Bhashini Aims to Include 121 Indian Languages in Digital Services
India’s push for digital services has sparked an ambitious initiative called Bhashini, which aims to incorporate all 121 Indian languages into its digital platforms. This AI-driven endeavor seeks to bridge the language gap and provide essential information to millions of people who currently lack access to it. While AI has made strides in supporting languages like English, the majority of Indian languages remain underrepresented.
In an effort to address this issue, Microsoft Research India’s Kalika Bali proposes leveraging layered models built on existing AI giants such as ChatGPT to expedite the collection of language data. Villagers in Karnataka have already contributed by recording Kannada phrases for an AI-based Tuberculosis chatbot. Local firm Karya also plays a crucial role in gathering speech data from speakers of diverse languages, supporting companies like Microsoft and Google.
To accelerate progress, the government’s Bhashini initiative fosters open-source datasets in local languages. By tapping into crowdsourcing, Bhashini encourages contributions from the public, ultimately powering tools in education and legal domains. However, challenges persist due to the oral traditions in some languages and the scarcity of resources for certain linguistic communities.
In a separate development, IBM and Meta have joined forces with over 50 tech leaders to establish the AI Alliance. This collaborative effort aims to promote ethical and safe development practices in AI globally. The alliance seeks to establish standards, tools, and a trusted toolkit, fostering innovation while prioritizing integrity, safety, and competitiveness.
Participants such as AMD, CERN, and Cornell University have joined this alliance, committing to responsible AI utilization. Meta’s Nick Clegg emphasizes the importance of sharing tools for progress, while Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, highlights the significance of transparency in maximizing the positive impact of responsible AI.
Sony is set to revolutionize gaming with its next-gen DualSense controller. According to a patent, the controller may feature an AI-driven display that assists players during challenging game segments. This innovation utilizes advanced machine learning and AI integration to provide optimal button prompts on the controller’s touchpad display, enabling players to navigate difficult boss fights, puzzles, and tricky game sections. Illuminated buttons further enhance the guidance offered by the controller, benefitting gamers of all skill levels and individuals with specific disabilities by improving accessibility.
Elon Musk’s AI venture, X.AI, is seeking to raise $1 billion in funding for its expansion. X.AI, known for its pursuit of deciphering the universe’s essence, has already secured $135 million from four investors. Their latest creation, Grok, a chatbot inspired by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, aims to provide real-time internet knowledge with a touch of humor and rebellion, challenging AI giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard.
As one of Musk’s ventures alongside Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and more, X.AI plans to use the funding to acquire high-quality graphics processing units (GPUs) to support large language models. With a team comprised of talent from DeepMind, OpenAI, and Google, X.AI is positioned as a major player in the AI landscape.
Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, expresses confidence in the safety of AI amidst recent industry events. Acknowledging the importance of responsible development, Huang highlights the need for global cooperation to establish regulations, methodologies, and oversight. As a leading provider of GPUs for AI, Nvidia’s market value is propelled by its pivotal role in the industry.
However, tensions between the United States and China, reflected in export restrictions, could impact Nvidia’s sales. Huang acknowledges Nvidia’s significance in China’s AI market while affirming compliance with US regulations. The company’s global supply chain underscores the strategic importance of AI, with Huang hinting at partnerships with Singapore to foster broader societal integration of AI worldwide.
The rapid progress made in AI and its integration into various sectors holds immense potential for transforming the way we communicate, play, learn, and conduct business. Initiatives like Bhashini and the AI Alliance aim to ensure that this transformation is driven by responsible and inclusive practices. As companies like Sony and X.AI continue to innovate with AI-driven solutions, the gaming and knowledge sectors are poised to become more accessible and engaging. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s commitment to safety and collaboration sets an industry standard, reaffirming the importance of ethical development and global cooperation in the AI landscape.
