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IDEOGRAM 2.0

Ideogram has launched a new model which has superior text rendering and image generation capabilities.

INTRODUCING ZED

Zed AI is a hosted service that integrates AI-powered coding into the Zed text editor, letting developers use LLMs while maintaining full control over their code. Zed has partnered with Anthropic to allow fast editing with Claude.

NVIDIA'S AI NPCS WILL DEBUT IN A MULTIPLAYER MECH BATTLE GAME NEXT YEAR

Nvidia's AI system ACE will power in-game character interactions in Mecha Break, a mech battle game launching in 2025. It uses GPT-4o and a mix of on-device and cloud-based AI for natural language processing and vocal generation. Initial demonstrations reveal lackluster NPC engagement, with concerns over response delays and uninspiring dialogue.

TRANSFUSION

Amazing new model from Meta that does both next token prediction and diffusion on interleaved text and images. It matches benchmark performance on text and images with previous generation models like Dalle 2 and Llama 2.

TO CODE OR NOT TO CODE

It is an industry secret that pretraining models on code helps them generalize in other tasks that require reasoning. This paper from Cohere thoroughly studies that problem and confirms that code is broadly useful as a building block of reasoning.

10X-70X SPEEDUP IN OPTICAL FLOW ESTIMATION

This paper introduces a new optical flow estimation method that achieves high accuracy while significantly reducing computational costs.

TORCHPRUNING

Repository of state-of-the-art methods for pruning language models that is well maintained with many supported algorithms.

MISINFORMATION DETECTION

Researchers have introduced a new approach to detecting visual misinformation that focuses on the original meta-context of images, a crucial aspect often overlooked in automated methods.

PATHOLOGY IMAGE UNDERSTANDING

PA-LLaVA is a domain-specific language-vision assistant designed for pathology image analysis.

PHI 3.5 FAMILY

An in-depth read into the new Phi 3.5 models recently launched by Microsoft, including the MoE and vision model.

THE TOP 100 GEN AI CONSUMER APPS - 3RD EDITION

Andreessen Horowitz's latest consumer AI report ranks the top 100 generative AI apps, dividing them into the top 50 AI web products and the top 50 AI mobile apps based on consumer patterns of engagement. The report provides detailed insights into emerging categories, new industry challengers, and trends.

THESE 'LIVING COMPUTERS' ARE MADE FROM HUMAN NEURONS AND YOU CAN RENT ONE FOR $500 A MONTH

FinalSpark's "Neuroplatform" integrates human-brain organoids into computing, offering a rentable biocomputing platform aimed at reducing AI's energy usage. Challenges include standardizing production and extending organoid lifespan beyond 100 days. Alternatives like cellular computing and fungal networks are also explored for tasks beyond silicon-based systems' capabilities.

SEVEN BASIC RULES FOR CAUSAL INFERENCE

This detailed blog post presents seven fundamental rules of causal inference that encompass the relationship between causal mechanisms and observed correlations, explained via causal graphs, logic terms, and R code simulations.

MARKOV CHAINS ARE FUNNIER THAN LLMS

This article discusses the predictability of LLMs and their limitations in creating humor, arguing that while LLMs excel in generating contextually appropriate text, their predictive nature makes them ill-suited for comedic writing, which relies on unexpectedness.

AI AT WORK IS HERE. NOW COMES THE HARD PART

Global use of generative AI has nearly doubled in the past six months, with 75% of knowledge workers now utilizing it.

VP KAMALA HARRIS TO 'SUPPORT POLICIES' TO HELP DIGITAL ASSETS GROW, SENIOR CAMPAIGN ADVISER SAYS: BLOOMBERG

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to support policies that promote the growth of the digital asset industry, according to her senior campaign adviser, Brian Nelson. This comes as the crypto sector pushes for more stable regulations, highlighting the importance of clear rules in the industry.

BINANCE HIRING 1,000 AS COMPLIANCE SPENDING TOPS US$200 MILLION

Binance plans to hire 1,000 new employees this year, with a focus on compliance roles, as its spending on regulatory oversight exceeds $200 million. CEO Richard Teng has highlighted the company's commitment to regulatory cooperation amid ongoing legal challenges, including a $4.3 billion penalty under a U.S. plea deal.

NEW BINANCE CEO SEES NO NEED FOR IPO AS HE PLOTS 100-YEAR STRATEGY FOR CRYPTO EXCHANGE

Richard Teng, who replaced Changpeng Zhao as Binance's CEO, stated that the exchange is not considering an IPO due to its strong financial position. Teng emphasized that Zhao is no longer involved in company operations, though co-founder Yi He is still active in management. Binance is transforming into a board-led organization, seeking a permanent HQ, and improving relationships with regulators to ensure stability.

AAVE LAUNCHES ON ERA MAINNET POWERED BY ZKSYNC

Aave has launched its V3 protocol, powered by ZKsync's zero-knowledge technology, on the Era Mainnet, enhancing transaction efficiency, security, and scalability within the DeFi space. This integration is expected to broaden Aave's user base, attract institutional investors, and support privacy-focused DeFi applications.

MECHAN-STEIN: HOW COMBINING EXISTING PROPOSALS LEADS TO DIFFERENT OUTCOMES

Ethereum block design has three goals: encouraging builder competition, limiting validator sophistication value, and preserving block space neutrality. Mechan-stein combines elements from enshrined PBS & MEV-burn, execution auctions, and FOCIL (Fork-Choice Enforced Inclusion Lists) to achieve all of the desired goals. However, this achievement comes at the cost of significant complexity and further research issues.

THE PURPOSE BUILT L1 THESIS

Story Protocol evolved from a single IP franchise concept to a purpose-built L1 designed to address IP management and composability issues. Existing blockchains couldn't efficiently handle the complex graph structure of IP relationships and royalty distributions. Story's L! aims to enable novel applications like one-click IP licensing, creator-owned AI models, and IP tokenization. Purpose-built L1s solving specific problems, as opposed to general-purpose chains, will thrive in the future.

THE MAGIC BEHIND ALLIANCEDAO

AllianceDAO's success lies in the principle of "mutual honesty" between mentors and founders, fostering an environment where candid feedback is valued over politeness. This approach ensures that founders receive the tough but necessary guidance to avoid costly mistakes, while also providing a safe space to discuss their deepest challenges — something that's crucial for their mental well-being and long-term success.

THE LIQUIDITY LAYER OF SOLANA - KAMINO

Kamino offers automated liquidity vaults, leveraged exposure, borrowing and lending, and long/short trading. With $1.7B in TVL and over 30% of the Solana TVL market share, Kamino has shown strong growth and staying power, further evidenced by its partnership with PayPal. While currently trading at multiples similar to mature lending protocols, Kamino's rapid growth and ambitious roadmap suggest significant upside potential, though risks such as smart contract vulnerabilities, competitors, and regulatory issues remain.

CRYPTO CONSUMER APPS

There's a prevailing belief among founders and investors that the most intriguing crypto consumer apps are those centered around speculation, like token launchpads and prediction markets. However, the next wave of viral consumer apps will more likely capitalize on crypto's strengths—irreversible payments, cross-border transactions, and micropayments—to create experiences that traditional payment systems can't offer.

UNDERSTANDING ETHEREUM'S PECTRA UPGRADE

The Ethereum Pectra upgrade, expected in Q1 2025, combines the Prague and Electra updates to enhance the network's efficiency, security, and user experience. Key features include Account Abstraction, which empowers EOAs with smart contract capabilities, and increased staking limits, all aimed at making Ethereum more user- and developer-friendly.

MCDONALD'S INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT HACKED

The McDonald's Instagram account was recently hacked and used to promote a scam involving a Solana-based token, which quickly led to a rug pull.

A NEGATIVE CORRELATION BETWEEN SIZE OF INITIAL FUNDRAISE AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS

Early-stage startups with smaller initial raises tend to achieve more long-term success than those raising $10M+ before finding product-market fit.

THE ALPHA CHALLENGE LAUNCHED

Wintermute has launched "The Alpha Challenge," a two-week competition designed to test the on-chain analysis skills of the crypto community and identify top talent for potential hiring.

EIGENLAYER IS FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

EigenLayer is a form of financial engineering that is beneficial for risk transfer but requires a thriving underlying economy to be effective.

ON MEMES, MEMECOINS, AND HOW INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION ON THE INTERNET IS CHANGING

The nature of memes and internet culture has shifted over the past decade from widely-shared, long-lasting memes to fragmented, ephemeral content due to personalized algorithms creating subgroups.

KIT KAT GOT A BULKY NEW LOGO THAT LOOKS A LOT MORE LIKE AN ACTUAL KIT KAT

Kit Kat's new U.S. logo, designed by Sterling Brands, features bulkier, straighter letters with a dark drop shadow that exude an energetic and clean aesthetic, much like a loud snap. The rebrand aims to enhance the brand's iconic 'break' while maintaining the familiar shape and size of the packaging, offering a cleaner and somewhat retro look. This redesign comes as Hershey seeks to boost candy sales amidst consumer cutbacks on discretionary spending.

MOZILLA'S LATEST LOGO MAY BE A PREHISTORIC THROWBACK

Mozilla's latest logo features a design that seems to resemble a dinosaur, potentially a nod to its old mascot. The update to the "Moz://a" logo was shared in a blog post, and a new symbol with an eye-like dot was found in some Github code commits, hinting at a possible flag representation. Initially designed by Shepard Fairey and retired in 2012, the original red dinosaur logo seems to have inspired this new homage.

CANVA STEPS UP TO CHALLENGE ADOBE WITH AI ACQUISITION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Canva is ramping up its ambitions in the AI design space with strategic moves, including acquiring Leonardo.Ai and partnering with Getty Images. The addition of Leonardo.Ai's generative models boosts Canva's AI capabilities, while Getty Images' vast library provides users access to millions of premium visuals. These strides challenge Adobe's dominance by enhancing Canvas offerings and expanding its user base, particularly among professionals and businesses.

THE ROLE OF SMARTPHONES IN CONTEMPORARY LIFE FEELS INCREASINGLY STUPID

Smartphones have many design flaws, cause environmental damage, and there are humanitarian issues in their production. Despite their growing power, they foster addiction and harm relationships. Initiatives like the Light Phone and Fairphone offer hope for more ethical, user-controlled technology, prompting a call for greater oversight.

WE'RE IN THE "DISCORD BOT" ERA OF DESIGN

The current "Discord bot" era of design with AI faces challenges but offers opportunities. Issues include AI targeting the "blank canvas problem" and the limitations of natural language for visual ideas. Opportunities lie in enhancing iteration and using screenshots as inputs, enabling AI to refine designs and create compelling visual languages.

FROM MINIMAL TO MEANINGFUL

Material Design's evolution over the past decade highlights a shift from minimalism to emotional resonance. The journey involved breaking traditional design rules, prioritizing feelings over function, and embracing collaboration over rigid consistency. This approach has led to more personalized, engaging digital experiences, shaping a compelling future for design systems.

DESIGN SYSTEM ORGANIZER (FIGMA PLUGIN)

Copy styles and variables between files, perform selective swap libraries by selection/page/document, and manage Components, Styles, and Variables in one place.

1500+ FREE HTML TEMPLATES

HTMLRev features over 1,500 free HTML templates for websites, landing pages, blogs, portfolios, e-commerce, and admin dashboards.

TURN TEXT PROMPTS AND IMAGES INTO BEAUTIFUL INTERFACES

WHY THE DNC IS STILL USING A LOGO DESIGNED FOR JOE BIDEN

The DNC logo, which features the three wavy red lines from Biden's campaign, symbolizes party unity and fits into the larger Democratic brand. Unlike the Republican National Convention's uniform design, the DNC uses various fonts for different messages. Kamala Harris' campaign has a newer, less established logo.

SIMPLICITY IN UX DESIGN: ELIMINATE THE UNNECESSARY

Overcomplicating designs with excessive features can overwhelm users and detract from their experience. The key to creating effective simplicity is understanding user needs, focusing on essential features, and avoiding unnecessary complexity. Simplifying UX design by removing unnecessary elements ultimately enhances user satisfaction and improves the overall effectiveness and usability of the product.

UNVEILING INSPIRING UI DESIGN EXAMPLES AND INSIGHTS

User Interface (UI) design is the art of crafting digital experiences that blend aesthetics with functionality, creating seamless and enjoyable interactions. This article explores exemplary UI design websites, showcasing how thoughtful design elevates user satisfaction. These examples illustrate the profound impact of well-crafted UI design, whether through Apple's minimalist elegance or Slack's user-friendly interface.

2024 WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS MADE WITH IPHONE

IPPA's winning photos and runners-up in each category of photos taken with an iPhone.

REMSEN REFRAMES AGEING THROUGH DESIGN. ‘AS YOU AGE, YOU SHOULD WANT THE THINGS YOU NEED'

Remsen, founded by architects Sam Zeif and Spencer Fried, reimagines "geriatric products" as elegant luxury home goods, blending functionality with beauty to enhance the lives of older adults.

NINTENDO MUSEUM TO OPEN IN KYOTO WITH EIGHT INTERACTIVE GAME EXPERIENCES

A museum dedicated to Nintendo's history will open in Kyoto on October 2.

YOUTUBE TAKES ON TIKTOK SHOP WITH EXPANDED SHOPIFY PARTNERSHIP

YouTube has enhanced its partnership with Shopify in response to TikTok's rapid growth in U.S. e-commerce, enabling creators to access a much wider range of brands through its Shopping affiliate program. This expansion is part of YouTube's broader strategy to increase revenue from e-commerce as digital advertising slows, with new tools like a Chrome extension making it easier for creators to incorporate products into their content. By boosting the number of brands available and streamlining the shopping experience, YouTube aims to solidify its position against competitors like TikTok Shop.

MARKETERS' AD SPEND TO GROW IN H2 LED BY SOCIAL MEDIA AND DISPLAY

The sense of optimism felt by the ad industry in the first half of 2024 is expected to endure, with a significant number of advertisers midway through the year reporting that they again plan to maintain or increase their spending in every channel. 56% of marketers listed connected TV (CTV) and streaming as the most critical consumer technology and media trend, followed by generative artificial intelligence (AI) at 55%. Meanwhile, the amount of time spent streaming increased by more than 40% in June, marking its largest share of TV usage ever recorded.

AIRBNB'S 2024 CAMPAIGN IS A POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF HOW GREAT MARKETING IS JUST POSITIONING MADE VISIBLE

In order to build value propositions that really resonate with your target customer segments, you need to understand what they are doing today (and why that method sucks). Airbnb's series of 8 commercials explain when and why it's the better choice for a particular group of people, for a particular subset of trips. This post includes a brief teardown of positioning and messaging for each of the 8 Airbnb commercials.

USER TESTING: THE TECHNIQUES WE USE TO MAKE MILLIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS

User testing is by far the fastest and most effective way to find the issues that limit website conversion rates and revenue. There are five levels of user testing to consider: testing on yourself, testing on someone with fresh eyes, testing with qualified users, testing with prospects who are on your website right now, and testing competitor websites alongside your own. Common issues found from these methods include users making “stupid” mistakes, users not trusting you (or believing your claims), or users hitting a sticking point and stalling (or leaving).