News/Books
AI reading app Fable forced to disable AI feature for offensive comments
Social reading app Fable has disabled its AI-generated "roasting" feature after users reported receiving offensive comments about their book choices based on authors' race, gender, and other characteristics. The core issue: Fable's end-of-year reading recap feature, inspired by Spotify Wrapped, attempted to use AI to playfully comment on users' reading habits but instead generated inappropriate and discriminatory remarks. Multiple users reported receiving problematic AI-generated messages questioning their choice to read books by minority authors User Tiana Trammell received a message suggesting she read "the occasional white author," after the AI had labeled her a "soulful explorer" of "Black narratives" Other...
read Jan 3, 2025Book app Fable forced to implement new safety measures after offensive AI-generated messages
A popular book-tracking app, Fable, has implemented new safeguards after its AI-powered summary feature generated racially insensitive content for users, including suggesting that a reader of Black literature should "surface for the occasional white author." Initial incident: Fable user Tiana Trammell received an AI-generated summary that made inappropriate comments about her reading choices focused on Black literature. The AI summary implied her reading selections were leaving "mainstream stories gasping for air" and advised her to read white authors Trammell discovered the offensive content in late December 2023 after completing three books by Black authors She shared the concerning summary with...
read Dec 20, 2024Princeton professors’ new book ‘AI Snake Oil’ offers smart perspective on navigating AI
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has sparked intense debate between those heralding its revolutionary potential and others dismissing it as overhyped, prompting two Princeton scholars to offer a more nuanced perspective in their new book "AI Snake Oil." The core argument: Princeton computer science professor Arvind Narayanan and Ph.D. candidate Sayash Kapoor aim to help people distinguish between AI's genuine capabilities and empty promises. Their book "AI Snake Oil" focuses on providing foundational knowledge to separate legitimate AI advances from misleading claims The authors argue that while some AI applications show remarkable progress, many marketed AI products make unfounded...
read Dec 11, 2024Acclaimed author says AI is accelerating the downfall of publishing
The digital age has fundamentally transformed reading habits and book publishing, with recent data showing nearly half of Americans haven't read a book in over a year, as technology and AI continue to reshape how people consume information. Current reading landscape: Recent data from Test Prep Insight's 2024 National Book Survey reveals a concerning trend in American reading habits. 48.5% of survey respondents report not reading any books in over a year Less than one-third of Americans read for recreational purposes Digital distractions are increasingly pulling readers away from books, with people more likely to interrupt reading to check email...
read Dec 9, 2024Kindle Scribe gets an AI upgrade
The Kindle Scribe's first generation model receives significant AI-powered updates that bring many of the newest model's features to existing users, demonstrating Amazon's commitment to supporting older devices through software improvements. Key software updates: Amazon's release of software version 5.17.2 for the first-generation Kindle Scribe introduces powerful AI features that enhance note-taking and document management capabilities. Users can manually update their devices by following instructions on Amazon's website, though Mac users need to first install the Send to Kindle utility The update includes Active Canvas, a feature previously exclusive to the second-generation model The software upgrade is available at no...
read Dec 8, 2024The top 10 AI book summarizers for faster reading in 2025
In an era where knowledge consumption must keep pace with our busy lives, AI-powered book summarization tools are revolutionizing how we absorb and process information, offering readers powerful ways to extract key insights from books in a fraction of the traditional reading time. These ten leading AI book summarizers are reshaping how we approach reading and learning in the digital age. ClickUp Primary strength: Comprehensive document management with AI capabilities Notable features: Meeting and project summarization, collaborative document editing, language translation Best for: Teams needing integrated productivity and summarization tools Caktus AI Specializes in academic content summarization Leverages AI models...
read Nov 19, 2024Kissinger’s final book on AI: Humanity is ‘trying to wield a power it cannot possibly understand’
Core message and context: In "Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit," Kissinger's final work explores how AI technology will reshape human society and scientific discovery. A promotional video features an AI-generated version of Kissinger warning about humanity wielding power beyond its comprehension The collaboration between a renowned diplomat and two tech industry leaders brings together perspectives from both policy and technology domains The timing of the book's release, following Kissinger's death in November 2023, adds particular significance to its messages about humanity's future [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT_S4g5G5N4[/embed] Healthcare and scientific implications: The authors highlight specific sectors where AI could drive transformative...
read Nov 11, 2024AI brings Jerry Garcia’s voice back for audiobook narration
AI technology is enabling new forms of digital resurrection, with the latest example being the recreation of Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia's voice for audiobook and article narration through a partnership between his estate and ElevenLabs. Key development: ElevenLabs has partnered with Jerry Garcia's estate to recreate the late musician's voice using AI technology, making it available through their ElevenReader app. Users can now hear Garcia's AI-generated voice narrate audiobooks, articles, poetry, PDFs and other content The voice model is available in 32 different languages The technology is part of what ElevenLabs calls their "Iconic Listening Experience" Project background and...
read Nov 4, 20242 new books issue fresh warnings about AI ahead of the US election
Technological threats to democracy: As the United States approaches its presidential election on November 5, concerns about technology's potential to disrupt the democratic process, particularly through AI-generated misinformation, are reaching new heights. Two recently published books, "Taming Silicon Valley: How We Can Ensure that AI Works for Us" by Gary Marcus and "The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley" by Marietje Schaake, offer critical perspectives on the increasing influence of technology companies on politics and society. Both authors warn about the outsized power of Silicon Valley and its potential to undermine democratic processes, albeit from different angles....
read Oct 25, 2024Kindle Scribe AI features expand to older e-reader models
Amazon expands AI features across Kindle Scribe models: Amazon has announced that the new generative AI features introduced with the latest Kindle Scribe will also be made available to older models through a software update. The new Kindle Scribe, set to ship on December 4th, will launch with these AI-powered tools pre-installed. Owners of the 2022 Kindle Scribe model can expect to receive these features via a software update later in the year. Enhanced note-taking capabilities: The AI-driven tools are designed to improve the user experience by offering advanced note management and handwriting conversion features. One of the key features...
read Oct 23, 2024To understand AI’s future impact on daily life read these 3 books
The AI revolution in daily life: Three recent books explore the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence and algorithms on human existence, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological shift. "Devil in the Stack: A Code Odyssey" by Andrew Smith delves into the ubiquitous nature of computer code in modern life, with the author learning to code to gain a deeper understanding of the technology. Smith's work highlights how coding abstracts and conceals complexity, raising concerns about AI's ability to write its own inscrutable code. The book advocates for the regulation of AI and algorithms to...
read Oct 21, 2024Google AI expert Ray Kurzweil fast tracks singularity prediction
AI's rapid advancement reshapes future predictions: Ray Kurzweil, a renowned futurist and Google engineer, has updated his timeline for the technological singularity, now forecasting significant AI-driven changes within the next five years. Kurzweil, known for his 2005 book "The Singularity Is Near," originally predicted the technological singularity would occur by 2045. In his upcoming book, "The Singularity is Nearer: When We Merge with AI," Kurzweil revises his projections and explores how AI could biologically transform humans. The technological singularity refers to the hypothetical point when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, potentially triggering an "intelligence explosion." AI's imminent human-level intelligence: Kurzweil...
read Oct 19, 2024Penguin Random House bans AI training on its books
Publishers take a stand on AI training: Penguin Random House, a major book publisher, has introduced new language on copyright pages to explicitly prohibit the use of their books for training artificial intelligence systems. The updated copyright page now states that no part of the book may be used or reproduced "for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems." This change applies to both new releases and reprinted books, signaling a clear stance against unauthorized AI training using their content. Penguin Random House also reserves the work from text and data mining exceptions in accordance with European Union...
read Oct 11, 2024New book examines AI’s impact on risk and reward
AI's transformative impact on human capabilities: Daniela Rus and Gregory Mone's book "The Mind's Mirror" explores how artificial intelligence is enhancing and accelerating various aspects of human potential, from speed and knowledge to creativity and empathy. The authors present AI as primarily an assistive technology, augmenting human abilities rather than replacing them entirely. The book is structured around different "powers" or competencies that AI is influencing, including speed, knowledge, insight, creativity, mastery, and empathy. Accelerating processes and decision-making: AI's ability to dramatically increase the speed of various tasks and processes is highlighted as one of its key benefits across multiple...
read Oct 9, 2024The 12 greatest dangers of AI, according to Gary Marcus
The AI revolution's dark side: Gary Marcus, an AI expert, outlines 12 immediate dangers of artificial intelligence in his new book "Taming Silicon Valley," highlighting the potential risks and societal impacts of this rapidly evolving technology. Marcus identifies automatically generated disinformation and deepfakes as the most pressing short-term concern, particularly in their potential to influence elections and manipulate public opinion. In the long term, Marcus expresses worry about the lack of knowledge on how to create safe and reliable AI systems, which could lead to unforeseen consequences. Economic implications and regulatory needs: The widespread adoption of AI technologies may necessitate...
read Sep 24, 2024New Book Explores AI Hype Cycle, Offers Antidote to Misinformation
Generative AI hype has become pervasive, but a new book aims to cut through the noise with a call for better education and critical analysis of AI claims. The big picture: Princeton researchers Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor have authored "AI Snake Oil," a book that dissects the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and identifies key players contributing to overblown expectations. The authors categorize three main groups responsible for AI hype: companies selling AI products, researchers studying AI, and journalists covering AI developments. By critically examining each group's role, the book seeks to provide a more balanced and realistic view of...
read Sep 17, 2024How to Train Your Brain for Productivity in the AI Era
The AI era demands a new approach to productivity: Neuroscientist Mithu Storoni's book "Hyperefficient" proposes that in the age of artificial intelligence, human efficiency should be measured by the quality of work rather than quantity, emphasizing the need for higher-level thinking and complex problem-solving skills. Brain states and cognitive gears: Storoni identifies three distinct mental states that impact our work efficiency and creativity. The first gear is a slow, hazy state that is ideal for creative thinking and generating new ideas. The second gear represents an optimal focused state, perfect for deep work and concentrated effort. The third gear is...
read Sep 14, 2024Audible’s AI Voice Cloning Initiative is Part of a Larger Trend of AI Integration
Audible's new AI voice cloning program for audiobook narrators marks a significant shift in the audiobook industry, potentially transforming the way audio content is produced and consumed. Revolutionizing audiobook production: Amazon's Audible is launching a trial program that allows narrators to create and monetize AI-generated replicas of their own voices for audiobook narration. The beta program, currently limited to a select group of narrators in the United States, represents a pioneering step in integrating AI technology into the audiobook creation process. Participating narrators will have control over which projects their AI-cloned voices are used for, ensuring a level of autonomy...
read Sep 13, 2024New Book Explores How To Become Irreplaceable In The AI Age
The AI revolution and human irreplaceability: Pascal Bornet's new book, "Irreplaceable: The Art of Standing Out in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," offers a reassuring perspective on thriving in an AI-driven world by emphasizing the importance of human skills and AI literacy. Bornet argues that AI, when approached correctly, can enhance human capabilities and make individuals more valuable in the workplace. The book presents a framework for becoming irreplaceable, focusing on three key competencies: being AI-ready, human-ready, and change-ready. Human-centric approach to AI: Bornet emphasizes that AI should serve humans and not the other way around, highlighting the importance of...
read Sep 10, 2024Gary Marcus’ New Book Explores AI’s Benefits and Risks to Society
AI's dual nature: promise and peril: Gary Marcus' new book, "Taming Silicon Valley," offers a balanced and critical examination of artificial intelligence's potential benefits and risks to society. The book, published by MIT Press, provides a refreshing departure from many AI-focused business books that often downplay or ignore potential dangers. Marcus acknowledges AI's potential to benefit various aspects of human society while also addressing real risks such as job displacement, political manipulation, and environmental impact. Historical context and industry motivations: The book begins with a brief history of AI and examines how tech companies prioritize profit over societal concerns. While...
read Sep 9, 2024Audible Launches Program for Narrators to Create AI-Generated Voices
AI-powered narration comes to Audible: Amazon's Audible is launching a beta program allowing narrators to create AI-generated voice clones, potentially revolutionizing audiobook production while raising questions about the future of human narration. The big picture: Amazon aims to expand its audiobook catalog by enabling faster production through AI technology, while attempting to balance the interests of authors, narrators, publishers, and listeners. The beta program, initially limited to a small group of US-based Audible narrators, will later extend to rights holders such as authors, agents, and publishers. Participants will submit voice recordings to train their AI replicas, retaining control over project...
read Aug 28, 2024New Book ‘AI Mirror’ Asks What It Means To Be Human In The Age of AI
The rise of AI and its impact on humanity: Shannon Vallor's book "The AI Mirror" explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and human cognition, highlighting the limitations of AI and the importance of preserving our human essence. Vallor, a professor in the ethics of data and AI at the University of Edinburgh, uses the metaphor of a mirror to illustrate that AI systems are reflections of human thought and behavior, not true intelligence. The book emphasizes the risk of mistaking computational tools for genuine intelligence, potentially underestimating human complexity and overestimating AI capabilities. AI's limitations and human uniqueness: Vallor...
read Aug 19, 2024Supreme Court Justice Releases New Book on AI’s Potential to Rescue Law
The proliferation of laws in the United States has reached a critical point, creating challenges for citizens and the legal system alike. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch's book "Over Ruled: The Human Toll Of Too Much Law" highlights this issue, prompting discussions about potential solutions, including the use of generative AI in the legal domain. The legal landscape's complexity: The sheer volume and intricacy of laws in the United States have made it increasingly difficult for average citizens to navigate the legal system effectively. The current state of legislation poses significant challenges for individuals trying to understand and comply with...
read Aug 15, 2024How AI Can Enhance Reading Habits in the Digital Age
The evolution of reading habits in the digital age, particularly with the advent of AI, is reshaping how we consume and interact with books and information. This interview with Alex Wieckowski on the "AI & I" podcast explores the intersection of traditional reading practices and emerging AI technologies, offering insights into how readers can adapt and thrive in this new landscape. The enduring appeal of physical books: Despite the proliferation of e-readers and digital content, many readers still prefer the tactile experience and focused attention that physical books provide. Physical books offer a respite from screen time and digital distractions,...
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