What you need to know
- MIcrosoft has forged a partnership with OpenAI.
- The partnership includes a $1 billion investment from Microsoft and OpenAI migrating to Azure.
- Both companies will work together to create artificial general intelligence.
Microsoft forged a new partnership with OpenAI including a $1 billion investment. The companies will work together to create artificial general intelligence (AGI). OpenAI will use Microsoft Azure as its exclusive cloud provider, and both companies will develop new Azure AI supercomputing technologies together.
In contrast to traditional AI systems that involve large amounts of manual engineering for specific tasks, AGI is being developed to "[master] a field of study to the world-expert level" according to Microsoft's post announcing the partnership. AGI can detect connections between different topics and disciplines.
In the official press release announcing the news, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, stated
"Our mission is to ensure that AGI technology benefits all of humanity, and we're working with Microsoft to build the supercomputing foundation on which we'll build AGI. We believe it's crucial that AGI is deployed safely and securely and that its economic benefits are widely distributed. We are excited about how deeply Microsoft shares this vision."
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella added "AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time and has the potential to help solve many of our world's most pressing challenges."
The partnership shows Microsoft's continued investment into cloud technologies and brings another large client to Microsoft Azure.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
