Today in AI: HCLTech, Google Cloud partner on Gemini-powered solutions; Meta in AI talent tug-of-war, and more

Our daily TLDR of important AI news you should know about.

Artificial intelligence (AI) remains a battleground for tech companies and a hotbed of ethical debate. From collaborations, acquisitions, talent battles, and even a call to action from the music industry, here's a roundup of today's developments in the field of AI.

HCLTech and Google Cloud partner on AI solutions

HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to leverage Google's AI model, Gemini, for developing industry-specific solutions. This collaboration will equip 25,000 HCLTech engineers with advanced AI capabilities to support clients throughout their AI journey. The focus will be on creating new applications for HCLTech's platforms and products, with initial emphasis on manufacturing, healthcare, and telecom sectors.

Yahoo acquires AI news platform Artifact

Yahoo announced the acquisition of Artifact, an AI-driven news platform founded by the co-founders of Instagram, Reuters reported. The company plans to integrate Artifact's technology into its existing news and web services offerings. This move comes amid challenges faced by media startups in a market dominated by tech giants like Alphabet and Meta. Artifact previously announced shutting down due to limited market opportunities.

Meta in an AI talent tug-of-war

Meta, like many other tech companies, is facing intense competition in the AI space. While CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly trying to poach talent from rivals, Meta is also experiencing an exodus of its own AI researchers who are leaving to pursue their own ventures, Fortune reported. At least three high-level Meta AI employees have departed the company in recent weeks, including computer scientist Erik Meijer and senior director of generative AI Devi Parikh.

Musicians unite against AI misuse

A group of over 200 prominent musicians, including Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and the estates of Frank Sinatra and Bob Marley, have signed an open letter urging action against the misuse of AI in music. The letter, spearheaded by the Artist Rights Alliance, calls on tech companies to develop AI responsibly and avoid practices that could exploit or replace human artists.

“This assault on human creativity must be stopped. We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter states.

Microsoft testing AI-powered Xbox chatbot

Microsoft is testing a new AI assistant for Xbox that can handle customer support tasks, according to The Verge. This "embodied AI character" animates as it answers your questions about Xbox.  It's connected to Microsoft's Xbox support database and can even help with tasks like troubleshooting, managing subscriptions, and processing game refunds directly on the Microsoft website.