Neo Vision’s Weekly Rant #52
Where we RANT about what goes exceptionally good and wildly bad when you turn your company digital
Hey,
Can you believe it? We're already hitting send on our 52nd weekly newsletter - a full lap around the sun, as they say!
Let's be real, the past year has been quite the rollercoaster. Our industry has been flipped, twisted, and turned around by the rise of AI. It's felt like surfing a gigantic wave, but hey, we're surfers at heart here at Neo Vision.
Our team has grown by three brilliant minds - a big 'welcome aboard' to them! But this shoutout isn't just for the newbies. I want to take a moment to appreciate each and every team member. You guys have stuck with us through thick and thin, and we're not just still standing; we're thriving because of you all.
One of the silver linings of the past year has been our step closer to becoming a truly Global Web Dev Agency. We're now sourcing more than half our dough from outside of Romania, and that's a massive win we're incredibly proud of.
That said, we're not about to start resting on our laurels. There are places we could've done more - like pumping out more video and text content. But, instead of seeing this as a missed opportunity, we're viewing it as a future goldmine. So, expect us to dig deep on that front.
Speaking of digging deep, let's take a moment to give it up for Alex, the relentless force behind these newsletters. They've been delivering these gems to your inbox every week without fail. Big ups, Alex!
Looking ahead, we're stoked about the next chapter. We're keeping our eyes on the prize - delivering top-notch web solutions, pushing the envelope, and keeping it 100% real.
Your support has meant the world to us. Here's to the past year of wild rides, and here's to the next 12 months ahead - we're ready for whatever it brings.
Catch you in the next one!
Cheers,
Adi
CEO, Neo Vision
Our CTO’s Weekly Read Recommendation: If you want to encourage creativity, don’t brainstorm. There’s a better way to come up with good ideas
Brainstorming, a staple in offices worldwide, may not be as effective as we think. While it's a democratic method that encourages everyone to speak up, it rarely generates great ideas, according to Columbia Business School professor Sheena Iyengar. She suggests that the "no bad ideas" approach can lead to mediocre ideas and "idea diarrhea". Instead, Iyengar recommends a six-step process that involves solitary thinking, extensive research, and seeking comparisons from other industries. Only then should an idea be brought to the group for further development. So, if you're looking to shake up your team's creative process, this could be the read for you.
Fiat, once synonymous with small, affordable, and dull, has flipped the script. They're now officially cool. How did they do it? They're saying goodbye to grey cars and hello to a vibrant palette! This strategic shift was unveiled in a punchy ad that takes a page from Al Ries and Jack Trout's book, "Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind." It pitches the 'new' Fiat against familiar rivals, cementing a fresh image in consumers' minds.
Tapping into its Italian roots, Fiat's now championing color. Because let's face it, when you think 'Italy', you think 'color', right?
Yuval Noah Harari argues that AI has hacked the operating system of human civilisation
AI is learning to talk, and it's not just chit-chat. It's creating stories, laws, even fake relationships. This could change everything - politics, culture, even our history. Sounds like sci-fi? It's not. It's happening now.
The MSG Sphere Las Vegas, opening on September 29, 2023, is the world's first four-dimensional spherical structure. It features a high-definition wraparound LED screen, 4D effects, and can seat 18,600 people. This $2.4 billion project is set to redefine immersive experiences in entertainment. Not only is the MSG Sphere a marvel of entertainment, but it's also an engineering feat. The construction process involved the use of a large crane from Belgium, the installation of two 240-ton steel girders, and the creation of an exterior made up of millions of LED lights. This innovative design allows the Sphere to function as a 360-degree screen visible from miles away, making it a standout addition to the Las Vegas skyline.
Meet Llama 2: The Democratizer of AI
In contrast to proprietary models such as ChatGPT and Bard, Llama 2 is an open-source offering, presenting unmatched accessibility to users. This recent introduction promotes creativity and nurtures a more comprehensive AI environment.
Llama 2 is available in two primary versions - Llama 2 and Llama 2 Chat, with the latter having undergone training with human feedback, making it more apt for human engagements. Llama 2 is a force to reckon with, boasting three variants with 7 billion, 13 billion, and 70 billion parameters respectively.
Matching GPT 3.5 on most benchmarks (except in coding and reasoning), Llama 2's open and arguably more simplified version positions it as a formidable rival in the sector. By providing a powerful, accessible, and cost-free tool, Meta is genuinely contributing to democratizing the AI landscape.
Is ChatGPT Losing Its Edge? A Deep Dive into the Controversy
The AI world is buzzing with a recent study from Stanford and UC Berkeley suggesting a decline in the performance of GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 since March 2023. The study points to a significant drop in tasks such as finding prime numbers and writing good code. However, the root cause of this perceived "dumbing down" remains elusive. Some speculate that OpenAI may be prioritizing speed and cost savings over quality, while others suggest that the model could be learning from less accurate user inputs over time. Amidst the uproar, a counter-argument has emerged from an article on AI Snake Oil, which argues that the perceived decline might be more about changes in behavior rather than capability. Meanwhile, OpenAI has responded to the controversy on Twitter, expressing gratitude for the feedback and assuring users that they are actively investigating the reports. A Twitter thread by Santiago also adds to the conversation, highlighting the potential implications for those relying on GPT-4.
More interesting articles, news and developments caught my eye this week:
Apple is testing an AI chatbot but has no idea what to do with it
Reboot, The Sphere, Memes & Frank Sinatra's AI Rendition + An Update on the Newsletter
Tesla starts production of Dojo supercomputer to train driverless cars
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#7)
Hello there, it's Alex, the creator of Neo Vision Weekly Rant. I can hardly believe it, but we've reached our one-year mark with this newsletter! Despite some late nights and early mornings, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. I'm deeply grateful for all of you who take the time to read our weekly rants. As we move forward, we're considering some changes to bring you even more valuable and insightful content. We might transition to a bi-weekly schedule or even an unspecified frequency, but rest assured, Neo Vision's newsletter is here to stay. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights.