Microsoft Pledges Skill 75,000 Women Developers in India.

Highlight: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announces skilling and certification for 75,000 women developers in India, emphasizing the company's commitment to diversity and economic empowerment through technology.

In a groundbreaking commitment to fostering diversity and empowering women in technology, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the company aims to provide skilling and certification to 75,000 women developers in India throughout the year 2024. The announcement was made during Microsoft's "Microsoft Build" event in Bengaluru on January 8, where Nadella emphasized the pivotal role of skills in creating economic opportunities for an increasingly skilled workforce.

Nadella, who arrived in Mumbai on February 7 for a two-day visit, underscored the theme for 2024 as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the opportunities emerging from it. The initiative aligns with Microsoft's broader goal of promoting inclusivity and narrowing the gender gap in the fast-evolving realms of cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technology.

This skilling initiative represents an expansion of Microsoft's existing program named "Code; Without Barriers," which was launched in September 2021. Collaborating with 13 companies across nine Asia Pacific countries, the program was designed to address the gender gap and provide support, training, and networking opportunities for female developers, coders, and professionals in technical roles.

"The program provides support, training, and networking opportunities for female developers and coders, and those in other technical roles to contribute to inclusive economic growth, encourage innovation, and reflect the region’s social makeup," Microsoft stated in a release.

During his visit, Nadella also highlighted the noteworthy contribution of Karya.ai, an initiative incubated at Microsoft Research, which is playing a pivotal role in taking AI jobs to rural India. Karya.ai focuses on creating datasets in various Indian languages to train AI models and conduct research, simultaneously generating employment opportunities in rural areas.

Manu Chopra, CEO, and co-founder of Karya.ai, shared insights into the initiative, stating that his company pays workers 20 times above the Indian minimum wage, approximately Rs 400 per hour, for recording sentences on smartphones. Importantly, workers are entitled to royalties if the data generated by Karya.ai is resold.

Nadella's vision for India goes beyond skilling initiatives; it centers around empowering every individual and organization, starting with the developer community. The commitment to fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem aligns with Microsoft's broader mission of empowering every person and organization globally.

As technology continues to shape the future, Microsoft's initiatives in India stand as a testament to the company's dedication to leveraging AI and technology for societal progress. The pledge to skill and certify 75,000 women developers not only addresses the immediate skills gap but also sets the stage for a more diverse and inclusive tech landscape in India, reflecting the true potential of innovation when driven by a variety of perspectives.

Google Unveils Gemini Ultra: Rebranding Existing Chatbot Bard.

In a long-anticipated move, Google has officially launched Gemini Ultra, a revolutionary version that powers Gemini Advanced. This new iteration promises an enriched user experience, excelling in reasoning, instructional guidance, coding support, and collaborative creativity. Simultaneously, Google announced the rebranding of Bard to simply "Gemini," signaling a comprehensive upgrade in its AI offerings.

Gemini Advanced transcends traditional AI capabilities, positioning itself as a personalized tutor capable of generating custom step-by-step instructions, sample quizzes, and engaging in dynamic discussions tailored to individual learning preferences. For coding enthusiasts, the chatbot becomes an invaluable companion, adept at handling advanced coding scenarios, providing ideation support, and assisting in the evaluation of different coding approaches.

How to Access Google Gemini? 

To access Gemini Advanced, users can subscribe to the Google One AI Premium Plan, priced at $19.99 per month, featuring a complimentary two-month trial. This plan not only unlocks the latest AI advancements but also includes the benefits of the existing Google One Premium plan, offering 2TB of storage.

AI Premium subscribers are set to enjoy additional perks, with upcoming access to Gemini integration in Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and more, formerly known as Duet AI. Gemini Advanced is available for users in over 150 countries and territories in English, marking a global expansion of Google's advanced AI offerings.

Also Read: Google Rolls Gemini Deep Think Mode in 2.5 Version.

Mobile App for Google Gemini.

Google has introduced a dedicated mobile app for Gemini on both Android and iOS platforms. The Gemini app for Android is currently available on Google Play, initially supporting English with plans to introduce Korean and Japanese language support next week. By downloading the Gemini app or opting in through Google Assistant, users can seamlessly access the new overlay experience, whether through the app or other activation methods like the power button, corner swiping on select phones, or using the "Hey Google" command.

On iOS, the introduction of Gemini access is slated for the coming weeks within the Google app. Users can effortlessly toggle the Gemini feature, engaging in conversations to boost creativity, generate custom images, seek assistance in writing social posts, and even plan activities – all directly from the Google app.

Google's Gemini Ultra marks a significant leap forward in AI capabilities, offering a multifaceted approach to learning, coding, and creative collaboration. The integration of Gemini across platforms reflects Google's commitment to providing users with a seamless and advanced AI experience, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the digital landscape.

Google New TensorFlow for Graph Neural Networks.

Highlight:TF-GNN's tfgnn.GraphTensor object and integrated gradients feature propel TensorFlow's ecosystem, enabling efficient handling of diverse graph structures and offering valuable insights into influential features for improved machine learning model training and evaluation.

In a significant stride towards advancing machine learning capabilities, the Google TensorFlow team has unveiled TensorFlow GNN 1.0 (TF-GNN), a cutting-edge update to its machine learning framework. TF-GNN is specifically engineered to empower the development and scalability of graph neural networks (GNNs), enabling intricate analyses of complex networks such as transportation and social networks.

This new library marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of machine learning, as TF-GNN seamlessly blends the structural intricacies of graphs with the features of their nodes. Bridging the gap between discrete graph data and continuous neural network models, TF-GNN enhances the TensorFlow ecosystem's capacity for more detailed predictions and analyses, particularly in scenarios involving diverse node and edge types.

At the core of TF-GNN's advancements lies the tfgnn.GraphTensor object, a groundbreaking addition that represents heterogeneous graphs characterized by diverse node and edge types. This integration proves instrumental in efficiently handling graph data, enabling the TensorFlow ecosystem to navigate and manage complex network structures seamlessly.

The Python API introduced by TF-GNN offers developers a versatile toolkit, allowing for the configuration of subgraph sampling tailored to various computational environments, from individual workstations to distributed systems. This flexibility is paramount for handling datasets of varying sizes and complexities, providing a robust solution for diverse machine-learning applications.

One of the standout features of TF-GNN is its introduction of integrated gradients for model attribution. This enhancement sheds light on the features most influential in predictions, offering valuable insights for model training and evaluation. TF-GNN's holistic approach to understanding graph structures contributes to improved predictions on entire graphs, individual nodes, or potential edges, making it a powerful tool across a spectrum of applications.

TensorFlow GNN 1.0 is seamlessly integrated into the TensorFlow ecosystem, providing developers worldwide with accessible resources, comprehensive documentation, and code samples. As the machine learning landscape evolves, TF-GNN emerges as a formidable asset, propelling the capabilities of graph neural networks to new heights and fostering innovation in the field.

Microsoft Plans to Provide AI Skills to 2M Indians.

Highlight: Nadella urges India to embrace AI's transformative potential, announcing Microsoft's plan to provide AI skilling opportunities to 2 million in smaller cities while highlighting Karya, an ethical data company contributing to rural empowerment.

In a resounding testament to Microsoft's prowess in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), CEO Satya Nadella asserted the company's leading position in the field, declaring its AI model to be superior to even the much-hyped GPT-4. Speaking at a company event in Mumbai, Nadella's candid remarks underscored Microsoft's unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

Nadella's address to the leaders of India's largest companies showcased Microsoft's aggressive investments in AI and its impact on shaping the future of industries worldwide. Emphasizing the transformative potential of AI, Nadella urged businesses to embrace the technology to enhance productivity and refine their products, cautioning against falling behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Microsoft executive's call to action extended to India as he urged the nation to intensify efforts in harnessing AI's capabilities, predicting its profound impact on the country's GDP. With India emerging as the second largest talent base for AI developers on GitHub, Nadella highlighted the nation's potential to lead in AI innovation and development.

Great to be in India this week meeting with changemakers like the team at Karya, who are doing the critical work of building high-quality datasets for AI—and expanding economic opportunity at the same time. https://t.co/jJUDjnBUEo

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) February 7, 2024

Puneet Chandok, leading Microsoft's India and South Asia business, echoed Nadella's sentiments, emphasizing India's transition from incredibility to credibility in the global technology landscape. Chandok's remarks underscored India's burgeoning aspirations and commitment to realizing ambitious dreams in the AI arena.

As part of Microsoft's initiatives to empower Indian talent, the company announced plans to offer AI skilling opportunities to 2 million individuals in smaller cities and towns by the next year, signaling a concerted effort to bridge the digital divide and promote socio-economic progress.

Nadella also spotlighted Karya, an "ethical data company" leveraging AI to create datasets in multiple Indian languages while empowering rural communities through employment and education opportunities. This unique offering exemplifies India's innovative approach to AI, paving the way for localized solutions tailored to the nation's diverse needs and challenges.

In Nadella's eyes, India stands at the forefront of AI innovation, with its distinctive use cases and aspirations converging seamlessly with global trends. As India continues to chart its path in the AI landscape, Microsoft's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and businesses alike sets the stage for a future defined by technological advancement and inclusive growth. 

Bumble Unveils AI 'Deception Detector' Feature to Block Scams and Fake Profiles.

To fortify user safety and tackle the rising concerns of scams and fake profiles, Bumble has announced the launch of a new AI-powered feature called the "Deception Detector." This innovative tool is designed to proactively identify and block malicious content, providing a shield for users against spam and scams before encountering them.

During testing, Bumble reported an impressive success rate, with the Deception Detector automatically blocking 95% of accounts flagged as spam or scams. In the initial two months of testing, user reports of spam, scams, and fake accounts saw a substantial 45% reduction. It's noteworthy that the Deception Detector works with Bumble's human moderation team, emphasizing a multi-layered approach to content verification.

The decision to introduce this feature stems from internal research revealing that users, particularly women, express significant concern over fake profiles and the potential for scams while navigating online dating platforms. Bumble's commitment to creating a safe and authentic space for its community led to the development of the Deception Detector.

Lidiane Jones, Bumble CEO, highlighted the company's dedication to fostering genuine connections, stating, "Bumble Inc. was founded to build equitable relationships and empower women to make the first move, and Deception Detector is our latest innovation as part of our ongoing commitment to our community to help ensure that connections made on our apps are genuine."

The move comes at a critical time, considering the Federal Trade Commission's report indicating that romance scams cost victims a staggering $1.3 billion in 2022, with a median reported loss of $4,400. Notably, Bumble's effort aligns with broader industry concerns, as romance scammers frequently exploit dating apps and social media platforms to target individuals.

Bumble AI Detection for Fake Account.

The Deception Detector is the latest addition to Bumble's arsenal of AI-driven safety features. In 2019, the platform introduced the "Private Detector," an AI-powered tool that automatically blurs and labels nude images in chats, enhancing user control and security.

Bumble's commitment to leveraging AI for user safety extends beyond its dating platform. Bumble For Friends, the app dedicated to fostering platonic connections, recently integrated AI-powered icebreaker suggestions. This feature assists users in crafting engaging first messages based on the other person's profile, reinforcing Bumble's dedication to innovation and user well-being.

As technology continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of online interactions, Bumble's strategic use of AI is a testament to its unwavering commitment to building a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

Google AI Image Generation with Bard: All You Need To Know

In a significant move that brings Google into the competitive landscape of AI image generation, the tech giant has finally released its much-anticipated AI image generator for Google Bard. This launch positions Google alongside industry players like Midjourney and OpenAI, who have already established their mark with powerful AI image generators.

Google Bard: From Imagen to Public Debut.

Google was an early player in the AI image generation domain, introducing its Imagen system in a research paper back in 2022. Despite generating considerable interest at the time, Google chose to keep the technology under wraps for almost two years. However, with the recent release of Google Bard's AI image generator, the public is finally getting a taste of what Imagen has to offer.

Bard's Image Generator: Free Access Sets it Apart.

Unlike some of its competitors, such as Midjourney, Google Bard is making waves by offering free and straightforward access to its AI image generator. While Midjourney requires users to pay a premium fee of $10-$120 per month and navigate a desktop application on Discord, Bard allows users to visit https://bard.google.com and interact with a chatbot to generate images at no cost.

The simplicity and cost-free nature of Bard's interface make it an attractive option for those looking to experiment with AI or engage in creative endeavors, such as crafting smiley face triangle cars with their kids.

Steps To Use Google Bard for Image Generation.

You can follow the below steps to generate AI Images using Google Bard:

1. Visit bard.google.com in your web browser.
2. Sign in using your Google account credentials.
3. Input a detailed and descriptive prompt to guide the image generation.
4. Click the "Submit" button to initiate the process.
5. After a brief processing period, thumbnails of the generated images will be presented.
6. Select an image to view a larger version within the carousel.
7. To download any image, click on the download icon located in the top right corner of the image preview.

Image Generated using Google Bard

Invisible Watermark Technology.

One notable detail about Bard's images is the inclusion of an invisible watermark. While invisible watermarks have been in use for decades, it raises questions about the implications for users. The article explores the history of invisible watermark technology and its presence in Bard's image generation, shedding light on potential concerns and considerations.

In conclusion, Google Bard's entry into the AI image generation space introduces a valuable player that prioritizes accessibility without compromising on technological prowess. As users experiment with the free and user-friendly interface, the competition among AI image generators is sure to intensify, pushing innovation and advancements in this dynamic field.

Ola Graduate Fellowship Program for AI Researchers.

Ola Graduate Fellowship Program at IIT Bombay

In a groundbreaking move to bolster India's strides in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bhavish Aggarwal, the visionary founder of Ola, unveiled the "Ola Graduate Fellowship Program" during a compelling address to a gathering of more than 3000 students at IIT Bombay. The program, set to kick off with a dedicated focus on AI researchers at IIT Bombay, is designed to expand its influence across diverse engineering disciplines and aims to reach students in top educational institutions nationwide.

Aggarwal expressed his enthusiasm about India's pivotal role in the global AI revolution, stating, "AI will transform everything, from economy to culture. Today, India is at the ground zero of a massive AI revolution. India has its own unique challenges opportunities and context, and hence we have to build our own AI. And we at Ola are committed to making the best AI in the world," in a LinkedIn post.

Always humbled and thrilled to be back @iitbombay. Thrilled to interact with the crowd of over 3000 young and energy packed audience.⚡️

Happy to announce that we have introduced the Ola Graduate Fellowship program. Starting with a fellowship for AI researchers at IIT Bombay,… pic.twitter.com/4OcBcsdj67

— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) February 3, 2024

The Ola Graduate Fellowship Program aligns with Aggarwal's commitment to cultivating young minds and contributing to India's pursuit of global leadership in AI. The inclusive initiative will provide a platform for students from various backgrounds to delve into the realm of artificial intelligence.

Aggarwal, who recently made headlines with his AI startup, Krutrim, announced a monumental milestone for the company. Krutrim, derived from the Sanskrit word for "artificial," has secured $50 million in funding at a valuation of $1 billion, making it India's fastest unicorn and the country's first AI unicorn. The startup's primary focus is on constructing the full AI computing stack.

In a bold move, Aggarwal declared that Krutrim is gearing up to release its product next week. Having unveiled its inaugural set of multilingual large language models (LLM), referred to as Krutrim, in December 2023, the startup is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India's AI landscape.

As Bhavish Aggarwal continues to lead the charge in both the mobility and AI sectors, the Ola Graduate Fellowship Program and Krutrim's groundbreaking advancements underscore India's commitment to becoming a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence.