AI Radar: Alexa+ Arrives with a Bang, AI Revolutionizes Science, and Nvidia Continues to Rise

The advancement of artificial intelligence continues apace, and the past 24 hours have brought some news that deserve our attention. From Alexa’s first major redesign in a decade to revolutionary medical solutions and sophisticated fraud, the AI landscape continues to bring both opportunities and challenges.

Amazon Reinvents Alexa with Generative AI

Amazon has just announced the biggest overhaul of its voice assistant since its launch in 2014. The new Alexa+ incorporates generative AI technologies to offer a much more conversational and contextual experience.

According to Panos Panay, Amazon's head of devices and services, "Alexa knows almost every aspect of your life, your schedule, your smart home, your preferences, the devices you're using, the people you're connecting with, the entertainment you love, and powers many of the apps you use, many of the services you need."

The service will be free for Amazon Prime members, while it will cost $19.99 per month for non-subscribers, with gradual availability starting in March. Among the features demonstrated, the new Alexa will be able to store customer preferences (such as family dietary restrictions) and connect to other Amazon products, such as Ring doorbells.

This move is crucial for the company, which has invested billions in Alexa over the years without seeing the expected monetization. Amazon has approximately 500 million Alexa-enabled devices in the hands of consumers, and with usage eroding due to a lack of significant innovation, this update could represent a huge business opportunity.

It's interesting to note that this Alexa revamp is the result of a strategic partnership with AI startup Anthropic, showing how large companies are seeking collaborations to remain competitive in the fast-paced AI market.

AI Solves Scientific Problem That Took a Decade in Two Days

If there were any doubts about the potential of AI in scientific research, a recent case should dispel any skepticism. An artificial intelligence tool called 'co-scientist', developed by Google, managed to solve in just 48 hours a complex problem related to superbug resistance to antibiotics - a question that researchers at Imperial College London had been trying to decipher for nearly a decade.

Professor José R. Penadés told the BBC that he was shocked by the result, especially since his research had not yet been published and therefore could not be in the public domain for training the AI. Even more impressive: in addition to reaching the same main conclusion as the scientists, the tool proposed four other plausible hypotheses, including one that the research team had not even considered.

In my work with startups, I’ve seen how AI is dramatically accelerating research and development processes that were previously extremely time-consuming. This case study perfectly illustrates how we are entering a new era of science, where collaboration between humans and AI systems can produce scientific breakthroughs at unprecedented speed.

AI in Healthcare: Accurate Diagnosis through Blood

In the health field, scientists at Stanford University have developed an AI tool capable of diagnosing several conditions – including HIV infections, COVID-19 and type 1 diabetes – from blood samples.

The technology works by reading gene sequences from immune system cells present in blood samples, allowing the differentiation of diseases that often present similar symptoms. Initial tests have demonstrated a high accuracy rate.

This advance could represent a true revolution in diagnostic medicine, not only accurately identifying the patient's condition, but potentially indicating the best treatment and even the stage of the disease.

During my time working with healthtech startups, I have noticed that AI applications in diagnostic medicine are some of the most promising and have the greatest potential for social impact. The ability to obtain accurate diagnoses quickly can mean the difference between life and death in many cases, in addition to reducing costs and increasing the efficiency of healthcare systems.

The Dark Side: Sophisticated Scams Using Generative AI

While we celebrate the positive advances in AI, we also need to be aware of emerging risks. An alarming case was reported in China, where a Shanghai man lost the equivalent of R$159,000 in a scam involving a fictitious girlfriend created by generative AI.

The scammers used AI technology to generate realistic videos and photos of a non-existent young woman, managing to establish a virtual relationship that culminated in the financial scam. The police investigation revealed that the operation was carried out by a team specialized in fraud, highlighting the level of sophistication that these crimes are reaching.

This case reinforces the importance of digital education and proper regulation of these technologies. Recently, Meta (the company that owns Facebook and Instagram) issued warnings about the increasing sophistication of scams that use generative AI.

In my role as a startup mentor, I have warned entrepreneurs about the need to implement responsible practices in the development of AI-based solutions, considering not only the potential for innovation, but also the ethical and social risks involved.

Nvidia continues to dominate the AI chip market

On the business front, Nvidia continues to reap the rewards of the AI revolution. The company forecast revenue above market expectations for the first quarter, signaling continued strong demand for its AI-focused chips.

The company is forecasting revenue of $1.43 billion in the first quarter, beating analysts' average estimate of $1.41 billion. The result helps dispel rumors about a possible slowdown in AI hardware spending that surfaced last month.

Nvidia shares responded positively to the news, rising about 1% in after-hours trading, after closing up 3.7% in regular trading.

This scenario illustrates how we are just at the beginning of a cycle of investment in AI infrastructure. Global companies are investing heavily to expand their capabilities in this area, and Nvidia has strategically positioned itself as the leading supplier of advanced chips for these applications.

Brazil in Global AI Governance: Lula’s Proposal for BRICS

On the international political scene, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that Brazil will propose a declaration on the governance of artificial intelligence during the Brazilian presidency of BRICS. In his speech at the opening of the first Sherpa Meeting, Lula stressed that technology “cannot be the exclusive monopoly of a few countries and companies.”

The president highlighted the importance of multilateralism and advocated for AI governance that mitigates risks and distributes the benefits of the digital revolution more equitably. Brazil's position on the international stage reflects the growing concern about the concentration of technological power in a few hands.

This initiative seems extremely pertinent to me at the current moment of AI development. In my experience working with the Brazilian innovation ecosystem, I have observed a mismatch between the rapid technological advances and the adaptability of regulatory and governance structures. We need a coordinated international approach to ensure that the benefits of AI are widely distributed, especially to developing countries.

Reflections on the Future of AI

Analyzing the news of the last 24 hours, it is clear that we are in a moment of unprecedented acceleration in the development and application of AI. The case of the “co-scientist” tool solving a complex scientific problem in a matter of days is particularly emblematic of the transformative power of this technology.

However, the challenges we need to face are also clear. Sophisticated scams using generative AI show the dark side of these technologies when misused. The Brazilian proposal for a declaration on AI governance in BRICS reflects the urgent need to establish international parameters for the ethical and responsible development of these tools.

For entrepreneurs and innovators, this scenario presents both opportunities and responsibilities. In my mentoring work, I have encouraged startups to carefully consider the ethical and social implications of their technological innovations. It is not enough to develop technically advanced solutions; we must ensure that they contribute positively to society.

The future of AI will be determined by the choices we make now. How can we ensure that these technologies help us solve humanity’s greatest challenges—from antimicrobial resistance to climate change—while mitigating the risks of abuse and concentration of power?

In my courses and accelerator programs, I have worked with entrepreneurs to develop a more holistic view of technological innovation, one that considers not only technical and commercial viability, but also social impact and ethical responsibility. I believe this is the way to build a future where AI is a predominantly positive force for humanity.

As I always say, technology itself is neutral – it is our choices that determine whether it will lead us to a more prosperous and fair future or whether it will exacerbate existing inequalities and problems. At this crucial moment in the evolution of AI, we need a broad and inclusive debate about how we want this technology to transform our lives and societies.