Wix and Jimdo offer basic AI features, while Framer is promising but still has limitations.
  • If speed is crucial, consider Carrd or other landing page builders.
  • For better designs, Relume provides AI-powered tools, but requires exporting to Webflow for website creation.
  • Elementor offers AI features as a WordPress plugin.
  • Major website builders like Shopify and Squarespace are incorporating AI but mainly for non-design tasks.
  • Currently, there's no all-in-one AI website builder as effective as ChatGPT or Midjourney.
  • However, AI website builders still provide efficient options for building websites.

A microscope on small businesses: Spotting opportunities to boost productivity


Mckinsey

May 2, 2024

Performance
AI
DevOps
Backend
Data Science
Robotics
  • Micro-, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) are integral to economies, accounting for much of global GDP, employment, and value added.
  • While they are vital to economic growth and social fabric, MSMEs typically lag large companies in productivity.
  • This gap has important implications for economic growth, especially in emerging economies. A microscope on small businesses: Spotting opportunities to boost productivity Closing the productivity gap can yield significant value, boosting economies and raising resilience.
  • However, the gap varies widely across sectors, countries, and even subsectors within the same sector.
  • A granular approach is needed to identify specific opportunities to achieve potential additional value. Looking through a microscope to fill the gaps Granular data reveals that: - MSME productivity ratios vary across sectors and subsectors. - The trade sector illustrates the diversity of subsectors, with automotive trade having top-quartile MSME productivity in Japan, but lower productivity in other trade subsectors. - Manufacturing offers substantial value from improving MSME productivity ratios, with eight sizable subsectors accounting for 60% of the value in advanced economies and 75% in emerging economies, but the specific subsectors vary by country. - Tailoring efforts to build MSME competencies is also important, as the needs of different types of MSMEs vary. Creating value through networks and interactions MSMEs do not operate in a vacuum, and interactions with other companies can be mutually beneficial, creating a win-win for businesses of all sizes. - B2B MSMEs tend to be more productive than B2C, suggesting that business interactions matter. - Large and small companies often perform in tandem.
  • In most subsectors (66%), the productivity of large and small enterprises moves hand in hand. Seven examples of win-win domains Case studies of successful win-win domains demonstrate how networks and linkages can help MSMEs achieve high productivity: - Japanese auto manufacturing MSMEs benefit from deep integration with large companies. - Italian winemaker MSMEs gain global market access through collective branding and marketing. - Construction MSMEs in the United Kingdom profit from new market opportunities and access to finance. - Construction MSMEs in Australia gain from subcontracting for larger companies and skilled worker access. - Germany’s wholesale trade MSMEs benefit from vertical integration and logistics infrastructure. - US software development MSMEs gain from talent and capital ecosystems. - Israel stands out for connecting scientific R&D stakeholders. Delivering a win-win future Improving MSME productivity requires immediate attention, and a microscopic view is needed to help prioritize and implement solutions. Considerations for stakeholder actions: - Create a win-win economic fabric to foster growth and prosperity for all enterprises. - Prioritize opportunities based on potential value and stakeholder resources. - Take a granular and tailored approach that reflects the dynamics of each subsector and country. All stakeholders can boost MSME competencies: - Policy makers: provide technology access, build management skills, open new markets, and improve financial infrastructure. - Large companies: assist MSMEs with digital capabilities, R&D, workforce development, and reputation building. - MSMEs: collaborate to achieve network efficiencies through partnerships, knowledge sharing, and online platforms. Raising productivity is crucial for economic resilience and growth.
  • By understanding MSME productivity at a granular level and taking targeted actions, we can unlock significant economic value and create a more prosperous future.

5 tips to supercharge your developer career in 2024


Github | By Jeimy Ruiz

May 1, 2024

AI
Coding
Algorithms
  • To excel in the dynamic software development industry, it's crucial to continuously enhance your skills and knowledge.
  • Enhance your productivity by mastering prompt engineering for AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot.
  • Develop soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to complement your technical expertise.
  • Utilize AI to improve code security by detecting vulnerabilities early and automating remediation.
  • Attend conferences like GitHub Universe to connect with leaders, learn from experts, and showcase your skills.
  • By adopting these strategies, you'll navigate your career with confidence and unlock your potential as a software developer in the years to come.

Zapier Central: Teach AI bots to work across your favorite apps


Zapier | By Elena Alston

May 3, 2024

Web
AI
DevOps
Algorithms
  • Zapier Central is an innovative platform that seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
  • It allows you to create AI bots that handle tasks automatically across your favorite apps.
  • By chatting with the bots, you can train them to perform specific actions without coding.
  • Central provides access to over 6,000 apps, enabling you to automate processes such as lead qualification, email management, content generation, and customer support.
  • With its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities, Zapier Central empowers you to scale your workflow and streamline daily tasks, freeing up your time to focus on more strategic priorities.

StarCoder2-Instruct: Fully Transparent and Permissive Self-Alignment for Code Generation


HuggingFace

April 29, 2024

Backend
  • StarCoder2-Instruct is a unique programming model that excels at following human-provided instructions.
  • It accomplishes this through a process called self-alignment, which involves the model generating its own instructions and testing its responses.
  • This eliminates the need for extensive human input or proprietary data.
  • StarCoder2-Instruct has proven to be successful in various programming tasks, outperforming models trained with data from superior language models.
  • Its transparent and open-source pipeline makes it accessible for further research and development in the field of instruction-following code generation.

MOFI: Learning Image Representation from Noisy Entity Annotated Images


Apple ML Research

May 1, 2024

Data Science
  • Researchers have developed a new method, named MOFI, to automatically label images with accurate object names.
  • This method uses a combination of existing techniques to extract entities (objects, people, etc.) from text and match them to the corresponding images.
  • The result is a vast dataset of over 2 million distinct entities, which is used to train MOFI.
  • This improved training approach allows MOFI to identify objects in images better than current state-of-the-art models, achieving an impressive accuracy of 83.59% in image retrieval tasks.
  • Additionally, MOFI can also classify images even when it has not seen the specific objects before (zero-shot learning) or when provided with only a limited set of examples (linear probe learning), showcasing its versatility and potential for diverse image-related applications.

NVIDIA AI Microservices for Drug Discovery, Digital Health Now Integrated With AWS


Nvidia | By Lyndi Wu

May 2, 2024

Web
Cloud
AI
Backend
Hardware
  • NVIDIA NIM, a collection of AI models optimized for healthcare, is now easily accessible on Amazon's AWS platform.
  • Researchers and developers can use NIM's pre-built models through Amazon's application interfaces to build AI workflows in drug discovery, medical imaging, and genomics.
  • The models are supported by enterprise-grade security and are available through Amazon's data preparation and machine learning services as well as for high-performance computing.
  • This collaboration makes it easier for healthcare companies to deploy AI in their research and operations without the complexities of developing and packaging models themselves.
  • Additionally, NIM includes models for conversational AI and digital avatars, opening up opportunities for AI-powered healthcare assistants and other digital health applications.

Enhancing University Recruiting: Juniper’s Success Story with HackerRank


Hackerrank | By Sanskruti Joshi

April 29, 2024

AI
Backend
  • Juniper Networks, a leader in talent acquisition, uses innovative tools and strategies to find the best candidates.
  • With a huge pool of applicants, Juniper uses artificial intelligence (AI) to pinpoint the right people.
  • They partner with HackerRank to create AI-based assessments that test technical skills.
  • This helps Juniper quickly identify qualified candidates and streamline the hiring process.
  • The partnership with HackerRank has saved time, made it easier to assess candidates, and improved the quality of hires.
  • Juniper Networks is committed to using technology to stay competitive in the job market and find the best talent for their organization.

The 5 best AI resume builders in 2024


Zapier | By Miguel Rebelo

May 3, 2024

AI
  • ResumeNerd is a resume builder that assists in tailoring your resume to job descriptions.
  • It provides step-by-step guidance to capture your experiences and skills.
  • After uploading your resume, ResumeNerd scores it and offers improvement suggestions.
  • It also recommends matching jobs and offers shortcuts for adding relevant skills.
  • While convenient, the job feed and cover letter generator are basic.
  • Remember, AI-generated content should be customized to reflect your unique voice and avoid being overlooked by recruiters.
  • By utilizing AI, you can save time on resume and cover letter writing, allowing you to focus on personalization and strategy to increase your chances of securing interviews and landing your dream job.
  • However, be mindful of the platform's pricing, as it increases after a trial period.

Why so many bad bosses still rise to the top


Mckinsey

May 1, 2024

AI
Algorithms
  • Despite our tendency to prioritize confidence over competence in leadership, research reveals that incompetent men often rise to leadership positions due to overconfidence and narcissistic traits.
  • To address this, organizations need to reform their selection processes by emphasizing competence over gender or nepotism.
  • Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for effective leadership, as it enables individuals to manage themselves, empathize with others, and build high-performing teams.
  • However, as narcissism becomes more prevalent, we witness a decline in EQ, leading to leaders who are more self-absorbed than effective.
  • Organizations should prioritize assessing for psychological capital – learning ability, resilience, and integrity – rather than relying solely on intellectual or social capital.
  • By adopting these measures, we can cultivate a new generation of leaders who possess the necessary traits for success in the complex and evolving world of today and the future, regardless of their gender or background.

Changes to Postman’s packaging in v11: plans, add-ons, and more


Postman | By Abhinav Asthana

May 1, 2024

Web
Backend
Coding
  • Postman version 11 (v11) introduces new features like a Package Library for reusable code, Partner Workspaces for collaboration with external partners, and more.
  • Accessing these features differs depending on your subscription plan and setup.
  • If using the Postman app or Enterprise with account-level control, you'll need to upgrade to v11 manually.
  • If using the web version, you'll automatically gain access to v11 features from May 1, 2024.
  • If you encounter any challenges, you can contact Postman support or downgrade to a previous version.
  • Additional details on purchasing add-ons, managing Partner Workspaces and user roles, and exploring the new features are available in the release notes and the Postman Blog.

How we improved DatabricksIQ LLM quality for AI-generated table comments


Databricks

April 29, 2024

Game Dev
  • We've recently updated our AI technology for Unity Catalog, making comments generated by our AI even better.
  • By improving the underlying algorithms, we've enhanced the accuracy, relevance, and overall quality of these AI-generated comments, ensuring they provide valuable insights and support for your Unity development journey.

Trello vs. Asana: Which PM tool is better? [2024]


Zapier | By Luke Strauss

May 1, 2024

AI
  • Trello and Asana are project management tools that offer various features.
  • Trello uses a Kanban-style interface with cards and lists, while Asana uses lists and other views.
  • Both tools allow for project automation, with Trello offering customizable options and Asana restricting automation to higher tiers.
  • They integrate with Zapier for cross-app workflows.
  • Additionally, both platforms have AI capabilities.
  • Trello's AI, available in its Premium plan, focuses on task management aids, while Asana's AI, available in all paid tiers, offers more comprehensive features for project planning and execution.
  • For teams preferring Kanban and simplicity, Trello is a suitable choice, while Asana is more suited for larger teams and those seeking advanced AI integration.

ReLU Strikes Back: Exploiting Activation Sparsity in Large Language Models


Apple ML Research

May 2, 2024

AI
  • Advanced AI models called Large Language Models (LLMs) have made significant progress, but their complex computations have hindered their use on limited devices.
  • This study emphasizes the benefits of using ReLU, a simpler activation function, in LLMs.
  • By replacing more complex alternatives, ReLU reduces computation and weight transfer without significantly impacting model performance.
  • This simplicity is particularly beneficial during the inference step, when memory constraints are crucial.
  • Additionally, by studying neuron activation patterns in ReLU-based LLMs, researchers have identified efficient strategies that can further reduce inference computation by up to three times, while maintaining performance.
  • These findings pave the way for deploying LLMs on resource-constrained devices, expanding their reach and impact.

Revolutionizing Data in Sports: The Game-Changing Impact of Databricks Marketplace and Delta Sharing


Databricks

May 2, 2024

  • Advanced analytics and real-time data play a crucial role in modern sports because they provide teams with valuable insights into every aspect of the game.
  • These tools can analyze player performance, opponent tendencies, and potential strategies, allowing coaches and players to make informed decisions on the fly.
  • By leveraging data, teams can optimize performance, gain a competitive advantage, and ultimately enhance the fan experience.

Integrating event-driven microservices with request/response APIs [Part four]


Thoughtworks | By Konrad Fögen

May 2, 2024

Backend
  • An API, or Application Programming Interface, is like a bridge between two software programs or services.
  • It allows them to communicate and exchange data securely.
  • It's like a well-defined set of instructions that tells the receiving program exactly what data is needed and how to format it.
  • APIs are used in many everyday applications, such as online shopping, banking, and weather apps.
  • They make it easy for different software systems to work together seamlessly and provide a consistent user experience.

What's new in pgvector v0.7.0


Supabase

May 2, 2024

  • pgvector is a technology that optimizes the storage and searching of vector data, often found in machine learning applications.
  • It has recently introduced various techniques to reduce redundancy and improve performance.
  • Float16 vectors use 16-bit floating-point values, halving memory usage and improving performance.
  • Sparse vectors store only non-zero values, saving significant space.
  • Bit vectors convert float vectors into binary representations, enabling fast pre-selection before exact search.
  • Additionally, new distance functions like L1, Hamming, and Jaccard allow more precise matching.
  • These enhancements have led to over 100x speedups compared to a year ago, making pgvector a powerful tool for vector data management.

11 native advertising examples to learn from


Zapier | By Ryan Kane

May 1, 2024

  • Native advertising aims to make ads less intrusive and more engaging.
  • It blends with the content of the platform it appears on, typically using labels like "Ad" or "Sponsored by." Native ads come in various formats, including sponsored content, articles, and interactive tools.
  • They are effective because they are less annoying to consumers and generate higher engagement rates.
  • Examples of effective native advertising include Korean Air's sponsored content campaign on BBC Travel, Atlassian's research-based article in Forbes, and Sherwin-Williams's interactive color search engine on Apartment Therapy's website.
  • These campaigns engage consumers with valuable content while subtly promoting brands.

Build Well-Documented and Authenticated APIs in Node.js with Fastify


Heroku | By Julián Duque

April 29, 2024

Web
Database
Security
Backend
Coding
  • Using the Fastify framework for Node.js, we create an API with features like authentication (JWT), API documentation (OpenAPI), and route handling.
  • We deploy the API to Heroku effortlessly with a few CLI commands.
  • Our database plugin allows SQL queries, and our authentication plugin verifies JWTs (generated with RSA keys) for restricted endpoint access.
  • Fastify's plugin architecture enables customization and ease of integration.
  • We use OpenAPI plugins to generate an interactive Swagger UI for API documentation.
  • Importing the OpenAPI specification into Postman gives us a ready-to-use API client for sending authentication-aware requests.
  • Heroku's ease of deployment helps us get our API up and running quickly and cost-effectively.

The 12 best online form builder apps in 2024


Zapier | By Miguel Rebelo

April 29, 2024

  • If you're looking for form software that meets HIPAA compliance standards, only Enterprise plans offer this feature.
  • However, if you're seeking an alternative with encryption capabilities, Formsite (powered by Formstack) provides high-grade security at a more affordable cost.
  • All recommended form software options are versatile and can cover various use cases, eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
  • You can easily try out different options to determine the best fit without demos or complex setup processes.

Google Summer of Code 2024 accepted contributors announced!


Google Open Source | By Open Source Programs Office (noreply@blogger.com)

May 1, 2024

  • Google Summer of Code (GSoC) celebrates its 20th anniversary by selecting 1,220 contributors from around the world to mentor with open source organizations.
  • Over 43,000 applications were received, highlighting the program's popularity.
  • Contributors will begin working on projects in late May, guided by over 2,800 mentors.
  • GSoC provides a community bonding period where contributors can engage with their assigned organizations before coding begins.
  • The program fosters new developers by facilitating collaboration and innovation in the open source ecosystem.

Container Runtime Interface streaming explained


Kubernetes

May 1, 2024

  • The Kubernetes Container Runtime Interface (CRI) serves as a bridge between the Kubernetes kubelet and the Container Runtime.
  • Runtimes must provide gRPC servers that adhere to a protocol defined by Kubernetes.
  • This interface allows clients like crictl and the kubelet to initiate requests for actions like running commands (Exec), attaching to running processes (Attach), and forwarding ports (PortForward) within containers.
  • Runtimes must implement these actions through streaming servers that provide HTTP endpoints for clients to connect to, enabling the streaming of data back and forth.
  • While Exec and Attach share a protocol definition, PortForward follows a distinct protocol.
  • Runtimes can freely choose how to implement these actions without modifying the CRI, allowing for flexibility and customization.
  • The flexibility of these RPCs is noteworthy, but runtimes must keep up with protocol updates to support these features effectively.
  • Future efforts include support for WebSockets and moving the streaming server implementation into conmon-rs, which allows CRI-O to run independently while maintaining active streaming sessions.

Improving Prompt Consistency with Structured Generations


HuggingFace

April 30, 2024

Blockchain
  • Recent research highlights the inconsistency of AI model evaluation results due to minor variations in prompt format.
  • To address this, structured generation is explored as a method to improve prompt consistency.
  • By defining specific output structures using regular expressions or context-free grammar, the model's responses are constrained, potentially reducing variance.
  • Initial experiments with varying the number of examples and their order in prompts (n-shot and shot order) show promising results.
  • Structured generation significantly reduces variance and improves accuracy, leading to more consistent ranking of models across different prompt formats.
  • These findings suggest that structured generation could enhance evaluation practices, enabling fairer and more reliable comparisons of AI models.

Insights to Impact: A weekly briefing on creating sustainable and inclusive growth


Mckinsey

May 2, 2024

AI
Security
Robotics
  • This briefing summarizes the main findings of weekly research and analysis published by the McKinsey & Company consulting firm. **Key Findings:** * **Quantum computing:** Quantum technology innovation clusters could provide access to training and advanced technologies for students, bridging the skills gap in this emerging field. * **Entertainment:** Studios could increase revenue by $2 billion annually by catering to the storytelling preferences of Asian and Pacific Islander consumers. * **Customer care:** Generative AI can revolutionize customer care, but organizations should follow a three-step approach to ensure effective implementation and demonstrate impact. * **Healthcare:** Companies can derive significant value by building distinctive capabilities within their business models, focusing on digital engagement and productivity enhancements. * **Public funding:** State governments should engage diverse stakeholders and promote investment transparency when deploying Inflation Reduction Act funds to ensure equitable distribution. * **Medtech:** Digital-twin technology can reduce clinical trial costs by up to 75%, enabling personalized patient care. * **Employee productivity:** Companies can boost productivity and organizational performance by investing in HR-led actions that address skill gaps, motivation, and time management. * **Private equity:** Outperforming private equity buyout managers prioritize operational value creation by assessing and managing portfolio companies with a focus on efficiency. * **Space technology:** Industries beyond core space services can derive economic benefits from advancements in space technology and AI-enabled insights of space data. * **Retail:** Personalized marketing and pricing strategies can increase gross profit margins by 2 to 4 percentage points. * **Healthcare:** Healthcare organizations can retain nurses by offering flexible schedules, teaching opportunities, and positive work environments. * **Generative AI:** Banks can unlock up to $340 billion in annual value by choosing the right operating model for generative AI implementation, with a centralized model being the most successful. * **Logistics:** Logistics companies can shift the conversation on green services from cost to value by bundling green offerings with premium services and collaborating with customers to demonstrate the environmental benefits of premium pricing. * **Public sector:** To attract and retain Gen Z talent, public sector leaders should develop a compelling employee value proposition and establish dynamic career pathways. * **Customer care:** Companies should prioritize technology upgrades, operational efficiency, employee upskilling, and outsourcing partnerships to balance customer experience with revenue targets amid increasing customer expectations and AI adoption. * **Cybersecurity:** Financial institutions need to increase investment in cybersecurity to mitigate rising risks as they adopt emerging technologies. * **Railways:** Railway companies can become more data-driven by deploying AI at scale to unlock transformative potential. * **Organizational rewiring:** Companies need to focus on rewiring the business for distributed digital and AI innovation to fully benefit from generative AI. * **Banking:** Banks can enhance risk management and automate tasks using generative AI. * **Board directors:** Board directors face an increasing workload and need to consider reducing the number of boards they serve on. * **Artificial Intelligence:** AI is powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driving innovation and transformative capabilities. * **Mergers and Acquisitions:** M&A activity could recover in 2024, driven by a durable market and favorable conditions. * **Organizational health:** Companies with strong organizational health outperform their unhealthy counterparts by as much as three to one. * **Racial equity:** Outcomes for Black Americans vary widely based on community type, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. * **Payments industry:** The payments industry faces new risks and opportunities, requiring strong risk management and a focus on growth levers. * **Medical aesthetics:** The medical-aesthetics market is growing and potentially underserved, offering opportunities for manufacturers. * **Private markets:** Uncertainties in 2024 require private-market decision-makers to consider various considerations, including potential growth in infrastructure investing and real estate deal volume. * **Energy transition:** US states play a crucial role in advancing the energy transition by providing incentives and coordinating infrastructure projects. * **Semiconductors:** Semiconductor manufacturers could explore greenfield opportunities to meet increasing demand. * **Women's health:** Closing the women's health gap could boost the global economy by $1 trillion. * **Productivity:** Companies can seize growth and profitability opportunities by upskilling workers, optimizing operations, and investing in technology and innovation. * **CEO succession:** CEOs should prepare for their successions from day one, ensuring a smooth transition and mitigating risks. * **Digital innovation:** Organizations should focus on key digital ideas that could shape the business landscape, such as the importance of scaling technologies and creating value through digital initiatives. * **Artificial intelligence regulation:** Regulators are considering policies to govern the use of AI and generative AI, and organizations should self-regulate to avoid potential risks.

How to Build a Realtime Chart with React, HighCharts, and Pusher


freeCodeCamp | By Andrew Baisden

May 2, 2024

Web
  • This codebase creates a realtime chart application that displays company income data.
  • It uses Pusher to connect to a backend API and retrieve data every 10 seconds.
  • The chart can display data in area, bar, or line formats.
  • Buttons allow users to toggle between chart types and enable or disable 3D mode.
  • The code includes a custom font, which is used throughout the application.
  • To run the application, open your terminal in the project directory and execute the command "npm run dev." The application should launch in a web browser with a live chart that simulates random income data.
  • Pusher is a powerful tool for building realtime data applications.

What’s New in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for Microsoft/Azure Users


Canonical | By Jehudi (Jehudi)

April 29, 2024

  • This updated software combines current technology with upcoming advancements, creating a customized integration experience.
  • Its extended support lifespan of 12 years ensures stability and dependability, making it a solid choice for long-term projects and innovation, benefiting both businesses and developers.

Kubernetes backups just got easier with the CloudCasa charm from Catalogic


Canonical | By Michael C. Jaeger (Michael C. Jaeger)

April 29, 2024

Web
  • Kubernetes, a platform for managing applications, often neglects backups due to its simplicity with stateless applications.
  • However, with the increasing prevalence of stateful applications on Kubernetes, backups become crucial.
  • CloudCasa is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) that offers data protection, recovery, and migration for Kubernetes environments, catering to multi-cluster, multi-cloud, and hybrid cloud setups.
  • The CloudCasa charm, developed using the Charm SDK for Juju, makes installing and managing CloudCasa seamless, allowing users to deploy and configure CloudCasa with ease, ensuring adequate protection for critical Kubernetes environments.

Anant Bhalla on the convergence of insurance, asset management


Mckinsey

May 3, 2024

  • Anant Bhalla became CEO of American Equity Investment Life (AEL) in 2020, implementing a transformative "AEL 2.0" strategy.
  • Under Bhalla's leadership, AEL originated $7 billion in new annuities, mostly income annuities, and shifted its investments toward differentiated private assets.
  • This strategy included investing in real assets like infrastructure and real estate, and private credit like loans to companies.
  • To raise capital for this expansion, AEL brought in third-party investors through reinsurance structures.
  • The company's focus on "real promises, real assets" attracted the attention of Brookfield Reinsurance, which acquired AEL in a $4.5 billion deal.
  • Bhalla believes that the convergence of asset management and insurance is driven by the need for stable funding for private credit, and sees immense potential in this area.

Abbie Richards on the wild world of conspiracy theories and battling misinformation on the internet


Mozilla | By Aron Yohannes

May 3, 2024

  • Mozilla recognizes the importance of collaboration in shaping a better digital future.
  • Their annual Rise 25 Awards honor 25 individuals making significant contributions to the internet.
  • These awardees, including storytellers, innovators, and activists, are dedicated to promoting inclusivity, empowering voices, and combating misinformation online.

Intuit Presents Innovative Approach to Quantifying LLM Uncertainty at EACL 2024


Intuit | By Xiang Gao

April 29, 2024

AI
Backend
  • In the era of artificial intelligence, a novel method called SPUQ (Sampling with Perturbation for Uncertainty Quantification) addresses uncertainties in Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • Uncertainty in LLMs comes in two forms: aleatoric uncertainty, which stems from the range of valid answers, and epistemic uncertainty, which results from limitations in the model's knowledge.
  • SPUQ tackles aleatoric uncertainty by enhancing sampling techniques with an aggregation module that considers output similarity.
  • To address epistemic uncertainty, it uses a perturbation module that varies input prompts, evaluating the LLM's sensitivity to changes.
  • SPUQ's success in reducing Expected Calibration Error (ECE) by 50% demonstrates its potential to improve LLM reliability.
  • Intuit aims to open-source SPUQ to benefit the broader research community and LLM developers, enhancing the usability and accuracy of these models.

Community Founders and Early Trajectories


Reddit | By /u/unavailable4coffee

April 29, 2024

  • Thousands of people create communities on Reddit every day, but what makes some more successful than others? Researchers surveyed founders just after they started their communities and discovered several key factors that contribute to their early growth.
  • Founders who are passionate about a specific topic and see their community as a space for exchange and connection tend to attract more visitors, contributors, and subscribers.
  • Different founders have different goals for their communities, with some prioritizing quantity (contributors) while others prioritize quality (topic information).
  • Finally, strategic moves like raising awareness of the community both inside and outside of Reddit, welcoming newcomers, and encouraging contributions also have a measurable impact on early success.
  • Understanding these factors can help you build a thriving community on Reddit.

Thin Events: The lean muscle of event-driven architecture


Thoughtworks | By Rahul Garg

May 2, 2024

  • Event-driven architecture focuses on the flow of events between different components in a system.
  • Within this architecture, "thin events" play a crucial role.
  • They are lean data structures, containing only the essential information needed to trigger actions or responses.
  • Think of them as the messages that travel between components, carrying the necessary details to initiate the appropriate processes or updates in the system.
  • By using thin events, event-driven architecture maintains efficiency and agility, ensuring that components can react to changes swiftly and accurately.

Compressing LLMs: The Truth is Rarely Pure and Never Simple


Apple ML Research

May 1, 2024

  • Despite their impressive abilities, modern language models require vast computational resources.
  • To address this, researchers have developed compression techniques that can reduce the model size and memory requirements with minimal impact on performance.
  • However, these techniques have relied on a metric called perplexity, which may not fully capture the capabilities of compressed models.
  • To address this, researchers have introduced a new evaluation benchmark called LLM-KICK, which includes tasks that better assess the true capabilities of compressed models.
  • This benchmark reveals that while quantization methods are generally more successful than pruning, all pruning methods suffer performance degradation on certain tasks.
  • Additionally, pruned models remain robust in tasks like in-context retrieval and summarization.
  • LLM-KICK is designed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of compressed language models and aims to foster the development of improved compression methods.

To understand the risks posed by AI, follow the money


Oreilly

April 30, 2024

AI
  • Despite scientists' inability to accurately predict technological advancements, a certain type of AI risk is predictable: when a company's profit motives clash with society's interests in how AI is used and monetized.
  • Focusing on these economic risks is crucial to prevent AI from posing hard-to-predict technological hazards.
  • Historical examples, such as the exploitation of algorithms by Big Tech platforms to prioritize profit over user safety and innovation, demonstrate the importance of understanding the financial incentives driving technological evolution.
  • By carefully examining economic incentives and monetization practices, we can identify and mitigate these risks.
  • Society has the power to shape these economic risks through regulatory measures, technological mandates, and disclosure requirements.
  • Interoperability, open source software, and data portability can promote competition and inclusivity in the AI industry.
  • Recalibrating economic incentives away from risky AI uses and towards open and accountable algorithms is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes and ensure the benefits of AI are shared equitably.

Implementing Multi-video Playback in RecyclerView


CRED | By Siddharth Gupta

May 2, 2024

  • Managing video playback on Android can be tricky.
  • Instead of adding more resources, it's better to wisely manage the ones you have.
  • Our journey involved exploring multiple video playback in a RecyclerView.
  • We learned that by effectively managing the lifecycle of the video player, we could automatically release resources as soon as they were no longer needed.
  • This helped us optimize our video playback capabilities.
  • However, keep in mind that the solutions we found may not be directly applicable to your specific challenges, and you may need to tailor your approach accordingly.

Introduction to Nest JS


Refine.dev

April 29, 2024

Backend
  • NestJS is a fantastic platform for creating server-side applications.
  • After understanding its benefits, we built a simple NestJS app where we managed HTTP requests, implemented business logic, interacted with a database, and provided responses.
  • Now, we have a basic understanding of a NestJS application's components and their functions.
  • While there's more to NestJS, this article provides a solid foundation for exploring its full potential in developing sophisticated applications.

Faster, smarter, bolder: How midtenure CFOs shift into a higher gear


Mckinsey

May 1, 2024

  • Midtenure CFOs face a crucial juncture in their careers, where they must re-examine and enhance their finance function.
  • This involves embracing bold initiatives, including: - **Revitalizing the Finance Function:** CFOs assess the organization's current processes, seek external inspiration, and reimagine the function to meet future needs, even if it means overcoming obstacles.
  • They also reexamine their own skills and seek external input to improve. - **Collaborating on Strategic Aspirations:** CFOs work closely with the CEO to reassess the company's strategic direction, identify growth opportunities, and challenge complacency.
  • They shift the mindset of finance from an obstacle to an enabler of investment. - **Reevaluating and Developing the Finance Team:** CFOs assess their team's capabilities, identify skill gaps, and make necessary changes.
  • They groom future leaders through rotations and provide development opportunities, ensuring a strong future finance bench. - **Expanding Focus Beyond Finance:** CFOs break down silos, build relationships with other functions, and take on cross-enterprise projects.
  • They contribute to the organization's overall success by providing insights and using their financial expertise to drive better outcomes.

Gen AI talent: Your next flight risk


Mckinsey

May 2, 2024

AI
  • Gen AI workers, who possess skills in using advanced AI, are more likely to quit their jobs compared to non-AI users.
  • Employers should focus on creating a positive work environment that values flexibility, meaningful work, supportive colleagues, and employee well-being to retain these valuable employees.
  • While compensation remains important, it is no longer the primary driver for gen AI talent.
  • Leaders should invest in developing these employees' skills and providing opportunities for them to grow and contribute more effectively to the organization.
  • They should also recognize the positive impact of AI in enhancing productivity and freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.
  • Additionally, CEOs play a critical role in shaping their company's story and effectively communicating the organization's purpose and direction to stakeholders, leveraging storytelling as a vital leadership skill.

Snowflake to Announce Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2025 on May 22, 2024


Snowflake

April 29, 2024

AI
  • Snowflake, a leading data management company, plans to share its financial performance for the quarter ending April 30, 2024, on May 22, 2024, after the markets close.
  • Interested parties can participate in a conference call at 3 p.m.
  • Mountain Time on that day, or listen to a webcast.
  • The call will also be available as a recording for 30 days on Snowflake's website.
  • Snowflake empowers businesses to use data for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other purposes.

Intelligently Balance Cost Optimization & Reliability on Databricks


Databricks

May 1, 2024

  • The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform provides remarkable flexibility, enabling users to instantly tap into vast and scalable computing resources without hassle.
  • This effortless setup empowers users to swiftly handle their data-related tasks, maximizing efficiency and productivity.

The best large language models (LLMs) in 2024


Zapier | By Harry Guinness

May 2, 2024

AI
Algorithms
  • Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced AI text generators powering various chatbots and AI writing tools.
  • They work by predicting follow-on text based on their training on massive datasets, making them proficient in generating human-like text for multiple purposes.
  • While LLMs primarily focus on text, Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) are emerging to handle additional modalities like images and audio, expanding their real-world functionality.
  • The influx of LLMs is driven by rapid technological advancements, the availability of open-source models, and significant investments in AI development.
  • Future expectations include the proliferation of LLMs in enterprise applications, the deployment of efficient LLMs on smaller devices, and the emergence of LMMs that combine text with other modalities.

Join us for Framework by Figma: Our global design systems event


Figma | By Chris Felix

April 3, 2024

  • Design systems, which were once simple style guides, have become essential foundations for building successful digital products.
  • Figma's Framework event on April 16th aims to empower design systems teams with the tools and knowledge they need.
  • With in-depth explorations of new features, insights from industry leaders, and talks from Figma's product teams, attendees can learn about the latest advancements in design systems.
  • The event will also focus on uniting designers and engineers, showcasing the importance of cross-functional collaboration.
  • Whether you're in London, Tokyo, or attending the virtual stream, Framework is a global celebration of the design systems community, providing a platform for sharing ideas and shaping the future of design systems.

How to Use DefaultDict in Python


freeCodeCamp | By Gage Schaffer

May 1, 2024

Backend
Algorithms
  • The defaultdict in Python's collections module is a powerful tool that simplifies code and processes data efficiently.
  • It addresses the issue of handling non-existing keys in regular dictionaries, which can lead to complex code and KeyErrors.
  • Defaultdict creates entries for non-existing keys, assigning a default value specified during initialization.
  • This default value can be any function or built-in type, like a list or integer.
  • By utilizing defaultdict, you can avoid conditional statements and improve code readability, making it a valuable asset for data manipulation tasks.

8 TikTok ads examples to spark campaign ideas


Zapier | By Melissa King

May 1, 2024

Algorithms
  • TikTok marketing offers a unique platform to reach a specific audience, but it can be challenging to navigate effectively.
  • To create successful TikTok ads, consider using video formats, such as story-driven narratives, humor, or high-quality production, and align with TikTok's user-generated content approach.
  • Use trending audio, relevant hashtags, and call-to-actions to enhance engagement.
  • Experiment with different ad types, including video, spark, and lead generation ads, and consider partnering with influencers to build credibility.
  • By blending seamlessly with the TikTok feed or disrupting it with unexpected content, you can capture attention and drive results.

Is the “AI developer”a threat to jobs – or a marketing stunt?


The Pragmatic Engineer | By Gergely Orosz

May 1, 2024

AI
Hardware
  • AI dev tools startups face challenges due to the dominance of Microsoft's GitHub Copilot and other existing AI coding assistants.
  • To stand out, these startups often make bold claims, such as aiming to replace software engineers.
  • However, the high cost of software engineers, a concern since the 1960s, remains a major factor.
  • Despite the potential of AI-assisted tools, their limitations, including hallucinations and unfamiliarity with new technologies, prevent them from fully replacing developers.
  • As a result, the future of AI coding will likely involve more advanced versions of existing tools like GitHub Copilot, rather than the elimination of engineers.

Creating a European AI unicorn: Interview with Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI


Mckinsey

May 2, 2024

AI
Backend
  • Founded just a year ago, the AI start-up Mistral AI is making waves in the industry, led by co-founders Arthur Mensch, Guillaume Lample, and Timothée Lacroix.
  • Their open-source strategy has helped them gain prominence, positioning them as a challenger to Silicon Valley AI giants.
  • Mistral's approach focuses on building AI tools that augment human productivity and creativity, rather than replacing them.
  • The company believes that Europe has the talent and expertise to compete in the AI race, but needs to address language barriers and promote collaboration among tech companies.
  • With a strong team and a commitment to innovation, Mistral AI is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of AI and its impact on the workplace.

Speeding up C++ build times


Figma | By Isabel Ren,Â

April 25, 2024

  • To speed up C++ build times, Figma employed various strategies, including creating "Fwd.h" files.
  • These files separate header file declarations and definitions, making the codebase easier to read and reducing the build process duration.
  • Additionally, automated tools like DIWYDU and includes.py were developed to identify unnecessary code inclusions, further optimizing build times.
  • These efforts have significantly reduced build times by 50% and prevented potential build slowdowns, enhancing developer productivity.

How we built a custom permissions DSL at Figma


Figma | By Jorge Silva

March 13, 2024

  • By adding a "linter" to our software pipeline, we improved the accuracy of our code by detecting potential bugs before they reached production.
  • This static analysis approach allowed us to uncover and address issues faster, ultimately preventing them from impacting users.
  • Additionally, we developed a bespoke authorization DSL that solved a complex problem specifically for our company.
  • This custom solution gave us complete control over our authorization logic, reduced errors, and provided valuable tools for engineers and support teams to understand and troubleshoot permission checks.

Mastering the art of the content calendar


Notion | By Drew Evans

April 24, 2024

  • A content calendar is crucial for marketers to ensure seamless execution and coordination within their teams.
  • It provides transparency by outlining every aspect of upcoming campaigns, ensuring every team member is aware of deadlines, target audience, and distribution channels.
  • The key to an effective content calendar is the setup, which should capture mission-critical information while keeping detailed tactics accessible.
  • It should serve as a hub by linking to the overall team calendar and embedding it in all communication channels.
  • By creating a central source of information, the content calendar reduces chaos and helps teams stay on track during product launches and other important events.
  • By streamlining communication and providing an overview of upcoming tasks, it empowers marketers to achieve successful outcomes.

How to Run SQL-Like Queries on C/C++ Files


freeCodeCamp | By Amr Hesham

May 2, 2024

Algorithms
  • ClangQL is a tool that lets you easily access and query information about C++ code.
  • It provides data such as the name, file location, and other details of functions in your code.
  • With ClangQL, you can ask questions about your code like "What functions use a particular variable?" or "Where is a specific function defined?" The project is under development, but you can already find the full source code and instructions on how to use it on different operating systems online.
  • Feel free to contribute to the project or report bugs to help improve it.

Databricks receives FedRAMP High agency ATO on AWS GovCloud, now in public preview


Databricks

April 30, 2024

Cloud
  • Databricks is now available in public preview on AWS GovCloud, a cloud computing platform designed to meet the security and compliance requirements of U.S.
  • government agencies.
  • This latest achievement demonstrates Databricks' commitment to providing a secure and reliable data analytics solution for government organizations.

Digital twins: Capturing value from renewable hydrogen megaprojects


Mckinsey

May 1, 2024

AI
Backend
Algorithms
  • As the world pursues decarbonization, renewable hydrogen and its derivatives offer a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
  • However, challenges exist in the production of renewable hydrogen.
  • Digital twins, virtual representations of physical plants, can address these challenges by optimizing plant design and reducing production costs.
  • Digital twins can evaluate design parameters to minimize lifetime costs, including electrolyzer selection and balance of plant setups.
  • They can also optimize operations, enhance financing, expedite serial project delivery, provide insights for management, and serve as a basis for auditing.
  • By leveraging digital twins, developers can mitigate risks, increase investor confidence, and contribute to the scale-up of renewable hydrogen production, ultimately supporting global decarbonization efforts.

WasmCon 2024 Moving to November 11 & 12, co-locating with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America in Salt Lake.


Linux Foundation | By andrewb@proximabiz.com (The Linux Foundation)

May 1, 2024

  • WasmCon 2024, originally scheduled for June in Seattle, has been rescheduled to November 11-12 in Salt Lake City alongside KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America.
  • The decision was made due to developer fatigue and increasing interest in WebAssembly from the cloud native ecosystem.
  • The event will now be a two-day conference exploring advancements in scalable and secure applications.
  • Submissions from the original call for proposals will be carried over, and a new Call for Proposals will open on May 15.
  • Feedback can be provided for existing submissions.
  • The rescheduling aims to create a more comprehensive and enriching experience for attendees, speakers, and sponsors.

Why flow matters most in highly complex manufacturing


Mckinsey

May 3, 2024

Performance
  • Manufacturing complex products like airplanes, ships, and machinery is becoming increasingly challenging for companies.
  • Customer demand is high, but manufacturing these products is becoming more difficult due to their complexity and customization.
  • Additionally, experienced workers are retiring, and training replacements is time-consuming.
  • Companies must adapt by ramping up production while dealing with an inexperienced workforce and growing product complexity.

What are Higher Order Functions in JavaScript? Explained With Examples


freeCodeCamp | By Joan Ayebola

May 2, 2024

Web
Backend
  • Higher order functions (HOFs) in JavaScript are functions that can accept or return other functions, allowing for more versatile and dynamic code.
  • By passing functions as arguments or returning them as results, HOFs promote code reusability, modularity, and flexibility.
  • Popular HOFs like map, filter, and reduce provide convenient and concise ways to manipulate arrays.
  • Advanced techniques like function composition and custom HOF creation enable more complex operations.
  • HOFs also align with functional programming principles, emphasizing immutability and declarative programming.
  • When working with HOFs, it's important to select the right function for the job, avoid overuse for readability, understand callback functions, and ensure efficient and clear implementation.
  • By mastering HOFs, developers can enhance code quality, write cleaner code, and unlock the power of functional programming in JavaScript.

Fine-tuning AWS ASGs with Attribute Based Instance Selection


Yelp | By Ajay Pratap Singh, Site Reliability Engineer

May 1, 2024

Cloud
Backend
Hardware
  • To enhance the reliability and cost-effectiveness of Yelp's autoscaling infrastructure, we implemented attribute-based instance selection in AWS Auto Scaling Groups (ASGs).
  • This approach allows us to dynamically select EC2 instances based on specific requirements, such as CPU or memory capacity, rather than relying on a fixed list of instance-types.
  • By leveraging different spot allocation strategies, we optimize instance selection to balance cost and spot interruption risks.
  • The use of ABS has not only automated the maintenance of instance-type lists, reducing operational overhead, but has also improved cost efficiency and simplified the migration from our in-house Clusterman to Karpenter, a cloud-native node autoscaler.

How to get a transcript of a YouTube video (on desktop and mobile)


Zapier | By Dylan Reber

April 29, 2024

Algorithms
  • If you're unable to hear a YouTube video due to headphones or other issues, YouTube transcripts provide a convenient way to "read" the video's content.
  • Transcripts are also helpful for translating videos into different languages or reviewing complex video essays.
  • Getting a transcript is easy: on desktop, expand the description box and click "Show transcript." On mobile, tap "Show transcript" after opening the full description.
  • While YouTube's transcripts are generally accurate, they may not be perfect for videos with muffled speech.
  • You can copy and paste transcripts into other applications, or use third-party services for more precise transcriptions.

Databricks named a Leader in the 2024 Forrester Wave for Data Lakehouses


Databricks

April 30, 2024

  • Databricks, a leading provider of data analytics solutions, has been recognized as a top performer by Forrester.
  • Forrester is a renowned research and advisory firm, and their recognition of Databricks as a Leader is a testament to the company's exceptional current offering and strategic vision.
  • This accolade highlights Databricks' commitment to providing cutting-edge data analytics solutions that empower businesses to make informed decisions and drive growth.

What is deep learning?


Mckinsey

April 30, 2024

AI
Data Science
Algorithms
  • Deep learning, a type of advanced machine learning, uses neural networks to analyze vast amounts of data, including text and images.
  • Unlike traditional machine learning, deep learning requires less human intervention and can produce more accurate results.
  • It has revolutionized industries by enabling applications like predictive maintenance, logistics optimization, and improved customer service.
  • Deep learning models are trained on massive datasets, and foundation models like ChatGPT and BERT can learn from one task and apply their knowledge to new ones.
  • However, they require human input to differentiate between right and wrong and to filter out inappropriate or biased content.

Conformal Prediction via Regression-as-Classification


Apple ML Research

May 3, 2024

Data Science
  • Conformal prediction (CP) can be difficult for regression models when the data does not follow a simple distribution.
  • Traditional methods to address this issue by estimating the output distribution can be unstable and inaccurate.
  • This research presents a novel approach that converts the regression problem into a classification problem.
  • The classification problem is then solved using CP techniques, preserving the order of the continuous output space.
  • Experimental results indicate that this approach provides surprisingly good results on various practical regression problems.

Calibrating the Mosaic Evaluation Gauntlet


Databricks

April 30, 2024

  • A good benchmark is a tool that helps you evaluate different models and determine which ones perform better than others.
  • This is achieved by providing a clear comparison that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
  • One team dedicated to providing such benchmarks is the Databricks Mosaic Research team.

Introducing the Open Leaderboard for Hebrew LLMs!


HuggingFace

May 5, 2024

AI
Blockchain
Algorithms
  • To advance Hebrew language modeling, researchers have created an open leaderboard to evaluate models specifically designed for the unique characteristics of Hebrew.
  • This leaderboard includes Hebrew-specific tasks such as question-answering, sentiment analysis, pronoun resolution, and translation.
  • It uses automatic deployment and evaluation, making it easy for developers to submit and compare models.
  • By providing detailed evaluations, the leaderboard aims to encourage the development of linguistically diverse and culturally accurate Hebrew language models, ultimately enriching the innovation landscape for the Hebrew language.

How Figma’s databases team lived to tell the scale


Figma | By Sammy Steele

March 14, 2024

Performance
Database
Backend
Algorithms
  • Horizontal sharding divides data into subsets based on specific keys (e.g., UserID) to distribute it across multiple databases.
  • Figma chose this approach to handle its large and complex relational data model.
  • They introduced "colos" to enable efficient cross-table interactions within a single sharding key.
  • To avoid hotspots, they used a hash function on sharding keys to evenly distribute data.
  • To manage sharding, they created a system that separates logical sharding (defining the sharding scheme) from physical sharding (physically moving the data).
  • This allowed them to test and de-risk logical sharding before performing actual data relocation.
  • They built a sophisticated query engine within their DBProxy service to handle complex queries and scatter-gather scenarios.
  • They used PostgreSQL views to simulate logical shards before physical sharding, ensuring a gradual and safe rollout.
  • The topology library manages the dynamic state of logical and physical databases.
  • The physical sharding operation involved migrating data from a single database to multiple databases.
  • With their horizontal sharding journey underway, Figma aims to overcome challenges and fully leverage the benefits of improved reliability, cost savings, and developer velocity.

Developer Blog: Accurate and Efficient Collaborative Optimizations for Fast Generative AI on AMD GPU


AMD | By AMD_AI

May 2, 2024

AI
Backend
Hardware
Algorithms
  • AMD's open AI ecosystem, supported by ROCm software and Radeon GPUs, provides developers with the tools to create high-performance AI applications efficiently.
  • HEYINTELLIGENCE's Generalized Co-optimization Technology (GCT) enhances this ecosystem by delivering optimized kernels for specific AI models like ChatGLM2-6B.
  • GCT leverages the flexibility of AMD's HIP and ROCm components to significantly improve inference performance with minimal accuracy loss.
  • By reducing GPU memory usage through quantization while maintaining accuracy, GCT empowers developers to build AI applications that meet the demands of real-world data and performance requirements.
  • AMD continues to foster collaboration with partners like HEYINTELLIGENCE to advance AI capabilities and provide complete inference solutions for data center users.

Supercharged Developer Portals


Spotify | By Spotify Engineering

April 30, 2024

AI
DevOps
Algorithms
  • Spotify has introduced a range of products to enhance developer portals, specifically targeting internal developer portals (IDPs).
  • These products aim to simplify software development by providing a central platform that organizes and streamlines the complex tech infrastructure.
  • Spotify's Backstage IDP serves as a hub for everything engineering, promoting ownership, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among teams.
  • The open platform, Backstage, has gained widespread adoption, with over two million users and a thriving ecosystem of third-party plugins and support services.
  • Spotify's unique insights from internal R&D, open source collaboration, and enterprise customers have been instrumental in developing these offerings.
  • Spotify's latest products cater to different needs, from highly customized IDPs to pre-built, easy-to-maintain solutions, empowering companies of all sizes to enhance developer experience and productivity.

What is Throttling in JavaScript? Explained with a Simple React Use Case


freeCodeCamp | By Kunal Nalawade

May 1, 2024

Web
Backend
Coding
  • Throttling is a technique in JavaScript used to limit the frequency with which a function can be called.
  • It ensures that a function can only be executed once within a specified interval of time.
  • This is achieved by creating a new function that acts as a "throttled" version of the original function, where the throttled function controls the rate of execution.
  • Throttling is commonly applied to prevent excessive API calls or redundant computations in user interfaces, leading to a smoother user experience and improved web application performance.
  • It involves the concept of closures, where inner functions retain access to variables defined in outer functions, even after the outer function has completed execution.

From start-up to centaur: Leadership lessons on scaling


Mckinsey

April 29, 2024

Robotics
Algorithms
  • Scaling a company from startup to maturity is a daunting task with a high failure rate.
  • Successful scaling requires a solid foundation, including a clear market strategy, a strong talent pool, and an adaptable culture.
  • During the early stages, companies focus on building a compelling product and hiring key talent.
  • As they grow, they shift to aggressively expanding their sales and marketing efforts to reach a broader customer base.
  • To accelerate scaling, companies can implement growth boosters such as expanding to new markets or adding new products.
  • Sustaining continuous growth necessitates careful attention to areas like talent management, culture, decision-making, leadership, and board management.
  • By following these guidelines, founder CEOs can navigate the challenges of scaling and achieve the sustained growth necessary for success.

Research Focus: Week of April 29, 2024


Microsoft Research | By Brenda Potts

May 2, 2024

Cloud
AI
Data Science
Algorithms
  • Researchers have tested an image recognition system called CLIP and found that it struggles to recognize objects commonly used by people with blindness or low vision, such as guide canes.
  • This is because the datasets used to train CLIP do not have enough examples of these objects.
  • However, researchers found that training CLIP with even a few images of these objects can significantly improve its performance.
  • They also suggest other ways to improve CLIP's accuracy for these objects, which could benefit people who rely on assistive technologies.

The McKinsey Crossword: “Mwah!” | No. 178


Mckinsey

April 30, 2024

  • Engage in our interactive puzzles here, or download and print them to complete them offline.
  • New puzzles are released every Tuesday.
  • You can check back then or sign up to receive an alert when the next challenge is available.

Notion on Android is now more than twice as fast to launch


Notion | By Karn Saheb

May 1, 2024

Mobile
  • To make the Notion app faster, the team identified areas for improvement and created a system to track changes.
  • They measured the performance of each release using tests and custom metrics to track specific parts of the app's startup process.
  • By continuously monitoring and adjusting the code, they were able to double the app's startup speed and improve scrolling in key sections like the Home and Search Tabs.
  • This ongoing effort ensures that using Notion will continue to be a smoother and more responsive experience for users.

Newsletter #34: AssemblyAI API Reference & Latest Tutorials


Assembly AI | By Smitha Kolan

May 3, 2024

Performance
AI
Backend
  • Hello! Check out this week's updates from AssemblyAI.
  • We've upgraded our API reference with an interactive playground to test APIs and improved our documentation for Transcription, LeMUR, and Real-time APIs.
  • We've also expanded codec support and fixed bugs.
  • Read our blog for tutorials on redacting PII, detecting scam calls with LeMUR, and using Python to transcribe audio and video.
  • You can also check out our YouTube tutorials on building a server-to-server app that transcribes Zoom recordings, an AI lecture assistant that summarizes lectures, and speech recognition in Java.
  • Sign up to stay informed about new updates and tutorials.

The right code for your design system


Figma | By Emil Sjölander

April 16, 2024

Backend
  • Code Connect is a new tool that helps designers and developers work together seamlessly.
  • It lets designers share approved code samples and documentation directly from their design system.
  • This ensures that developers have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information, reducing errors and inconsistencies.
  • As teams grow, Code Connect helps keep everyone on the same page, preventing silos and ensuring everyone is working from the same source of truth.
  • In the future, Code Connect could enable even deeper integrations between design and development workflows, including automatic audits, analytics, and streamlined approval processes.
  • Beta access is available now for certain Figma plans, with general availability planned later this year.

When Can Transformers Reason With Abstract Symbols?


Apple ML Research

May 1, 2024

  • Transformer models, similar to brains, can learn to recognize abstract relationships and apply them to new problems.
  • Unlike traditional neural networks, transformers can successfully perform this task because their training involves massive datasets and a specific technique called gradient descent.
  • Additionally, small changes to the transformer's structure can enhance its ability to learn these relationships efficiently, ultimately improving its problem-solving capabilities.

How to Create Your Personalized GitHub Profile Page – GitHub Profile README Guide


freeCodeCamp | By Sahil Mahapatra

May 1, 2024

Algorithms
  • To enhance your GitHub profile, create a new repository with the same name as your username.
  • Make the repository public and include a README file.
  • In the README, input your personal information, such as name, bio, and projects.
  • Be sure to replace instances of "<YOUR NAME>" and "<username>" with your own details.
  • Add relevant tech stack icons and modify other fields as desired.
  • Once satisfied, commit the changes.
  • Your personalized GitHub profile will showcase your skills and personality, ready to impress potential collaborators and employers.
  • Share your updated profile on social media and tag the author for feedback.

Lies, damn lies, and benchmarks


Deepgram | By Jose Nicholas Francisco

May 3, 2024

AI
Algorithms
  • When evaluating AI models, it's crucial to consider how they perform in the real world.
  • Some vendors may resort to deceptive practices, such as cherry-picking test data or overfitting to benchmarks, which can exaggerate the performance of their models.
  • It's important to verify performance using box plots, which provide a more comprehensive view of the data, and by benchmarking on real-world data that represents the actual environment in which the models will be deployed.
  • Additionally, understanding outliers and potential biases is essential for informed modeling.
  • By prioritizing data normalization, considering real-world scenarios, and conducting independent testing, you can ensure that the AI models you purchase align with your specific needs and expectations, ultimately helping you make more reliable decisions.

Canonical releases Landscape 24.04 LTS


Canonical | By Canonical (Canonical)

May 1, 2024

  • With the latest Ubuntu version, IT professionals can now manage snap packages in Landscape, a tool for managing Ubuntu systems.
  • This allows them to add, remove, update, and pause updates for snap packages, which are self-contained software applications that are easy to install and update.
  • This update provides similar management capabilities for snap packages as for Debian packages, including the ability to pin specific versions of snap packages to ensure consistency across multiple machines.
  • This is especially useful for organizations that want to ensure uniformity in their software configurations.

Announcing Postman v11: supercharging development with AI and APIs


Postman | By Abhinav Asthana

May 1, 2024

Cloud
AI
Backend
  • Postman, a software tool used by developers to build and test APIs, now includes an AI companion called Postbot.
  • Postbot helps developers write tests, create API documentation, debug requests, visualize responses, and offer support.
  • This AI-powered assistant can significantly accelerate development processes by automating tasks and providing guidance, enabling developers to build better APIs much faster than before.
  • Additionally, Postman v11 offers enhanced security measures through its partnership with Azure OpenAI, ensuring that Postbot's interactions remain isolated and secure within a team environment.

Measuring Marketing Effectiveness in a Cookie-Less World


Grammarly

April 29, 2024

Data Science
  • To measure the impact of YouTube advertising on Grammarly's new active users, a counterfactual analysis was conducted using a geo split experiment.
  • Candidate splits were generated to isolate the impact of YouTube ads, and the top-performing split, determined by historical performance and predicted performance, was selected.
  • The experiment revealed a significant incremental lift in new active users during the off-season, but a moderation during the seasonal peak.
  • This insight can help Grammarly optimize its media spend and focus on the most efficient channels, considering the incremental cost per new user.
  • The experiment also suggests that the video channel may be more direct in driving conversions than previously thought.
  • The approach provided valuable insights into marketing effectiveness, highlighting the importance of data-driven experimentation in a cookieless world.

Integrating event-driven microservices with request/response APIs [Part three]


Thoughtworks | By Konrad Fögen

May 2, 2024

Backend
  • APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are like middlemen that allow different apps and devices to communicate with each other.
  • Imagine you have a calculator app and a shopping app.
  • Without an API, you would need to manually enter the calculation results into the shopping app.
  • But with an API, the calculator app can directly send the results to the shopping app, making it easier and faster for you to make purchases.
  • APIs work in a similar way to bridges, connecting different systems and services to make our digital lives more efficient and convenient.

SIGMA: An open-source mixed-reality system for research on physical task assistance


Microsoft Research | By Alyssa Hughes

April 29, 2024

AI
DevOps
UI/UX
Robotics
  • Imagine an AI assistant that guides you through complex tasks like building a bike or cooking risotto, adapting to your skill level and mistakes.
  • To create such a system, researchers developed SIGMA, an open-source platform that simulates real-time task assistance in mixed reality.
  • SIGMA uses AI to understand the physical environment and your actions, providing guidance and answering questions.
  • It also considers factors like your confusion, frustration, and level of expertise.
  • SIGMA serves as a foundation for researchers to explore the challenges of developing AI systems that can effectively collaborate with humans in the physical world.
  • These systems require both physical and social intelligence, including perceiving the environment, understanding human body language and intentions, and adapting to real-time interactions.
  • SIGMA provides a starting point for addressing these challenges and advancing the integration of AI and mixed reality technologies.

Manifold Diffusion Fields


Apple ML Research

May 1, 2024

  • Score-based generative models, used to create images, text, and molecules from scratch, often require specialized designs for different data types.
  • Researchers have proposed a new approach that views data as functions, enabling a unified representation for various domains.
  • This allows for a generalized score function that can handle different data types like images, shapes, and videos.
  • The new approach also enables generative modeling of signals on non-euclidean surfaces, extending the applicability of score-based models to a wider range of data domains.

Large Language Models as Generalizable Policies for Embodied Tasks


Apple ML Research

May 1, 2024

AI
  • Researchers have developed a new approach, called LLaRP, that enables large language models (LLMs) to control physical actions in response to written instructions and visual observations.
  • LLaRP is trained to learn the best actions directly from interactions with the environment, allowing it to handle complex instructions and even adapt to new tasks where different actions are required.
  • This approach outperforms traditional methods and has shown success in a comprehensive task suite.
  • To further support research in this area, the team has released a benchmark called Language Rearrangement, providing a rich collection of tasks for language-based control of physical actions.

Author Talks: The magic of unmuting yourself


Mckinsey

May 3, 2024

Web
Robotics
  • Silence is prevalent in workplaces, hindering effective collaboration, innovation, and healthy teams.
  • This is particularly true for individuals with subordinate identities, who face challenges in being heard.
  • Leaders play a crucial role in creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up by fostering differences, rewarding candid opinions, and sharing stories of successful dissent.
  • However, while speaking up is essential for career advancement, it's equally important to recognize the value of strategic silence for self-care and long-term influence.
  • Finding your voice involves cultivating awareness of your thoughts and feelings and recognizing the influence you hold, regardless of your communication style.
  • Unlearning silence is a dynamic process that may elicit negative reactions from others, but transparency and a mindset of continuous learning can help manage these reactions.
  • Ultimately, the journey of finding and using your voice empowers individuals and organizations, leading to a more inclusive and productive workplace where everyone's perspectives are valued.

Wix vs. Shopify: Which CMS is better? [2024]


Zapier | By Luke Strauss

May 3, 2024

AI
  • If you're creating a website with a global audience, Shopify's SEO features may be more effective than Wix's.
  • Wix offers more comprehensive AI tools, while Shopify's AI is geared towards e-commerce.
  • Wix's AI helps create websites and provides content suggestions, while Shopify's AI focuses on product marketing, generating descriptions, and enhancing images.
  • When choosing between Wix and Shopify, consider your business's focus and your need for AI assistance.
  • Wix is better for general website creation, while Shopify excels in e-commerce.
  • Remember to weigh the AI features, SEO capabilities, and cost when making your decision.

No version left behind: Our epic journey of GitLab upgrades


Grab

May 3, 2024

Web
Backend
Coding
Algorithms
  • At Grab, keeping up with technological advancements is crucial.
  • To streamline GitLab updates, our team developed a comprehensive approach involving careful planning, in-depth testing, and robust backup systems.
  • We faced challenges like Gitaly cluster issues, but our team innovated workarounds, migrated data to S3, and right-sized resources.
  • As a result, we reduced upgrade deployment time by 50%, catching up on 24 months of upgrades in 11 months.
  • With improved planning, communication, and automation, we aim to minimize downtime and automate future upgrades, ultimately creating a stable and efficient environment for our engineers to focus on development.

Microsoft at ASPLOS 2024: Advancing hardware and software for high-scale, secure, and efficient modern applications


Microsoft Research | By Alyssa Hughes

April 29, 2024

Web
Cloud
  • Microsoft presented research at ASPLOS 2024, focusing on improving modern computer systems.
  • Their work covered various areas: enhancing storage access speed by predicting data needs, optimizing distributed graph analysis systems, expanding the use of memory devices for machine learning, and developing power-saving techniques for GPUs.
  • The goal is to advance the efficiency, security, and scale of future computing applications and devices.
  • Microsoft also outlined career opportunities for individuals seeking to contribute to these advancements.

Congratulations to the 2024 YC Top Companies!


YCombinator | By Garry Tan

April 30, 2024

  • YC, a renowned startup accelerator, has revealed its 2024 Top Companies list, showcasing alumni who generated substantial revenue in 2023.
  • These companies cover diverse sectors, including B2B software, consumer goods, and healthcare.
  • Collectively, they have a revenue of $57.2 billion and a valuation of $458 billion.
  • Notable among the list is Reddit, founded in 2005, while Zepto, a 2021 startup, represents the youngest company.
  • Newcomers to the list include Clipboard Health, Honeylove, Meesho, Odeko, Razorpay, and Zepto.
  • This list highlights the success of YC-backed companies, with many employing over 80,000 people worldwide and nearly all having multiple co-founders.
  • The majority of these companies are headquartered in the Bay Area, demonstrating the region's prominence in the tech industry.

Get ready for Google I/O: Program lineup revealed


Google Open Source | By Open Source Programs Office (noreply@blogger.com)

May 1, 2024

  • Timothy Jordan is a leader in developer relations and open source.
  • He is passionate about connecting developers and building thriving open-source communities.
  • In this role, Jordan works with developers to create and maintain open-source projects, which are software programs that are freely available for use and modification.
  • Jordan believes that open source fosters collaboration and innovation, leading to better software for everyone.

How to land your dream clients with LinkedIn Sales Navigator


Zapier | By Kiran Shahid

April 29, 2024

Web
AI
DevOps
  • LinkedIn Sales Navigator empowers you to pinpoint potential clients precisely using advanced filters.
  • These filters help you find leads based on job titles, location, shared experiences, connections, and recent activity.
  • Organize your leads into targeted lists based on different personas, such as referral sources, thought leaders, and potential clients.
  • The Relationship Explorer identifies relevant prospects at target accounts, while targeted alerts notify you when new leads match your criteria.
  • To nurture leads, engage with their content by leaving valuable comments and celebrating their milestones.
  • Personalize your outreach by mentioning their posts, connections, or published works.
  • Stay updated on account changes to identify new opportunities and proactively reach out.
  • To maximize your investment, use Sales Navigator regularly, utilize InMail credits wisely, track your progress, and consider LinkedIn automation to enhance your prospecting efforts.

Kubernetes 1.30: Preventing unauthorized volume mode conversion moves to GA


Kubernetes

April 30, 2024

  • In Kubernetes, you can create a data storage area called a PersistentVolumeClaim (PVC) from an existing VolumeSnapshot.
  • However, a security issue was discovered where anyone could change the formatting of the storage area (volume mode), potentially leaving your system vulnerable.
  • To prevent this, Kubernetes has added a new feature that restricts who can change the volume mode.
  • Only users with specific permissions, such as storage backup vendors, can now modify the volume mode.
  • To do so, they must identify the VolumeSnapshot to use as the data source and set a specific annotation on the VolumeSnapshot object.
  • This ensures that unauthorized users cannot exploit the security gap and compromise your Kubernetes cluster.