Microsoft's New "Algorithm of Thoughts" Lets AI Reason Like a Human - Your Virtual Assistant Is About to Get a Whole Lot Smarter

Remember that time you asked your virtual assistant to recommend a dinner spot and it spat out something like, "Based on your query, I suggest you try McDonald's"? Well, those days might soon be behind us. Microsoft—yes, the same Microsoft that still thinks you're interested in Clippy—is leveling up its AI game with a new technique called the "Algorithm of Thoughts" (AoT).

So, what's the big deal? Imagine your AI assistant not only suggests a local Italian bistro but also offers wine pairings, explains why, and maybe even cracks a joke about garlic breath. AoT aims to make language models like ChatGPT reason in a more human-like manner. You know, because ordering fries with that Big Mac required such deep cognitive processing.

For all you AI buffs, AoT is like a Gandalf guiding Frodo through the labyrinth of Middle-earth. Or for the non-Tolkien fans, think of it as a GPS with fewer U-turns. It guides language models on a "streamlined problem-solving path," enabling these machines to ponder different solutions in an organized, systematic way. It's like switching from a rookie taxi driver who relies on Google Maps to a seasoned cabbie who knows all the backstreets.

The magic sauce here is "in-context learning." It's a lot like when you start recognizing that a red light means stop, not just because you read it in a manual, but because you've seen cars screech to a halt when it appears. Microsoft says this new technique not only outpaces single-query methods but can even surpass the algorithm that trained it in the first place. That's like learning to play chess and then beating the grandmaster who taught you. Yeah, it's a big deal.

Where does it leave us? Ah yes, the perpetual question of "Is this thing gonna become smarter than me?" The AoT method draws from both human intuition and algorithmic precision. So it's like Spock and Captain Kirk working together to solve an alien invasion. But what's truly wild is that AoT might be able to bypass human limitations on memory, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of ideas. Yes, dear Watson, that's elementary-level cool.

But let's get real. Will this help you find your soulmate or predict the winning lottery numbers? Probably not. But, it might make your virtual conversations smoother, smarter, and a heck of a lot more insightful. Think about it: a language model that can read between the lines and maybe even drop a dad joke or two. Now that's worth switching off your "do not disturb" mode for.

In the age where we're trying to squeeze out every ounce of efficiency from these hunks of silicon and algorithms, AoT offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where our machines not only compute but actually "think," or at least do a really good impression of it. Given how much Microsoft is investing in AI, I wouldn't be surprised if AoT becomes the backbone of future language models like, oh, let's just throw a name out there—GPT-4. So, if you ever wanted your AI to do more than just set timers and play your Spotify playlists, stay tuned. This could be the start of something transformative.

OpenAI Releases ChatGPT for Enterprise

Well, slap me on the back and call me Sally, looks like our robotic pal ChatGPT is all grown up and getting an office job.

Yep, the team over at OpenAI just dropped ChatGPT Enterprise for businesses. We're talking enterprise-grade security, unlimited super-speedy GPT-4 access, and more context for spitting out essays that would make your high school English teacher weep.

Seems like all the Fortune 500 big wigs have been banging down the door for the professional version. OpenAI says over 80% of them already have ChatGPT accounts registered. I mean, when your CEO can just ask the bot to whip up the quarterly investor presentation at lightning speed, who wouldn't want a little AI assistance?

The new enterprise version lets your company keep its data on lockdown too. OpenAI claims they definitely don't peek at what you're getting the bot to write or train their models on your convos. Though between you and me, I'd keep the more sensitive stuff offline just in case.

Performance-wise, you get unlimited uncapped access to GPT-4, up to 2x faster. So all those timed writing tasks at work? ChatGPT's got you covered. The bot can also now process up to 32k characters, so feel free to really let loose with those long-winded questions.

For all you data heads, ChatGPT Enterprise comes with unlimited access to advanced data analysis. Slice and dice those spreadsheets to your heart's content. Marketers can instantly analyze survey results. Finance bros can crunch the numbers lickety-split. Data scientists can debug code without chugging a gallon of coffee first.

And if you want to customize the bot for your specific business needs, OpenAI's letting companies build custom templates and workflows. Though fair warning - if your team gets too dependent on ChatGPT's suggestions, you may never see another original idea again.

Early big biz users are already singing the praises, with execs from Klarna, Asana, and Canva boasting about how ChatGPT Enterprise is leveling up productivity and creativity.

So if you want to join the robot revolution, ChatGPT Enterprise is open for business as of today. Though keep your wallet handy - all this enterprise power doesn't come cheap. But hey, put a price on genius and game-changing productivity gains, amirite?

Me, I'm just hoping they build a virtual bartender version. All this robo-news has me thirsty for a ChatGPT-crafted old fashioned...

Boot Camp or Booby Trap? How the Rise of AI Could Make Coding Boot Camps the New Oregon Trail

Ah, coding boot camps—the "get rich quick" schemes of the tech world. I mean, who wouldn't want to trade in their blue-collar gig for a cozy chair and a nice fat salary? At least that's the pitch. You might recall that these boot camps sprang up in the early 2010s, promising a shortcut to six-figure tech jobs. And for a while, it seemed like they were onto something. But guess who else wants to steal your job? Robots. Okay, not exactly robots, but their brainy cousin—Artificial Intelligence.

Why are we worried? Layoffs, my friends. A recent report says that more than 800 tech companies have axed around 208,000 jobs this year alone. The culprit? No, not a vengeful coder with an "rm -rf /" command, but a shaky economic environment, rising interest rates, and the ever-menacing shadow of AI. In fact, a study found that layoffs caused by AI have happened almost exclusively in—you guessed it—the tech sector. So, for every coder out there banking on boot camps to elevate their life, remember this: AI, like a prodigious child, is getting smarter every day.

Now, the boot camps are like, "Hold my beer." They're pivoting hard into AI training. "Oh, you're worried about AI stealing coding jobs? Why not learn how to create AI instead?" seems to be the new slogan. Programs like General Assembly and BrainStation are now sprinkling AI topics like fairy dust into their curricula. But the real question is, will you end up striking gold or just fool's gold?

That brings us to the recent class-action lawsuit against BloomTech (formerly Lambda School), which apparently inflated its job-placement stats like a Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon. So, let's get this straight: You've got boot camps potentially exaggerating their success rates, an unstable job market, and a looming AI revolution. It’s like entering a relationship, but your partner is showing you red flags from day one.

Let's not ignore that even Goldman Sachs says some jobs are more AI-resistant than others. Jobs in construction, maintenance, and repair, the same gigs some people are leaving for coding, are seemingly the safest from our future AI overlords.

So here's the tea. Coding boot camps are still a gamble, and the stakes have never been higher. The tech landscape is shifting like tectonic plates before an earthquake. It could stabilize and offer more jobs, or it could get disrupted like newspapers in the age of the internet. Either way, that fast track to a six-figure salary? It's starting to look more like the Oregon Trail—and we all know how that usually ends.

Double Trouble or Double the Fun? How AI Clones Are Revolutionizing the Way You Chat with Your Favorite Celebs

Me4U is the brainchild of fintech pro Keith Smith and Seattle tech veteran Andy Sack. Their mission? To clone your favorite celebs, digitally speaking, so you can engage in personalized, AI-driven text convos about everything under the sun—from travel tips to TikTok trends. Celebs like Alex Lieberman, co-founder of MorningBrew, are signing up because it's not just fans who get to engage; the creators earn revenue based on how chatty their digital twins are.

The tech isn't just sophisticated; it's also carefully curated. Unlike that mental health bot that went rogue last June, these AI clones stick to the script—literally. During the onboarding process, both creators and fans can set permissions for what topics are on the table. Ethical concerns? They're on it. Me4U is fully aware of the debate around AI's potential to foster unrealistic human expectations, and they're committed to keeping things above board.

Cashwise, Me4U has already scooped up $750,000 in angel investments. Their plan? A Netflix-style subscription model that'll set you back $14.99 a month—less than the price of your weekly avocado toast habit. Celebs earn based on engagement, giving them a much-needed break from the ad deal hustle and the relentless grind of content creation.

The AI clone game isn't just a Me4U party. Another startup, Forever Voice, partnered with YouTuber Caryn Marjorie and raked in $71,000 in under two weeks. But while the cash potential is clear, it's worth remembering that these clones are designed to supplement, not replace, real human interaction. Me4U insists their goal is to provide "endless entertainment" while also offering a stepping stone to genuine, in-the-flesh conversations.

So, if you're an influencer drowning in fan engagement or a fan craving more from your idols, Me4U could be a win-win. Just remember, it's still in the "handle with care" phase—enjoy the tech, but don't lose sight of the people behind the pixels.