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Tech companies try to take AI image generators mainstream with better protections against misuse

Artificial intelligence tools that can conjure whimsical artwork or realistic-looking images from written commands started wowing the public last year. But most people don't actually use them at work or home.

That could change as leading tech companies are competing to take text-to-image generators mainstream by integrating them into Adobe Photoshop, YouTube and other familiar tools.

But first, they're trying to convince users and regulators that they've tamed some of the Wild West nature of early AI image-generators with stronger safeguards against copyright theft and... Read More

Governors, Biden administration push to quadruple efficient heating, AC units by 2030

A group of 25 state governors that make up the U.S. Climate Alliance and the Biden administration announced a pledge Thursday to quadruple the number of heat pumps in U.S. homes by 2030, from 4.7 million to 20 million.

Heat pumps use little electricity, yet are able to heat and cool buildings. Since they often replace oil or gas furnaces that add greenhouse gases to the air, they can meaningfully address climate change.

Buildings account for more than 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The pledge on heat pumps is a collection of state initiatives to work... Read More

Japan's troubled Toshiba to delist after takeover by Japanese consortium succeeds

TOKYO (AP) — A 2 trillion yen ($14 billion) tender offer for troubled electronics and energy giant Toshiba by a Japanese consortium has been completed, clearing the way for it to be delisted, the company said Thursday.

In the tender offer, announced last month and ended Wednesday, the number of shares purchased exceeded the minimum needed, at 78.65%, it said.

The switch to Toshiba's new parent company and largest shareholder, called TBJH Inc. will take place on Sept. 27. The move still needs shareholders' approval, and a meeting has been set for November, according to... Read More

Pennsylvania state government will prepare to start using AI in its operations

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania state government will prepare to use artificial intelligence in its operations, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said Wednesday, as states are increasingly trying to gauge the impact of AI and how to regulate it.

Shapiro, speaking at a news conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, said his administration is convening an AI governing board, publishing principles on the use of AI and developing training programs for state employees.

Pennsylvanians will expect state government to understand AI, adapt to AI and ensure that it... Read More

This is what it's like to maintain the US nuclear arsenal

KANSAS CITY NATIONAL SECURITY CAMPUS, Mo. (AP) — The U.S. will spend more than $750 billion over the next decade to revamp nearly every part of its aging nuclear defenses. Officials say they simply can't wait any longer — some systems and parts are more than 50 years old.

For now, it's up to young military troops and government technicians across the U.S. to maintain the existing bombs and related components. The jobs are exacting and often require a deft touch. That's because many of the maintenance tasks must be performed by hand.

The Associated Press was granted... Read More

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Tech companies try to take AI image generators mainstream with better protections against misuse

Governors, Biden administration push to quadruple efficient heating, AC units by 2030

Japan's troubled Toshiba to delist after takeover by Japanese consortium succeeds

Pennsylvania state government will prepare to start using AI in its operations

This is what it's like to maintain the US nuclear arsenal

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