Microsoft Forms Superintelligence Team, Targets Medical Diagnosis

Microsoft is planning to form a new "superintelligence" team aimed at developing artificial intelligence vastly more capable than humans in specific areas, initially focusing on medical diagnostics. The executive leading the initiative confirmed this.

Credit: MICROSOFT

The project, named the MAI Superintelligence Team, mirrors initiatives by Meta Platforms, Safe Superintelligence Inc, and other organisations. These efforts target significant technical advancements, though they have faced scepticism regarding their feasibility without further breakthroughs.

AI chief Mustafa Suleyman, who is in charge of the effort, stated that Microsoft intends to invest "a lot of money" in the project.

Meta Platforms offered signing bonuses of $100 million in 2025 to attract prominent AI talent. Suleyman did not comment on whether similar offers or recruitment tactics were under consideration by Microsoft.

However, Suleyman affirmed that Microsoft AI would continue to recruit from other leading laboratories, while staffing its new team with existing researchers and Karen Simonyan as chief scientist.

Credit: MICROSOFT

Microsoft's approach includes a distinct element. Suleyman noted that the company is not pursuing "infinitely capable generalist" AI, unlike some other entities. He expressed doubts that autonomous, self-improving machines could be adequately controlled, despite ongoing research into AI containment strategies.

Instead, Microsoft envisions "humanist superintelligence," technology designed to solve specific problems and provide tangible real-world benefits.

"Humanism requires us to always ask the question: does this technology serve human interests?" Suleyman stated.

AI theorists and developers have extensively debated whether the technology presents imminent danger or is harmless compared to issues like machine-learned bias, and trustworthiness.

Suleyman's objective is to direct the Microsoft team towards specialist models capable of achieving "superhuman performance," while posing "virtually no existential risk whatsoever." He cited AI for battery storage solutions or molecule development as examples, referencing DeepMind's AlphaFold models which predict protein structures.

Suleyman was a co-founder of DeepMind.

For diagnosis, a field of longstanding interest in AI and a focus for Microsoft, Suleyman indicated the company has a "line of sight to medical superintelligence in the next two to three years."

This initiative relies on AI capable of reasoning through problems and will necessitate further breakthroughs. If successful, Suleyman believes the AI would "increase our life expectancy and give everybody more healthy years, because we'll be able to detect preventable diseases much earlier."

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• Microsoft plans to form a new MAI Superintelligence Team.

• The team aims to develop AI vastly more capable than humans, starting with medical diagnostics.

• AI chief Mustafa Suleyman leads the effort and stated Microsoft will invest heavily in the project.

Source: REUTERS

Google Pixel Buds 2a Review: Worthy Smart Earbuds

As a daily user who relies on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for their smart functionality, excellent sound quality, good battery life, and overall comfort, assessing the new Pixel Buds 2a (retailing at S$199) requires dissecting the S$146 price difference. The critical finding is that while the Pixel Buds 2a are a remarkable value proposition, they represent a trade-off that is highly dependent on whether you prioritise superior audio and better ANC.

Google Pixel Buds 2a

The Pixel DNA Remains Intact

If your existing Pro 2 experience is defined by the core smart features, the good news is that the 2a are not dumb buds and they retain the complete Pixel DNA. Google made a strategic shift, by ensuring the intellectual soul of the Pixel Buds are translated onto the 2a but kept the price much lower than the Pro 2. Features like Multipoint connectivity, which allows seamless connection to a laptop and a phone simultaneously, is included in the 2a, making its inclusion a "massive win for productivity". Both models are built upon the Google Tensor A1 chip, meaning the fundamental voice command experience is identical. While both models support features like Clear Calling, the Pro 2 will perform significantly better in noisy environments.

Better Separation, Bass, and a Blacker Canvas

From our comparison, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer better sound quality, including fuller bass and better sound separation. The Pro 2 is probably tuned for better accuracy and dynamic impact, delivering a fuller and richer low-frequency response and punchy bass. It maintains detailed reproduction and wider sound stage. In contrast, the 2a offers a very relaxed and smooth sound signature, favouring a non-fatiguing, laid back listen. While admirable for the price, the 2a exhibits a specific weakness where, as the volume approaches maximum, the soundstage starts to blur and the audio can become a little muddy.

The superior audio integrity of the Pro 2 is further supported by its better Active Noise Cancellation, which creates a quieter background, or a "blacker canvas". This allows the user to hear more detail at lower volumes, circumventing the high-volume blur that affects the 2a. Furthermore, the Pro 2's Transparency Mode is a core differentiator and it has one of the best "Hear-through" mode we have tried. It felt so clear and natural that sometimes you might forget that you are wearing earbuds. The 2a's implementation, by comparison, is a slight step down and does not pass through audio with the same clarity, making the Pro 2 the viable choice for users who frequently switch between immersion and awareness

Battery Life and Convenience

While the Pro 2 boasts good battery life, the 2a requires trade-offs in total usage hours and convenience. Although the earbuds battery life difference is minor, the total listening time with the charging case is at an enormous 10 hours gap. However, the smaller form factor of the 2a does make it more pocket friendly. The 2a's case also does not support Qi wireless and the 2a Buds also lacks on-bud volume control which we sorely miss.

Google Pixel Buds 2a VS Pixel Buds 2 Pro

The S$146 Decision The Pixel Buds Pro 2 remains the definitive choice for users who are very particular on sound quality and enjoy the the convenient features it has. The Pro 2 also justifies its premium price through superior audio fidelity, fantastic Transparency Mode, 30-hour total battery life, Wireless Charging, and the very friendly on-bud volume control. It will be a very worthwhile purchase especially if its price dropped. However, if you have better use of your S$146, the Pixel Buds 2a is definitely a very smart earbuds you should consider.

Insta360 Reports Market Expansion Amid Price Competition

Chinese sports camera maker Insta360 reported significant revenue growth, stating a price war with rival DJI is expanding the overall market. Insta360 led the global 360-degree camera market with a 67% share in 2023.

Credit: Insta360

Insta360, a rival to GoPro, said competition from price cuts to its full-degree action cameras was attracting more customers. This push further into the drone giant DJI’s territory follows DJI’s entry into the 360-degree action camera field.

Liang Jingkang, founder and chairman of Insta360, stated the price war with DJI had “expanded the overall market.” An increasing number of consumers were choosing Insta360 for its “unique strengths,” according to Liang.

Credit: Insta360

“Despite the fierce price competition, the company still achieved over 90% revenue growth in the third quarter,” Liang said in an online Q&A with investors. Shenzhen-based Insta360 slashed prices for its X5 camera.

This move followed crosstown rival DJI launching an 8K panoramic video camera, the Osmo 360, after which DJI also offered price cuts on a range of products. Insta360 responded with cash coupons to attract DJI consumers and offered discounts on a wider range of gadgets.

Insta360 is also making an aggressive move into the drone market, where DJI is estimated to hold a 70% global share. Its drone brand, Antigravity, incubated in collaboration with third parties, was expected to start initial sales in selected regional markets in the fourth quarter, Liang said.

Insta360 decided to enter the drone market five years ago due to unfulfilled demand and growth potential. “The drone market has a higher growth ceiling,” Liang said. “And 360-degree drones are an entirely new category that can go beyond what traditional cameras and drones are capable of.”

The company reported USD 413 million (2.94 billion yuan) revenue for the third quarter, a 93% year-on-year increase. However, net income for the period shrank 16% to 271.9 million yuan.

Credit: Insta360

Insta360 attributed the net income decrease to “substantial investments in chip customisation and other strategic projects.” Liang noted these investments were necessary for “building future competitiveness.” The company would cut costs to achieve more stable margins, Liang added.

Founded in 2015, Insta360 made its trading debut on Shanghai’s Nasdaq-style Star Market in June. Its stock surged 285% after raising 1.9 billion yuan in the city’s largest initial public offering in 17 months.

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• Insta360 reported over 90% revenue growth in the third quarter, stating a price war with DJI is expanding the market.

• Insta360 held a 67% share of the global 360-degree camera market in 2023.

• The company is moving aggressively into the drone market with its Antigravity brand, challenging DJI’s estimated 70% global share.

Source: SCMP