158 | 🥸 🦎 I “Deep Faked” Myself

In today’s Brainyacts:

1. Microsoft’s AI key - a competitive threat?

2. I deep faked myself

3. A Google Bard paid version and more AI model news

4. Liberty Mutual’s legal team AI effort and other related content

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To read previous editions, click here.

Lead Memo

🔗😌 The New Frontier of Competition: Microsoft’s AI Keyboard Move

Microsoft’s recent announcement marks a significant milestone in AI and BigTech competition.

The tech giant plans to integrate a dedicated button on future PC keyboards for its AI co-pilot tool, a move reminiscent of the infamous browser wars of the late 1990s. This integration raises an intriguing question: Are we witnessing the onset of a new era of anti-competitive behavior in the realm of artificial intelligence?

Microsoft’s decision is not merely a technological advancement; it is a statement of market dominance and strategic positioning. By embedding their AI tool directly into the hardware, Microsoft potentially guides, if not dictates, the user’s choice of AI assistance. This move, while innovative, echoes the concerns raised during the Internet Explorer saga, where Microsoft’s integration of its browser into the Windows operating system led to significant legal and competitive scrutiny.

However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to consider the broader context. Generative AI is rapidly becoming a ubiquitous tool in various sectors, including law. Its integration into everyday workflows is inevitable and, in many cases, beneficial. The ease of access provided by a dedicated keyboard button could enhance productivity and streamline tasks, a boon for any legal professional juggling multiple responsibilities.

Yet, the question remains: does this ease of access come at the cost of competitive fairness? By placing their tool at the fingertips of every user, Microsoft may inadvertently (or perhaps intentionally) set a precedent that favors its own technology over others. This scenario could limit exposure to diverse AI tools and technologies, potentially stifling innovation and fair competition.

It’s crucial to recognize the fine line between innovation and domination. The key lies in ensuring that advancements in technology, particularly those as influential as generative AI, are nurtured in a competitive, diverse, and fair environment. Microsoft’s latest move, while a leap forward in AI integration, also serves as a reminder of our responsibility to vigilantly monitor the balance between technological progress and competitive equity.

For more on this hardware development,

Microsoft’s new Copilot key is the first big change to Windows keyboards in 30 years.

• The first PCs with the dedicated key will be announced at CES, with more coming by the spring from Microsoft and other PC brands. By the end of the year, the Copilot key should be ubiquitous on new PCs.

• Pressing the new button will launch the Windows Copilot, which uses natural language input to allow people to modify computer settings, launch apps and perform other computing tasks.

• For those that don't have Windows Copilot enabled, pressing the key will take users to Windows search.

Spotlight

🥸 🦎 I “Deep Faked” Myself

As you know, I've been exploring the fascinating yet perplexing world of deepfake technology, especially its implications for the legal profession and the judiciary. The challenge they face is monumental: how to authenticate evidence in an era where generative AI technology can create nearly indistinguishable fake photos, videos, and audio.

To bring this point home and add a bit of fun, I've conducted an experiment. Below, you'll find a deepfake video of me. Yes, that's right – it's 100% AI-generated. The words, the actions, none of it is real; I never said or did any of this. This creation is a testament to how quickly this technology is evolving.

Admittedly, it's not perfect. With more time and a bit more investment, I could have polished it to near seamlessness. But as it stands, it serves as a striking example of what's currently possible.

Take a look and let me know your thoughts. Are you unnerved by its realism, or do you find it fascinatingly cool? Your feedback is invaluable as we navigate these uncharted waters of AI-generated realities.

AI Model Notables

► Google appears to be working on an ‘advanced’ version of Bard that you have to pay for

► Legal tech firm Robin AI raises $26 Million

► Samsung to announce new phones ‘powered by AI’ on Jan. 17

► OpenAI GPT Store launching next week

► Apple’s Siri set for major upgrade at WWDC, rumors suggest

News You Can Use:

➭ How Liberty Mutual’s legal team is approaching AI

➭ More than 400 BBVA employees enter generative AI in-house competition

➭ What are Google, Apple, OpenAI, and Microsoft doing with AI hardware

➭ AI watermarking won't curb disinformation

➭ Intel spins off enterprise generative AI deployment firm Articul8

➭ Forrester identifies biggest barriers to generative AI success

Who is the author, Josh Kubicki?

Some of you know me. Others do not. Here is a short intro. I am a lawyer, entrepreneur, and teacher. I have transformed legal practices and built multi-million dollar businesses. Not a theorist, I am an applied researcher and former Chief Strategy Officer, recognized by Fast Company and Bloomberg Law for my unique work. Through this newsletter, I offer you pragmatic insights into leveraging AI to inform and improve your daily life in legal services.