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AI at the Polls: Is Technology Steering the 2024 US Election?

As Americans cast their votes tomorrow, artificial intelligence will play a quiet but powerful role behind the scenes.

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AI at the Polls

TL;DR:

  • Campaign ads, social media feeds, and even “news” popping up in swing states are being shaped by AI’s invisible hand
  • Campaigns in 2024 aren’t just reaching voters; they’re diving deep into our digital footprints
  • AI brings campaigns closer to voters, it also makes it easier than ever to spread misinformation

A New Political Battleground—Inside the AI-Powered Election

As Americans cast their votes tomorrow, artificial intelligence will play a quiet but powerful role behind the scenes. Campaign ads, social media feeds, and even “news” popping up in swing states are being shaped by AI’s invisible hand. This isn’t just the next step in election tech; it’s a dramatic leap that could change the game forever. Is AI enhancing democracy, or are we giving it the keys to the whole democratic car?

1. Supercharging Campaigns: Microtargeting to the Extreme

Let’s face it—if you feel like your social media feeds are eerily personal, that’s not a coincidence. Campaigns in 2024 aren’t just reaching voters; they’re diving deep into our digital footprints to send messages so tailored they feel like personal letters. Thanks to AI, campaigns can slice the electorate into precise segments, tapping into anxieties, interests, and even specific local issues.

In battleground states like Arizona and Pennsylvania, this tech-driven targeting reaches a fever pitch. AI sifts through oceans of data—social media interactions, browsing habits, even purchase history—to craft ads that connect directly with you, personally.

“Campaigns are increasingly leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms to analyse vast quantities of voter data, refining their strategies with pinpoint accuracy,” notes MIT Technology Review (source).

With AI knowing so much, it raises an interesting (if slightly chilling) question: where’s the line between effective campaigning and outright manipulation?

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2. The Double-Edged Sword: AI, Deepfakes, and Digital Misinformation

Here’s the darker side. While AI brings campaigns closer to voters, it also makes it easier than ever to spread misinformation. AI-generated deepfakes—fake videos that look so real you wouldn’t know they’re fake—have added a surreal twist to this election. Imagine seeing a video of a candidate saying something outrageous… and then realising it never actually happened.

“Deepfakes have made the spread of disinformation much easier and more convincing, raising concerns about the future of truth in politics,” the Brookings Institution warns (source).

AI’s power to create convincing fakes isn’t just a technical marvel; it’s a fundamental threat to truth in politics. Without strict regulations or ways to fact-check in real-time, we’re left wondering how many people will cast their vote based on a lie.

3. Predictive Polling: AI, Sentiment Analysis, and the All-Seeing Eye

If you thought AI was only influencing what you see online, think again. Polling has evolved far beyond traditional methods. This election, campaigns are using AI-driven sentiment analysis to tap into public moods in real time, keeping a pulse on issues that resonate with voters minute by minute.

“Sentiment analysis enables campaigns to see beyond traditional polling, observing shifts in public mood and identifying emerging concerns as they happen,” reports the Pew Research Center (source).

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Let’s say economic concerns are heating up in Georgia; Trump’s team could amplify ads focusing on job growth in just hours. Or Harris’s camp could hone in on climate change in Michigan based on AI-driven insights from yesterday’s online conversations. This real-time fine-tuning isn’t just impressive—it’s a little mind-bending. Can polls really capture the pulse of the nation, or are we just seeing what AI’s algorithms want us to?

4. Mobilising the Masses: AI Nudges and Digital Persuasion

Getting people to the polls has always been crucial, and AI’s here to make sure more people than ever get nudged, reminded, and maybe even guilt-tripped into voting. AI-driven models predict not only who’s likely to vote but also who might need a little extra encouragement. Campaigns can then send targeted texts, emails, or even pop up on your social feed reminding you to “make your voice heard.”

The Atlantic remarks on AI’s power in mobilisation, stating, “AI has transformed voter outreach into an exact science, enabling campaigns to efficiently target and mobilise segments of the electorate that might otherwise stay home” (source).

For instance, Harris’s campaign has deployed AI to boost turnout among younger voters in key states, while Trump’s team uses it to rally dedicated supporters in traditionally red zones. AI doesn’t just follow you online; it’s practically waiting outside your door with a “Don’t forget to vote” sign. This kind of outreach raises a fascinating question about voter autonomy—are we freely deciding to vote, or are we being nudged by an algorithm?

5. Navigating the Ethical Minefield: Can Democracy Keep Up?

Here’s where it all gets tricky. While AI offers stunning capabilities for reaching, engaging, and mobilising voters, it also opens up new doors for potential misuse. From deepfakes to ultra-targeted political ads, AI is testing the limits of what’s fair game in political campaigns.

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With regulations still trying to catch up, we’re left with a significant blind spot.

“Current frameworks for AI regulation are woefully inadequate, leaving a critical gap in safeguarding electoral processes,” states the Harvard Political Review (source).

AI has handed campaigns a powerful toolkit, but with great power comes… well, you know the rest. Without real oversight, there’s a real risk of crossing ethical lines, leaving voters questioning whether their choices are truly their own or just the echoes of an algorithm.

A Glimpse into Asia’s Future?

As AI’s influence in US elections becomes clear, Asia’s political landscape might not be far behind. In a region where social media is booming and governments increasingly leverage AI for everything from citizen services to surveillance, the potential for AI-driven election strategies is immense. Imagine a world where voter preferences in Tokyo, Jakarta, or Delhi are meticulously profiled, and campaign ads are hyper-personalised to every demographic, language, and cultural nuance. But here’s the question for Asia: with AI’s rapid adoption and limited oversight, who will control this powerful tool—governments, political parties, or the people? The US election offers a glimpse of how AI can shape democracy, but will Asia be able to harness this power responsibly, or could it open doors to unprecedented political manipulation? The stakes are high, and the path ahead remains uncharted.

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How do you think AI will impact elections in Asia? Will it drive democracy forward or lead to new challenges in political manipulation? Leave a comment or subscribe for AI in Asia updates.

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10 AI Prompts to Turn Your Pet Photos Into Phone Wallpapers (Plus Freebies!)

Discover 10 amazing prompts for how to create AI-powered phone wallpapers with AI platform, Midjourney. Unleash your inner artist!

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AI pet phone wallpapers

TL;DR

  • Learn how to turn your pet photos into stunning AI-generated wallpapers for your phone.
  • Includes 10 creative AI prompts, from fantasy hero pets to minimalist silhouettes.
  • Tips on using tools like MidJourney or DALL-E, optimising images, and sharing creations.

AI Pet Phone Wallpapers

Whether you’re a proud pet parent or simply adore animals, turning your furry (or feathery) friend into stunning AI-generated art is an exciting way to personalise your phone. With AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion, you can create incredible, artistic renditions of your pet that fit your style and aesthetic.

In this article, we’ll share 10 unique AI prompts tailored to transform your pet photos into captivating works of art for your phone. You’ll also find detailed tips for getting started and optimising your wallpapers for the perfect fit.

Handy hint: Like the look of one of these images? Tap and hold on your phone and choose ‘Set as Wallpaper’ (or a similar option)—AIinASIA Editor

Why Create AI Phone Wallpapers of Your Pet?

  • Celebrate Your Pet: Turn your beloved companion into a piece of art you can cherish every time you unlock your phone.
  • Personalisation: Make your phone truly unique with wallpapers that reflect your style and personality.
  • Explore Creativity: Experiment with different artistic styles—be it fantasy, minimalist, or futuristic—and see your pet like never before.

Getting Started with AI-Generated Pet Wallpapers

To create AI art that truly stands out, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose Your AI Tool: Platforms like MidJourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion are perfect for generating artistic images from prompts. Look for features like image-to-image transformations, which allow you to upload your pet’s photo as a reference.
  2. Pick a High-Quality Photo: AI tools perform better with clear, detailed images. Choose a well-lit photo where your pet’s features—eyes, fur, feathers—are easy to distinguish.
  3. Tailor the Aspect Ratio: Most phones use a 9:16 aspect ratio (e.g., 1080×1920 pixels). Many AI platforms let you specify image dimensions before generating your artwork.
  4. Experiment with Prompts: Use the creative prompts provided below, or modify them to suit your pet’s personality and your artistic preferences.
  5. Finalise and Optimise: After generating the artwork, use tools like Canva or Snapseed to crop, adjust colours, or apply finishing touches.

10 AI Prompts for Stunning Pet Wallpapers

1. Fantasy Realm Hero

Inspiration: Imagine your dog as a knight or your cat as a sorceress—ready to embark on epic adventures!

Prompt: “A majestic portrait of [your pet’s species] wearing intricate fantasy armour, glowing eyes, standing atop a mountain, ethereal lighting, detailed fur texture, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

2. Watercolour Painting

Inspiration: A soft, elegant depiction that works beautifully as a lock screen.

Prompt: “A hand-painted watercolour portrait of [your pet’s breed], soft pastel tones, white background, minimalistic style, high-resolution for phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

3. Neon Cyberpunk

Inspiration: Perfect for sci-fi fans who love bold, high-energy designs.

Prompt: “A cyberpunk-style portrait of [your pet’s name], glowing neon colours, city skyline background, futuristic armour, vibrant lighting effects, high-resolution wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

4. Royal Portrait

Inspiration: Imagine your pet as king, queen, or duke—complete with a gilded frame.

Prompt: “A regal portrait of [your pet’s species] dressed in Victorian royal attire, soft studio lighting, intricate clothing details, realistic painting, designed for a phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

5. Dreamy Galaxy Explorer

Inspiration: Great for cosmic dreamers who want their pet among the stars.

Prompt: “A whimsical depiction of [your pet’s breed] floating in a galaxy, surrounded by planets and stars, dreamy pastel colours, cosmic glow, phone wallpaper resolution.”

pet phone wallpapers

6. Comic Book Superhero

Inspiration: Give your pet a bold, action-packed look with superhero vibes.

Prompt: “A dynamic comic book illustration of [your pet’s species] in superhero attire, bold colours, action pose, halftone effects, phone wallpaper resolution.”

pet phone wallpapers

7. Pop Art Extravaganza

Inspiration: Bright, eye-catching art for fans of modern and retro styles.

Prompt: “A vibrant pop art portrait of [your pet’s species], bold colours, abstract shapes in the background, Andy Warhol-inspired design, phone wallpaper size.”

pet phone wallpapers

8. Winter Wonderland

Inspiration: A seasonal touch for those who love winter themes.

Prompt: “A serene portrait of [your pet’s name] sitting in a snowy forest, soft light, frost-covered trees, realistic fur details, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

9. Minimalist Silhouette

Inspiration: Perfect for a sleek, understated home screen.

Prompt: “A minimalist black-and-white silhouette of [your pet’s breed], clean lines, solid colour background, modern art style, high-resolution for phone wallpaper.”

10. Anime-Inspired Portrait

Inspiration: A playful depiction of your pet in a whimsical anime world.

Prompt: “An anime-style illustration of [your pet’s species], big expressive eyes, pastel colours, soft background, whimsical vibe, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

Pro Tips for AI Success With AI-Generated Art

  1. Fine-Tune Prompts: Be specific about the colours, textures, and settings to get the best results.
  2. Use Advanced Features: Many AI tools offer style transfer or reference image settings—use them for a more customised look.
  3. Generate Variations: Create multiple versions of the same prompt to explore different artistic outcomes.

Sharing Your Creations

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, share it! Post your custom wallpapers on Instagram, Pinterest, or your favourite social platforms. Tag AIinASIA to inspire fellow pet lovers and show off your AI creations.

Final Thoughts on AI Personalised Wallpapers

AI tools are opening up endless possibilities for creating personalised and unique art. With these prompts, you can transform your pet into a star on your phone screen—whether they’re ruling a fantasy kingdom, exploring space, or posing as a royal icon.

Get started today and let your imagination run wild. Don’t forget to drop a comment or tag us with your favourites—your pet might just become the next AI art sensation!

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Everyday Hacks with Google and Microsoft AI Tools

Learn how AI productivity tools like Gemini and Copilot are transforming everyday workflows—and why a human touch still matters.

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AI productivity tools

TL;DR

  • Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are reshaping productivity with advanced AI features integrated into their suites.
  • Gemini offers features like email summarisation, smart replies, and data analysis through Google Workspace, starting at $20 per user/month.
  • Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, helps with document drafting, meeting automation, and data visualisation, starting at $30 per user/month.
  • Both tools are designed to streamline repetitive tasks, improve collaboration, and spark creativity.

Embracing AI Productivity Tools In Your Daily Workflows

If you’ve ever wished for a workday where you can skip the admin grind and focus on the good stuff—creative ideas, strategy, and, dare I say it, an actual lunch break—Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are here to make it happen. These AI productivity tools are redefining how we work, play, and (let’s be honest) survive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Let’s explore how they’re transforming workflows and what’s in it for you.


Gemini: Google’s AI Assistant for Productivity Bliss

Launching in January 2025, Google’s Gemini is set to become the ultimate assistant for users of Google Workspace (yes, that’s what used to be G Suite). With AI weaved into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and even Meet, Gemini aims to make the everyday less tedious and a whole lot smarter.

Gemini’s Features You’ll Actually Use

  • In Gmail: Writing emails? Gemini can do it for you. Endless threads? Summarised. Replies? Smart and context-aware.
  • In Google Docs: It’s like having a co-writer on speed dial, helping draft, summarise, or even whip up images for your content.
  • In Google Sheets: Need data entered or trends spotted? Gemini has you covered with its enhanced Smart Fill feature.
  • In Google Slides: Presentation nerves? Gemini’s image creation and background removal tools ensure your slides look the part.
  • In Google Meet: From automatic note-taking to real-time translated captions, meetings just got a lot less exhausting.

Subscription Plans

  • Gemini Business: $20 per user/month with basic features and usage limits.
  • Gemini Enterprise: $30 per user/month, giving you premium features and more elbow room to explore Gemini’s capabilities.

Why Gemini Stands Out

As Upcurve Cloud says, Gemini doesn’t just help you “get things done”—it’s about doing them better. Whether it’s cutting through email chaos or polishing your next big presentation, Gemini’s AI helps you reclaim time for what matters. Bonus points for Google’s enterprise-grade security keeping your data safe.

Real-World Example: Gemini as a Productivity Tool

Creospark has many examples of using Copilot, such as Adore Me, a lingerie and sleepwear company, has leveraged Gemini to dramatically reduce the time spent on content creation—reducing over 35 hours of work creating product descriptions to just 30 minutes using Gemini, illustrating Gemini’s powerful capability to automate and accelerate content generation tasks, resulting in substantial time savings for e-commerce businesses.


Microsoft Copilot: The AI Powerhouse for Work Smarts

Not to be outdone, Microsoft has embedded Copilot into its Microsoft 365 ecosystem, turning apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams into supercharged productivity hubs. If you’ve ever dreamt of an assistant who “just gets it”, Copilot is the next best thing.

What Copilot Brings to the Table

  • In Word: Copilot drafts, edits, and summarises like a champ, cutting hours off document creation.
  • In Excel: Data insights? Charts? Done and done. Let Copilot turn rows of numbers into actionable insights.
  • In PowerPoint: Presentations are no longer a slog—Copilot suggests content, designs, and layouts tailored to your needs.
  • In Outlook: It sorts your inbox, drafts replies, and highlights what actually matters.
  • In Teams: Catch-up summaries, action items, and real-time transcription make meetings less painful.

Subscription Options

  • Commercial Plans: $30 per user/month for enterprises and large teams.
  • Personal Plans: A modest $3/month price hike adds Copilot to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions.

The Copilot Advantage

Copilot doesn’t just automate—it elevates. Imagine crafting a polished report in minutes or summarising a day’s worth of meetings at the click of a button. With its seamless integration across Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot ensures everything is right where you need it, when you need it.

Real-World Example: Copilot as a Productivity Too

Hargreaves Lansdown, a financial services company, has successfully used Copilot to streamline their workflow—financial advisers used Copilot to generate meeting summaries and annual review reports for clients, streamlining their workflow, demonstrating how Copilot can significantly improve efficiency in document creation and client communication in the financial sector.

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The Real Impact of AI Productivity Tools

Both Gemini and Copilot are more than just fancy add-ons; they’re reshaping how work gets done. These AI tools are tackling the biggest pain points in the modern workplace:

  1. Saving Time: Whether summarising emails or automating reports, these tools free up hours in your day.
  2. Enhancing Creativity: With AI handling the grunt work, you can focus on big ideas and polished results.
  3. Improving Collaboration: From shared notes to instant insights, teams work better together.
  4. Boosting Decision-Making: Advanced data analysis gives you the insights you need to act fast.

A Word of Caution: Trust but Verify

AI tools like Gemini and Copilot can supercharge your productivity, but they’re not infallible. While they’re brilliant for handling the grunt work, they’re no replacement for human oversight and judgement.

Why Double-Checking Matters

  1. Accuracy: AI-generated outputs can occasionally misinterpret context or make errors.
  2. Appropriateness: AI doesn’t always understand nuances like brand voice, cultural sensitivity, or workplace-specific policies.
  3. Over-Reliance: Depending solely on AI may reduce your own engagement with the material, leading to missed opportunities or oversights.

Practical Tips for Responsible AI Use

  • Review Outputs Carefully: Always double-check AI-generated summaries, drafts, or data visualisations before sharing or implementing them.
  • Add the Human Touch: Make edits to ensure the content aligns with your goals, tone, and audience.
  • Use AI as a Starting Point: Let the AI handle the groundwork, but refine the output with your expertise.
  • Train AI Over Time: Where possible, provide feedback to improve the tool’s understanding of your preferences.

By staying engaged and bringing a human touch to AI-generated content, you can ensure your work remains accurate, professional, and impactful.


What’s Next? The AI Productivity Revolution

AI tools like Gemini and Copilot are undoubtedly paving the way for smarter, more efficient workplaces. But let’s remember that these tools are here to complement human skills, not replace them. By using AI responsibly—embracing its strengths while applying critical judgement—we can unlock its full potential without sacrificing quality or trust.


Your Turn

How do you strike the balance between relying on AI and adding your personal touch? Do you think we risk becoming too dependent on these tools? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective!

And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s build a community of tech enthusiasts and stay ahead of the curve together!

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ChatGPT’s Thirst for Water

Explore the connection between AI water usage and wildfire management.

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AI water usage

TL;DR:

  • AI data centres consume millions of gallons of water annually for cooling purposes.
  • Reducing ChatGPT usage can help conserve water needed to combat wildfires in cities.
  • Companies are exploring alternative cooling methods and data centre locations to minimise water usage.

In the midst of the blazing wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, residents are eager to contribute to firefighting efforts in any way possible. While donations and volunteering are top of mind, a surprising call to action has emerged on social media: refrain from using ChatGPT.

Wait! What does ChatGPT have to do with water conservation and wildfire management?

This provocative suggestion raises the question: what does ChatGPT have to do with water conservation and wildfire management? Let’s dive in and explore the hidden connection between AI and water usage.

The Water-Guzzling Reality of AI Data Centres

AI platforms like ChatGPT rely on massive data centres to function. These data centres are packed with high-performance computer chips that process user queries, generating immense heat. To prevent servers from overheating and crashing, sophisticated cooling systems are employed, many of which rely on water.

“Because the computers and chipsets that power servers are so densely packed, they generate an incredible amount of heat. Running complex AI applications like ChatGPT requires immense amounts of computing power, which generate lots of heat 24 hours a day.”
HP Newquist, Artificial Intelligence Historian and Author
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The sheer volume of water consumed by these data centres is staggering. Some large facilities use millions of gallons of water annually to absorb and dissipate heat through cooling towers or evaporative cooling methods. This water usage can have a significant impact on local water supplies, especially in drought-prone areas.

The Collective Impact of Individual AI Usage

While it may seem like an individual ChatGPT query has a negligible effect on water consumption, the collective impact of millions of users interacting with AI services adds up quickly. By making small changes, such as delaying non-urgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to conserving water and energy for critical firefighting efforts.

“Data centres that host AI services like ChatGPT continuously consume power and indirectly rely on water for cooling. By making small changes like delaying non-urgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to ensuring that water and energy remain available where they’re needed most during these high-risk periods.”
Daniel Kearney, Chief Technology Officer, Firmus Technologies
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Exploring Alternative Cooling Solutions

As AI continues to advance, finding sustainable solutions for data centre cooling is becoming increasingly important. Some companies are exploring alternative cooling methods and data centre locations to minimise water usage.

One promising approach is immersion cooling, which involves submerging hardware in a special cooling liquid. This method can significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional cooling techniques. Additionally, some AI companies are opting to build data centres in colder regions, where lower ambient temperatures can help regulate server temperatures more efficiently.

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“Many companies are building server centres near polar regions or in northern countries with low ambient temperatures.”
HP Newquist, Artificial Intelligence Historian and Author
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By investing in these alternative cooling solutions, AI companies can help mitigate their impact on water supplies and contribute to more sustainable technology practices.

The Fire Line: AI Water Usage and Wildfire Management

Current wildfires are exacerbated by the region’s ongoing drought, placing a strain on the state’s water supply. By reducing AI usage, residents can help free up water resources needed to combat these devastating fires.

“With California already experiencing an ongoing drought, the water necessary to fight these fires is further straining the state’s water supply. Water is a finite resource, and cutting back on AI use will have direct impacts on the state’s water availability and ability to respond to this climate disaster.”
Mia Montoya Hammersley, Assistant Professor, Environmental Law, Vermont Law and Graduate School
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As AI continues to permeate our daily lives, it is essential to recognise the hidden environmental costs associated with these technologies. By taking proactive steps to minimise our AI water footprint, we can help preserve valuable resources and support wildfire management efforts in major cities.

Wrapping Up: The Future of AI and Water Conservation

The connection between ChatGPT, water usage, and wildfire management serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of technology and the environment. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for both companies and consumers to prioritise sustainable practices and invest in alternative cooling solutions.

By doing so, we can help minimise the environmental impact of AI and ensure that valuable water resources are allocated where they are needed most.

Comment and Share:

Have you ever considered the water footprint of your AI usage? How do you think we can encourage more sustainable technology practices? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s foster a community of mindful tech enthusiasts, working together to promote a more sustainable future!

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