New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.
I have appeared in two new articles this month:
Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”
A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space“
I invested in startup Knightscope in 2019. They make Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs). They use a unique combination of self-driving technology, robotics, artificial intelligence (A.I.) and electric “vehicles” to provide humans with extra eyes, ears and a voice on the ground. They can be in multiple locations at the same time, helping you protect the places people live, work, study and visit. I have been bullish about them from the get go. Last year they went public (too early in my opinion). The listing price of KSCP was $18 at launch, and then it proceeded to 36 cents. An analyst today issued an outlook of the stock to rise to $4. As I write this, they are up 6.5% to 65 cents. I remain bullish for a number of reasons, but who knows? As always, remember most startups fail. Never invest in a startup unless you are prepared to lose every penny you invest.
It’s been a busy week in the world of AI with several exciting developments and news across various domains. Here’s a glimpse into some of the top headlines:
1. OpenAI’s GPT Store launches: After delays, OpenAI’s GPT Store is finally live, allowing users to purchase pre-trained models of their powerful GPT-3 language model for specific tasks like writing different kinds of creative content, translation, and coding. This offers more accessible and tailored applications of GPT-3 technology.
2. MyShell releases OpenVoice voice cloning AI: MyShell introduces OpenVoice, an AI tool that can clone and synthesize human voices with high fidelity. While raising ethical concerns about potential misuse, this technology holds promise for applications like creating realistic dialogue for chatbots, video games, and accessibility tools.
3. AI & Big Data Expo: The AI & Big Data Expo in Dubai focuses on maximizing value from real-time data streams, showcasing advancements in AI-powered analytics and data utilization for various industries.
4. Google Cloud announces Imagen 2: Google Cloud introduces Imagen 2, an upgrade to its text-to-image generation capabilities. This new model allows users to create higher-resolution and more photorealistic images, expanding the potential for creative applications.
AI is a rapidly changing and evolving field. It is very difficult to stay informed about the latest developments in AI in order to make informed decisions about how to use AI to your advantage. I hope these weekly snippets provides some highlights of what is going on.
Bitcoin continues to trade between $41,000 and $44,000. Tremendous gain for the year at about 160%.
It’s been a relatively quiet week in the Bitcoin world compared to the buzzing AI scene, but there are still some interesting developments to note:
1. Bitcoin halving approaches: The next Bitcoin halving, when the block reward for miners is cut in half, is now less than three months away, expected to occur around April 6th, 2024. This event typically leads to increased price volatility in the weeks leading up to and after the halving, as the reduced supply triggers potential buying pressure.
2. Regulatory discussions: The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is still considering various proposals for Bitcoin ETFs, with no definite timeline for approval. This regulatory uncertainty continues to influence investor sentiment, with some seeing potential for renewed enthusiasm with ETF approval, while others remain cautious.
3. Bitcoin dominance drops: Bitcoin’s market dominance, representing its share of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization, has dipped slightly this week as certain altcoins like Ethereum and Avalanche experience price gains. While Bitcoin remains the leading cryptocurrency, this shift highlights the diversification within the digital asset space.
More and more people are viewing Bitcoin as a “store of value” like gold. Institutional investors will likely decide to hold some small percentage of Bitcoin in their various portfolios. If the SEC finds a way to shoot ETFs down again then I don’t know what will happen. There are other technical factors which can support continued price growth. My opinion, but not my recommendation to buy.
Stocks pulled back this week, but finished in the green today. The more significant retreat of NASDAQ is good from my point of view. A breather. Nothing goes straight up forever.
I don’t think I add much with my Wall Street comments. I suggest a click on MarketWatch will do a much better job.
Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups.
On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.
On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better.
On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.
On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.
On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.
On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.
There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.