⚙️ AI Can Read Your Mind?

Author

Bot Buddy
August 21, 2023

Good morning. While Messi's winning goals are stirring up celebrations, a coffee shop's AI is stirring more than just lattes—it's brewing controversy! From the pitch to the espresso machine, it's a game of precision, but only one might leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth.

In today’s newsletter:

  • 🎵 Rocking the Brain: How Pink Floyd's Tunes Decode the Mind

  • ☕ Brewing Surveillance: AI Coffee Shop Stirs Up Controversy

  • 🏦 Ottawa Food Bank: A Tourist Spot? Microsoft's Misstep Explained

  • 🔬 Gut-Check Time: Viome's $86.5M Boost and CVS Partnership

  • 💻 Index Ventures Leaps Ahead: A Creative GPU Deal with Oracle

  • 🎨 AI's Artistic Flair Denied Copyright: A U.S. Judge's Landmark Ruling

 NEWS

Rocking the Brain: How Pink Floyd's Tunes Decode the Mind

Midjourney

Pink Floyd, a legendary British rock band known for their progressive and psychedelic music, has inspired listeners since the 1960s. Their albums, such as "The Dark Side of the Moon" and "The Wall," are considered some of the greatest in rock history. But their influence extends beyond music…

Decoding the Mind

At the University of California at Berkeley, researchers embarked on an unprecedented journey, using Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1" to decode the human mind. The song has complex harmonics which allowed for more distinct brain activations and a cleaner data set. By recording the brain activity of 29 epilepsy patients, they transformed neural signals into audio, akin to a pianist translating sheet music into melody. This novel approach provided a unique window into how our brains process music.

The Interpretation Process

The researchers' method was intricate, involving 92 electrodes per subject to capture the brain's response to each musical note and rhythm. Imagine a symphony orchestra, where each musician plays a specific part; similarly, each electrode represented a unique aspect of sound perception. The data collection was also focused on the superior temporal gyrus, a region of the brain responsible for processing sounds.

The data collected was then decoded by a machine learning model and transformed into audio, marking the first time a song has been recreated from neural signals.

Future Implications and Applications

Ok so researchers decoded brain signals to make a song…why is this a big deal? The study's success transcends the realm of music and opens doors to life-changing applications. Consider the struggle of those with speech impediments or communication disabilities; this technology could revolutionize their ability to express themselves.

For example, stroke survivors might be able to effectively communicate using a device to translate their thoughts into words. Or it could enable those who have physical limitations to explore their artistic passions; someone unable to play an instrument could compose a whole song through thought alone. The possibilities are endless and could drastically improve the quality of life for millions.

Final Thoughts

Pink Floyd once sang about being "Comfortably Numb," but this research is anything but numbing. It's a groundbreaking look at how our brains groove to music, with applications that could change lives. So next time you're jamming to "The Dark Side of the Moon," remember: you're not just listening to a classic—you're tuning into the future of neuroscience.

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NEWS

Brewing Surveillance: How AI in Your Coffee Shop Stirs Up Controversy

Midjourney

A viral video is stirring more than just coffee—it's brewing a debate about AI in the workplace. A coffee shop has implemented AI to track baristas' productivity and customers' hangout time. Cool tech or creepy surveillance?

Watch the video below to see what we’re talking about 👇

Perked Up Productivity or Burnt Out Baristas?

AI in the coffee shop could mean a perfect brew every time. But what's the cost? Management gets a shot of efficiency, allowing them to easier spot areas that need improvement. But for the baristas, it's like having a boss watching over their shoulder 24/7. Talk about a buzzkill! This could lead to a drop in job satisfaction and a workplace that's more "grind" than "grande".

A Latte Privacy Concerns

And let’s not forget the customers. That AI isn't just tracking espresso shots—it's tracking time spent in the shop. No opt-out option? Many call that an invasion of privacy. Trust between businesses and consumers would take a hit, and legal disputes would likely be ignited. It's a slippery slope from personalized service to "Big Brother is watching you sip your latte."

A Bitter Aftertaste?

So, will we see AI baristas in every coffee shop? Don't bet your favorite mug on it. The ethical dilemmas, harm to employees, and legal headaches might keep this tech on the back burner. Plus, public backlash from viral videos like this one could cool other companies' interest.

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🏦 Ottawa Food Bank: A Tourist Spot? Microsoft's Misstep Explained

In a whimsical twist of events, Microsoft's travel guide for Ottawa, Canada, listed the Ottawa Food Bank as the No. 3 tourist destination, right behind the National War Memorial. Microsoft clarified that this wasn't the work of an "unsupervised AI" but rather a human error combined with algorithmic techniques. The food bank's inclusion, complete with an insensitive description, sparked a conversation about the importance of human oversight in content creation, especially as AI continues to grow in popularity.

🔬 Gut-Check Time: Viome's $86.5M Boost and CVS Partnership

Viome, a microbiome startup, raised $86.5 million to expand its business of analyzing customers' microbiomes and providing personalized supplements. The company, which has tested over 350,000 consumers, is also partnering with CVS to offer Viome tests in 200 U.S. stores. But it's not all smooth sailing; critics question the scientific accuracy of Viome's claims, likening it to the controversial Theranos.

💻 Index Ventures Leaps Ahead: A Creative GPU Deal with Oracle

Partnering with Oracle, Index has secured sought-after Nvidia chips for its early-stage startups, bypassing the usual long lead times and big player monopolies. Erin Price-Wright, a partner with Index, explains the non-traditional venture firm move, emphasizing the importance of leveling the playing field for young AI companies and how this partnership aims to foster relationships between startups and large cloud providers.

🎨 AI's Artistic Flair Denied Copyright: A U.S. Judge's Landmark Ruling

U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ruled that AI-generated artwork cannot be copyrighted, dismissing a lawsuit by Stephen Thaler for an image created by his algorithm. Emphasizing that "human authorship" is essential for copyright, the decision opens doors to challenging questions about originality in AI-created art.

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