From GPT-4 to Microsoft 365 Copilot, this week’s generative AI developments summarised

GPT-4 can generate captions, classifications, and analyses. It is also capable of handling 25,000 words of text, meaning it can now analyse lengthy documents and hold extended conversations.

Google introduces generative AI features on Workspace apps

Google has announced a host of new AI-powered features on its Workspace apps, including Google Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Slides. The company says Workspace users will harness the power of generative AI to “create, connect, and collaborate like never before.” In Google Docs, users will be able to use ChatGPT-like technology to generate, summarise, and brainstorm text. Meanwhile, in Gmail, users will be able to generate email drafts and see summaries for lengthy email threads. In Slides, users will be able to use Dall-E-like technology to generate images.

Google unveils PaLM API and MakerSuite

Alongside AI features for workspace apps, Google also unveiled PaLM API and MakerSuite. PaLM is an AI model developed by Google and announced in April 2020. It stands for Pathways Language Model and has 540 billion parameters. Google claimed that PaLM achieved remarkable results on many challenging tasks. Like GPT or LaMDA, PaLM can create and modify text and is trained to be a chatbot. It can also do tasks like summarising or coding, similar to the new generative AI features for Workspace Apps such as Gmail and Docs.

Google has now released an API for PaLM to compete with OpenAI’s GPT 4 and new AI tools for business users. Google says PaLM will enable businesses to produce text, images, code, videos, audio and more using natural language commands. Google has also launched a new tool called MakerSuite that helps developers to experiment with ideas quickly and plans to add features for ‘prompt engineering, synthetic data generation and custom-model tuning.’

Microsoft 365 Copilot announced for Office apps

Microsoft announced Microsoft 365 Copilot, a generative AI-powered workspace productivity tool, at its ‘Future of Work’ event on Thursday. Copilot leverages Large Language Models, Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 apps to deliver optimal solutions for individual and business needs.

Microsoft says that the new Copilot will enable users to unleash their creativity, boost their productivity and “uplevel” their skills. “Rediscover the joy of creation by removing the drudgery from daily tasks at work with a powerful Copilot,” said CEO Satya Nadella about the product.

Microsoft 365 Copilot will be integrated into productivity apps and will assist millions of users who depend on applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, etc., to perform their everyday tasks at work.

Twitter rival Koo integrates ChatGPT to help users create content

Indian microblogging platform Koo has integrated ChatGPT to help users create posts more easily. Users will be able to use ChatGPT directly within the app to help them draft posts about current events. Company co-founder Mayank Bidawatka claimed in an interview with Reuters that with this addition, Koo will become the first platform to integrate technology that will allow users to create posts.

Chinese search engine Baidu unveils ERNIE bot

Baidu unveiled the ERNIE bot on Thursday, which it says is a generative AI product based on a new-generation language model. The bot uses Baidu’s own models – Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration (ERNIE) and Pre-trained Dialogue Generation Model (PLATO). It has grown from a natural language model to a multi-modal platform with cross-task and cross-industry abilities since its launch in 2019. The bot can handle scenarios such as creative writing, math calculation, business communication, Chinese language understanding and multi-modal generation. Baidu claims it can understand human intentions and produce fluent and human-like responses.

Grammarly to soon roll out AI-powered writing assistant called GrammarlyGo

If you are a writer then chances are you’ve heard about Grammarly, if not used it. Grammarly is one of the most popular writing assistants that can help you fix grammar, spelling mistakes, and punctuation. The tool is now set to get enhanced with a new “contextually aware assistant powered by generative AI” called GrammarlyGo, which will be able to write from scratch or help revise existing text in an email or a document. GrammarlyGo will also identify your writing style, letting users set preferred tones and professional roles.

LinkedIn rolls out AI tools to help make your profile more attractive

LinkedIn has announced new AI writing tools that will help users improve their profiles and employers write better job descriptions. Personalised writing suggestions powered by AI will help users craft better About and Headline sections on their profiles, while companies will be able to provide basic information like job titles and company names to generate job descriptions. Outputs can be edited and reviewed before being used.

Microsoft brings Bing AI features to Edge sidebar

Microsoft last month unveiled the new AI-powered Bing, also announcing that it will be updating Edge with AI features like Chat and Compose integrated into a sidebar on the right. These features are now available on the latest version of Microsoft Edge. If you are on it, you’ll see a new Bing icon on the top right of the screen.