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PAYPAL IS BUILDING AN AD NETWORK BASED ON YOUR VENMO DATA

PayPal's new advertising platform will be built on purchase information and customer spending habits from PayPal and its sister app Venmo.

USING A DEV DIARY SEEMS TO BE WORTHWHILE

Keeping a diary is a good way to think out problems and you can also feed the diary to a large language model and ask it questions.

SO MANY FEED READERS, SO MANY BIZARRE BEHAVIORS

Serving 429 responses to RSS clients that hit a feed too often resulted in the uncovering of several bugs and helped some developers improve their software.

YOUTUBE HAS NOW BEGUN SKIPPING VIDEOS ALTOGETHER FOR USERS WITH AD BLOCKERS

YouTube is testing tactics like slowing down video load times, skipping videos, muting videos, and pausing videos to push users towards Premium.

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OPENAI SAFETY BOARD

OpenAI formed a Safety and Security Committee after announcing the training of its new foundation model. This committee will be tasked with issuing recommendations to the board about actions to take as model capabilities continue to improve.

JAN LEIKE JOINS ANTHROPIC

Jan Leike, a former OpenAI researcher who resigned over AI safety concerns, has joined Anthropic to lead a new "superalignment" team focusing on AI safety and security. Leike's team will address scalable oversight, weak-to-strong generalization, and automated alignment research.

NEW AGENT CAPABILITIES IN MICROSOFT COPILOT UNLOCK BUSINESS VALUE

Microsoft unveiled new features for Copilot at Build 2024, including Team Copilot for team collaboration, custom AI Agents to automate workflows, and Copilot Extensions and Connectors for easy customization. These enhancements aim to improve productivity and business process efficiency. The updates are currently in limited private preview, with broader availability expected later in 2024.

GZIP PREDICTS DATA-DEPENDENT SCALING LAWS

Scaling laws are a way to predict how well models will perform at certain sizes with a certain amount of data. They are expensive to obtain. This paper explores using gzip compression ratio as a strong signal to predict a data-dependent scaling law.

SCHEDULE FREE OPTIMIZER

A few weeks ago, a new optimizer from Meta made the rounds as a promising alternative to Adam. This paper outlines the method in more detail, including the online updates portion of the method. In general, it seems like a promising result, especially when the total number of desired training steps is unknown at the beginning of training.

TRANSFORMERS LEARN TO SOLVE COMPLEX ARITHMETIC WITH NEW EMBEDDINGS

Researchers have improved transformer performance on arithmetic tasks by adding embeddings that encode each digit's position relative to the start of the number.

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MARIGOLD DEPTH IN DIFFUSERS

One of the best depth models is now available as a pipeline in diffusers. This tutorial discusses how to use the model, what you can do with it, and a trick to make it work seamlessly with videos by conditioning on the first frame's latents.

REPRODUCING GPT-2 (124M) IN LLM.C IN 90 MINUTES FOR $20

Andrej Karpathy has released an update to LLM C, a single self contained GPT-2 implementation aimed at reproducing the 2019 suite of models. With this most recent update, the library is able to train the smallest of these models in just 90 minutes. It runs end to end and has minimal dependencies.

IMPROVING MAKEUP TRANSFER

Content-Style Decoupled Makeup Transfer (CSD-MT) is a novel method for enhancing makeup transfer tasks without relying on real target images.

DRIVING WORLD MODEL

Vista is a driving world model designed to improve prediction accuracy and action controllability for autonomous driving.

“I LOST TRUST”: WHY THE OPENAI TEAM IN CHARGE OF SAFEGUARDING HUMANITY IMPLODED

Key members of OpenAI's safety team, including leaders of the superalignment team tasked with ensuring AI alignment, have departed partly due to lost faith in CEO Sam Altman. These departures follow internal conflicts and concerns about OpenAI's safety priorities and the company's direction under Altman's leadership. OpenAI is updating its offboarding documents after criticisms regarding potential equity cancellations for those who refuse to sign non-disparagement agreements.

WHAT GPT-4O ILLUSTRATES ABOUT AI REGULATION

This article discusses different approaches to AI regulation, contrasting model-level, use-level, and conduct-level frameworks. It argues that conduct-level regulation, which applies existing laws to new technology without excessive specificity, is preferable to use-level regulation, which could result in impractical restrictions and unnecessary complications for AI deployment. The recent EU AI Act's restrictions on AI's ability to infer emotions is cited as an example of the pitfalls of a use-level approach.

OPENAI SENDS INTERNAL MEMO RELEASING FORMER EMPLOYEES FROM CONTROVERSIAL EXIT AGREEMENTS

OpenAI reversed a policy that would have revoked vested equity from former employees who didn't sign a non-disparagement agreement.

LAVAGUE

An open-source large action model framework for developing AI web agents.

OPERA ADDS GOOGLE'S GEMINI TO ITS BROWSERS

Opera browser has integrated Google's Gemini AI models into its Aria AI extension, providing more up-to-date information and conversational responses.

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designed to support active hydration and a healthy lifestyle.

GNOSIS PAY PARTNERS VISA TO CONNECT WEB3 ECOSYSTEMS WITH TRADITIONAL PAYMENTS

Gnosis Pay has partnered with Visa to connect Safe self-custody smart accounts to Visa debit cards. This card will allow users to spend an onchain account at any merchant that accepts Visa. The feature will be available first in European markets.

EU THREATENS TO REGULATE MEV AS ‘MARKET ABUSE'

A draft of the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations describes MEV as a type of market abuse as it allows a validator to front-run transactions to make a profit. If passed, EU-based crypto organizations would be required to detect and report MEV. Two weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Justice appeared to distinguish between acceptable MEV and market abuse in an indictment over MEV bot fraud.

MAPLE FINANCE UNVEILS SYRUP YIELD PLATFORM

Maple Finance has introduced a new DeFi platform called Syrup that offers a 15% yield on USDC deposits. Maple is also introducing a rewards token called SYRUP that aims to improve yield by supplying additional "Drips" for loyalty. Maple's goal is to merge institutional-grade yields with DeFi to make these yields more accessible.

INTRODUCING THE ENS L2

ENS Labs is proposing expanding to a Layer 2 network and renaming itself ENSv2. This proposal promises to further decentralize and enhance ENS' utility and flexibility beyond Ethereum mainnet's limitations. ENSv2 will reduce gas costs, increase transaction speeds, and introduce a hierarchical registry for .eth names, offering more customization and better multi-chain interoperability.

ZERO KNOWLEDGE VS. OPTIMISTIC ROLLUPS

This discussion explains the evolution of L2 solutions, emphasizing zkSync's approach, which uses zk proofs for scalability and security. It contrasts zkSync's potential with the limitations of optimistic rollups, arguing that zkSync's ability to provide seamless, trustless interactions between different systems makes it superior for scaling horizontally without compromises.

ADVICE FOR BUILDERS SEEKING GRANTS

There are various types of grants, each aiming for a unique objective, and builders should know the difference. Each grant provider has a need they want to fulfill, such as the Ethereum Foundation's focus on public goods or an L2 emphasizing ecosystem growth. When writing the grant, explain the ‘why' behind your need for money, make it easy for the reviewer, showcase value, and get feedback.

MODULAR THESIS COMEBACK

Despite recent negative sentiment, the Celestia ecosystem is gaining renewed momentum, with significant incoming developments including high-profile project launches, the implementation of ZK accounts for secure bridging, and growing adoption among Ethereum and Bitcoin L2s all signaling a strong comeback for the modular thesis.

HIGH FDV IS NOT INHERENTLY BAD

High Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) is criticized in crypto projects when they launch to retail investors at prices significantly higher than those offered in private rounds, often leading to dissatisfaction and sell-offs. CoinList contrasts this by offering retail investors terms comparable to or better than those available to VCs, resulting in lower premiums and potentially more stable post-launch performance, exemplifying a more equitable approach for retail investors in token launches.

MT.GOX MOVES AT LEAST $2.9B IN BITCOIN FOR FIRST TIME IN 5 YEARS

Mt. Gox, a defunct bitcoin exchange, has transferred at least 42,830 BTC valued at approximately $2.9 billion to an unknown address, marking its first asset movement in five years.

GRAYSCALE ETH ETF COULD LOSE ~110M DAILY IN FIRST MONTH

Grayscale's new Ethereum ETF might see large outflows (~$110 million daily in its first month) if its Ethereum ETF mimics its Bitcoin ETF's performance.

AAVE TO LAUNCH OWN BLOCKCHAIN AFTER V4 UPGRADE

Aave Founder Stani Kulechov hinted at the launch of the Aave Network, a new Layer 2, after the launch of Aave V4.

ARGENTINA'S CRYPTO FOUNDERS BAND TOGETHER TO BUILD BLOCKCHAIN VALLEY IN BUENOS AIRES

Argentina's grassroots crypto community, led by prominent local figures, is collaborating to establish a "Blockchain Valley" in Buenos Aires, leveraging President Javier Milei's pro-cryptocurrency stance.

APPLE SECURES PATENT FOR 'DIGITAL STONE' DEVICE: WHAT IS IT

Apple's new patent for a device called "Digital Stone" suggests it could be a versatile remote control compatible with the Vision Pro headset. The small handheld device may feature a touch-sensitive display, built-in microphones, speakers, and location-tracking capabilities. It could be used to control smart home devices, anchor AR/VR experiences, and interact with electronics like headphones and smartphones.

HELPING CREATORS BRING THEIR CREATIVITY TO LIFE WITH TIKTOK STUDIO

TikTok Studio is a new comprehensive platform that provides creators with tools to create, edit, upload, manage, and analyze their TikTok content. It offers features like auto caption, photo editor, autocut, advanced analytics, and monetization opportunities. A beta version is available for download on the Google Play Store and should be available on the Apple App Store over the coming weeks.

APPLE'S DESIGN AWARDS NOMINEES HIGHLIGHT INDIES AND STARTUPS, LARGELY IGNORE AI

Apple's Design Awards finalists emphasize indie apps and startups, mostly ignoring AI except for the app Arc. The focus is on smaller developers with innovative apps like Copilot Money and Procreate Dreams, while more prominent developers are recognized for using Apple technologies. An “Inclusivity” section highlights global diversity with apps like Oko for low-vision users and Tiimo for neurodivergent individuals.

ONLY 30 SECONDS TO REJECT YOUR PORTFOLIO?

Common mistakes designers should avoid making in their UX portfolios include using low-resolution images, making spelling mistakes, writing generic titles, failing to capture readers' attention, failing to establish context, presenting case studies that are too long, using “we” instead of “I,” and using a checklist template instead of telling a story.

THE REASONS WHY YOUR TEAM IS NOT LISTENING TO YOU

A team might not listen to a designer's or researcher's ideas due to perceived managerial incompetence, communication issues, misaligned incentives, and prioritization of other factors over research. New ideas or people can be seen as disruptive and their benefits may not be immediately clear to the team.

HOW ADOBE DESIGN CREATES EXPERIENCES FOR NASCENT TECHNOLOGIES

Adobe Design's MINT team explores new tech platforms, like Apple's Vision Pro, to innovate and disrupt new industries by leveraging Adobe's products when possible. The process involves understanding the technology's possibilities, brainstorming bold ideas, refining them within practical constraints, pitching to leadership, and building prototypes.

FASTER RESEARCH, BETTER PRODUCTS

Ballpark enables rapid, high-quality feedback on product questions, marketing copy, designs, and Figma prototypes.

THE DOCUMENTED COLLECTION OF UI COMPONENTS

UI Playbook is a collection of UI components along with a description of their functionality, best practices, insights on implementation, and examples.

PERSPECTIVE GRID GENERATOR (FIGMA PLUGIN)

This Figma plugin can create perspective grids in seconds, allowing you to customize horizontal and vertical lines and adjust grid angles.

WHAT GPT-4O MEANS FOR DESIGNERS

OpenAI has announced GPT-4o, a new multimodal AI model that accepts and generates text, audio, and image inputs through a single neural network, enhancing efficiency and reducing information loss. GPT-4o offers faster feedback, detects and processes visual cues, and can be used in various design processes, potentially revolutionizing AI's role in design.

DESIGN TOKENS AND VARIABLES

Design tokens and variables link names to specific values but differ in scope and purpose. While variables in programming can hold dynamic values and are specific to certain environments like CSS or Sass, design tokens represent design decisions applied consistently across platforms. This distinction ensures a uniform look and feel, with design tokens acting as a technology-agnostic source of truth, unlike tool-specific variables in Figma or Sketch.