Smart algorithms have taken Google a long way. They helped the company dominate search and create the first software to conquer the complex board game Go. Now the company is betting that algorithms that understand images and text will draw business to its cloud services, make augmented reality popular, and prompt us to search using our smartphone cameras. But some of the algorithms Google is staking its future on aren't equally smart everywhere. The search company's machine learning systems work best on material from a few rich parts of the world, like the US.

AI experts have warned that a South Korean University is in the process of developing a secret robot army that could destroy humanity. Top academics claim the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kaist) is working with weapons manufacturer Hanwha Systems to develop the technology. More than 50 leading academics from 30 different countries have now signed a letter boycotting the institution and expressing concern about its AI plans. Calling it a'Pandora's box', the experts believe AI and automated killing droids should not be used as weapons of war. Experts are distressed at the possibility of AI robots being developed for malicious purposes and claim it could lead to a third revolution in warfare.

SEATTLE, April 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applexus Technologies, a full-service business and technology solutions company based in the Seattle area, announced the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) practice to provide AI software and services to clients. The newly launched team is part of Applexus Product and Innovation. The new practice supports a wide variety of AI services and solutions, through custom and packaged solutions, using emerging technologies such as deep learning, machine learning and big data analysis. The Applexus Chief Technologist and AI practice leader is Dr. Thomas Koickal, one of the longest-serving global practitioners of machine learning based technologies. His career of more than 20 years has included work at the University of Edinburgh, UK and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, a research center of the Indian Space Research Organization.

More investors are setting their sights on the financial technology (Fintech) arena. According to consulting firm Accenture, investment in Fintech firms rose by 10 percent worldwide to the tune of $23.2 billion in 2016. China is leading the charge after securing $10 billion in investments in 55 deals which account for 90 percent of investments in Asia-Pacific. The US came second taking in $6.2 billion in funding. Europe, also saw an 11 percent increase in deals despite Britain seeing a decrease in funding due to the uncertainty from the Brexit vote. The excitement stems from the disruption of traditional financial institutions (FIs) such as banks, insurance, and credit companies by technology.

Starbucks Coffee Korea Co. is launching voice ordering through Bixby, becoming the first retailer to use Samsung's voice assistant for orders and payment. The company is a joint venture between Shinsegae Group and Starbucks Coffee International, retail news source Chain Store Age reported. "We are pleased to provide our customers with more convenient ways to be rewarded for their purchases," said Starbucks Coffee Korea CEO, S.K. Lee. "The launch of voice-recognition ordering is a seamless addition to our innovation portfolio, creating a consistent third-place experience across digital and in-store interactions." The new capability builds upon the company's mobile-order and pay system, which is called Starbucks Siren Order.

It's hard to exaggerate just how successful NASA's Mars Rover program has been. These little vehicles have crawled over different parts of the Martian landscape, sending back invaluable data. But these rovers have some limitations: They move incredibly slowly. In over 2,000 days on Mars, the rover Curiosity has traveled about 11 and a half miles. That's why NASA has approved exploratory funding for an entirely new type of explorer: a swarm of robotic bees controlled by AI.

A postal drone in Russia crashed into a wall and smashed into pieces during its maiden flight. The unmanned aerial vehicle took off to deliver a small package to a village near Ulan-Ude, a city in Siberia, but hit a three-storey building shortly after lifting off from a mini launch pad in front of a crowd of spectators. The drone had been touted as a new way to deliver post in the rural Buryatia region, located more than 2,700 miles from the Russian capital Moscow. Video footage of the crash showed the vehicle taking off before veering into the apartment building and showering onlookers with debris. No one was harmed in the incident.

This article originally appeared in Vulture. When the first trailer arrived for Isle of Dogs last fall, I had three immediate, consecutive reactions: One: Oh, no. Two: Wait, I take that back. I'm going to be a good critic and reserve judgement until the week of March 23. In the week since Isle of Dogs' initial limited release, a measured, varied, and nuanced discussion about Wes Anderson's use of Japanese culture--and other cultures in general--has happened in fits and starts.

After spending numerous evenings and weekends learning and coding for more than a year, you finally did it! You've now completed your data science program, earned your shiny certificate...now what? Chances are you were looking to get a job in data when you signed up for the course. So let's face this, it is time to get a job! The only thing that's standing between you and success is that first data science job offer.

Baidu's (BIDU) push into artificial intelligence will take time to produce revenue while its iQiyi (IQ) video streaming unit faces challenges turning profitable, says one analyst who initiated coverage on Baidu Thursday. "We assign zero value for Baidu's AI business given it is too early for monetization, but view it as a call option for long-term growth," Hans Chung, analyst at KeyBanc Capital Markets, said in a note to clients. Chung gave Baidu a sector weight rating. Baidu, China's internet search engine leader, has an artificial intelligence strategy similar to Google-parent Alphabet (GOOGL). Baidu is pushing into artificial intelligence for consumer applications such as self-driving cars.