A tool for automated prompt engineering, Africa's AI leadership, AI friends, the state of AI at work and more

May 11, 2024

“If we do it right, we might be able to evolve a form of work that taps into our uniquely human capabilities and restores our humanity. The ultimate paradox is that this technology may become a powerful catalyst that we need to reclaim our humanity.” — John Hagel

Sorry for missing last week’s newsletter! Among my intense travel and deadlines was a very interesting visit to Saudi Arabia for a keynote and meetings. Among other iinsights digging into their AI intiatives.

I would love your input and feedback on the newsletter. What do you find most useful? What do you want more of? It has settled into a very standard format , and it’s probably time to evolve to make it as valuable as possible to you. Let me know your thoughts!

Ross

 

📖In this issue

  • Automated prompt engineering tool

  • Handing out with AI friends

  • AI to decode the language of sperm whales

  • Upcoming OpenAI announcement, but not GPT-5 or search

  • Shikoh Gitau on amplifying humanity, Africa’s AI leadership, technology sovereignty, and the power of community

  • Ufuk Tarhan on the T-Human model, being an autodidact, oxymoronic technologies, and teaming with humans and AI

  • 75% of knowledge workers are using AI at work and 66% of leaders will only hire people with AI skills

 

 

🤸 In Practice

Automated prompt engineering tools

Anthropic has launched a system to provide an optimized prompt based on a description of goals or objectives. Go to console.anthropic.com - a free account is sufficient. The prompts are designed for Claude-3 but can work well in other models.

Most of the discussion about the tool is that this means prompt engineering skills are less important. On the face of it this is true, but there are still skills not only in claritfying your outcomes but also how you use the tools. Try the tool to get a feel for what it does, and see how the prompts perform across models.

👩🤖Humans + AI update

Kevin Roose hangs out with AI friends

New York Time’s tech columnist Kevin Roose spent a month interacting with 18 AI friends. He found it a positive experience and expects many will build relationships with AI companions, but he still prefers humans.

Decoding sperm whale language

MIT researchers have used AI to uncover far deeper insights into the communication of sperm whales than previously understood. This is still at the level of decoding phonemes but could lead us to understanding the content of the messages between sperm whales.

Country singer Randy Travis uses AI to sing again

Ten years after a stroke left country singer Randy Travis without the ability to speak or sing, AI has been used to help him release a new song.

🔥Hot news in AI

  • OpenAI set to announce new models but not GPT-5 or search, after teasing with “gpt2-chatbot” - The Register

  • GoogleDeepMind’s AlphaFold 3 protein structure AI will drive advances in life sciences - Google

  • A detailed analysis of the capabilities of Llama 3 70B across use cases reveals deeper insights into relative model performance - LMSYS

  • Researchers have used simulations to transfer real-world skills to robots, creating a robot that can walk on a yoga ball - Eureka Research

🎙️Last week’s podcast episode

Shikoh Gitau on amplifying humanity, Africa’s AI leadership, technology sovereignty, and the power of community

What you will learn

  • Exploring technology as an amplifier of human intent 

  • The transformative impact of mobile technology in Africa

  • How mobile money revolutionized financial inclusion in Africa

  • The urgent role of AI in addressing critical health issues in Africa

  • Discussing technology sovereignty and the power of defining one’s future

  • The unique communal approach to technology implementation in Africa

  • Future visions: AI’s potential to amplify community and human connection in Africa

 

🎙️This week’s podcast episode

Ufuk Tarhan on the T-Human model, being an autodidact, oxymoronic technologies, and teaming with humans and AI

What you will learn

  • Introducing the ‘T-human’ concept: a new framework for personal and professional development

  • The importance of adaptability in the workplace and beyond

  • Autodidactic learning as a necessity for future success

  • Balancing current roles with future aspirations through hybrid learning

  • The role of technology in enhancing team dynamics and individual capabilities

  • Exploring the intersections of human skills and artificial intelligence

  • Strategies for building a sustainable career in an evolving technological landscape

 

💡Resources and insights

2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report

Microsoft and LinkedIn’s latest report on work, not surprisingly focused on AI, provides a touchpoint on the current situation. Some have questioned their headline figure of AI usage, but it is definitely growing fast. Another interesting stat: 66% of leaders say they won’t hire someone without AI skills. It is also digs into Power users and how they use AI>

Thanks for reading!

Ross Dawson and team