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Staying Current

Due to the exponential growth in Machine Learning and AI, staying current with the latests developments is challenging. Every day new models, applications, processes, techniques, etc. are announced. Keeping perfectly up-to-date with all of this seems virtually impossible. There are, however, methods that can be used to stay aware of the information most pertinent to your personal/organizational interests.

Factors to Consider

There are several factors to consider in forming an approach to staying current, including:

  • Time Scope: recent, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.

  • Topic Focus: general, models, applications, processes, techniques, et.

  • Information Sources: corporate announcements, videos, blogs, websites, news, research papers, etc.

  • Methods: browser search, generative AI, direct sources, notification services

Query using Browser Search

Using a browser, such as Chrome, provides lists of links relative to the search test. An example query is:

  • recent developments regarding AI models

Query using Generative AI

Using a Generative AI chat interface can provide information in a summarized form. As AI Agent capabilities are deployed in chat interfaces, automatic scheduling of queries will be possible.

Here’s an example of a ChatGPT query:

  • please provide a list from the past 10 days about developments regarding ai models

Query using Direct Sources

Below are a variety of sources that provide information on the latest developments in AI, from scientific research to industry applications.

News Outlets and Technology Websites

  • Wired: Covers tech innovations, including AI advancements, with in-depth articles and interviews.

  • TechCrunch: Regular updates on AI startups, funding rounds, and new product launches.

  • MIT Technology Review: Known for high-quality reporting on AI research, ethics, and policy.

  • The Verge: Frequently features articles on AI’s impact on technology, culture, and industry.

  • VentureBeat’s AI Channel: Focuses on the business side of AI and emerging AI technology.

AI-Specific Newsletters

Research and Academic Sites

  • arXiv: An open-access repository for research papers, including thousands of AI and machine learning studies.

  • Google AI Blog: Offers insights and updates on Google’s AI research and product applications.

  • OpenAI Blog: Regularly publishes research advancements and insights on AI capabilities and ethics.

  • DeepMind Blog: Focuses on the research and innovations in AI coming from DeepMind’s labs.

Industry and Academic Conferences

YouTube Channels and Podcasts

Social Media Accounts and Influencers

  • X (formerly Twitter): Follow accounts like:

    • OpenAI: https://twitter.com/OpenAI

    • DeepMind: https://twitter.com/DeepMind

    • AndrewYNg: https://twitter.com/AndrewYNg

    • ylecun: https://twitter.com/ylecun

    • goodfellow_ian: https://twitter.com/goodfellow_ian

  • LinkedIn: Many AI researchers and industry experts share their work and insights on AI trends and challenges.

Online Communities

Query Using Notification Services

Setting up a notification service for any specific topic can be achieved using various methods. Here’s a guide on some easy and effective ways to do it:

Google Alerts

  • Visit: https://www.google.com/alerts

  • Enter keywords: e.g., "AI model updates," "machine learning advancements," "AI news"

  • Customize alert settings: choose how often you want to receive updates (e.g., "As-it-happens," "At most once a day," or "At most once a week"), and pick the sources and regions relevant to you.

  • Provide your email address: to receive alerts directly in your inbox.

RSS Feeds

  • Choose an RSS reader: like Feedly, Inoreader, or NewsBlur (available on mobile and desktop).

  • Add sources: most news sites and blogs have RSS feeds (look for the RSS icon on their pages).

  • Create feeds based on keywords: if the RSS reader supports this feature, allowing you to get specific updates on AI and related developments.

Twitter Notifications

  • Follow key Twitter accounts: look for industry leaders, researchers, and news outlets focused on AI.

  • Enable notifications: for these accounts by going to their profile, selecting the bell icon, and choosing your notification preference (e.g., "All Tweets" or "Only highlights").

  • Consider using Twitter Lists: to organize these accounts for easier browsing.

Email Newsletters

  • Use sites and companies: e.g., OpenAI, DeepMind, AI-specific news outlets, offer free or paid newsletters.

  • Subscribe: to these newsletters on their websites to receive updates on AI advancements.

IFTTT (If This Then That) Automations

  • Set up an IFTTT account: on https://ifttt.com/

  • Create custom applets: to automate notifications for specific triggers (e.g., new AI articles published on popular tech sites or specific subreddits).