Microsoft is introducing a new tool to identify deepfakes – photos, audio, or videos that have been artificially manipulated to spread disinformation. Deepfakes, which can be created by AI to evade human detection, can make subjects appear to say things they didn't actually say, or appear in places they never visited. As deepfakes are developed by AI that can continue to learn, they will eventually evade conventional detection technology; however, according to Tom Burt, Corporate Vice President of Customer Security & Trust and Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer at Microsoft, advanced detection tools such as Microsoft's new AI-powered Video Authenticator can help identify deepfakes. "Video Authenticator can analyse a still photo or video to provide a percentage chance, or confidence score, that the media is artificially manipulated. In the case of a video, it can provide this percentage in real-time on each frame as the video plays. "It works by detecting the blending boundary of the deepfake and subtle fading or greyscale elements that might not be detectable by the human eye," they said. Additionally, Microsoft will launch new technology to detect manipulated content and assure users that the content they are viewing is authentic, by adding digital hashes and certificates to content and checking for authenticity to show users where the content came from. "As all AI detection methods have rates of failure, we have to understand and be ready to respond to deepfakes that slip through detection methods.

Oral-B has launched its Genius X toothbrush which uses artificial intelligence to help you brush your teeth better for US$220. The Oral-B 10000 Genius X is available from their website for US$220 is the follow up to the Genius 9000, which sold from the Shavershop for AU$349. Unfortunately, there is no word on whether the Oral-B Genius X will make its way down under for Christmas. Featuring wireless Bluetooth connection, the Oral-B Genius X links to a dedicated companion app on your phone to time how long you brush your teeth for, how to pressure your applying, where you have been brushing and where you should brush more next time. Utilising sensors within the toothbrush, the device can detect pressure and its location within your mouth, something a reviewer from Forbes was most impressed about. It does this through the "Genius X AI algorithm" which provides a better brush guide, with a full rating as well.

Telstra's independent venture capital arm has shown its intention to expand into the artificial intelligence data market following a $US100m (145m AUD) capital raising for San Francisco company Trifacta. Trifacta employs machine-learning technology to deduce a greater depth of insights from the increasing level of data migrating to cloud-based storage. Australia's largest venture capital fund, Telstra Ventures Fund No 2, led the investment, joined in the round by the likes of Energy Impact Partners, NTT Docomo, BMW Ventures and ABN AMRO. Telstra Venture joins a long and credible list of existing investors from Accel Partners, Greylock Partners, Ignition Partners and Google. "The share register for Trifacta is very impressive. It is great to have so many experienced and impressive co-investors in this deal. That is a really massive plus for us," Mr Koertge said.