GDSC McMasterU would like to wish all of you all the best for the exam season!

General Tech Updates

Google closes down on OpenAI with huge Gemini and Gemma 3 releases

• Google's AI Comeback: After a slow start, Google has caught up to OpenAI with Gemini and Gemma models.
• Gemma 3 Model: Comes in multiple sizes, supports multimodal input, long-context processing, and is highly efficient.
• License Concerns: Despite its efficiency, Gemma 3’s vague licensing restrictions are a downside.
• Gemini App Upgrades: Features like Canvas (for collaboration), Audio Overview (text-to-audio), and Personalization improve user experience.
• Free Deep Research Access: Google now offers Deep Research to free-tier users, rivalling OpenAI’s premium-only feature.
• AI Integration Across Google: Gemini is being integrated into Google Workspace, offering AI-powered email, productivity tools, and coding assistance.
• For more information, visit here.
• If you want to learn more about Google News, visit Google News.

Aardvark Weather: AI Revolutionizes Fast and Efficient Weather

• Breakthrough AI Model: Researchers from the University of Cambridge, Alan Turing Institute, Microsoft Research, and ECMWF have developed Aardvark Weather, an AI-driven system that delivers accurate forecasts in minutes using minimal computing power. ​
• Enhanced Speed and Efficiency: Aardvark operates significantly faster than traditional methods, generating forecasts tens of times quicker and requiring only a fraction of the data and computing resources.
• Simplified Forecasting Process: Unlike conventional systems that rely on complex, multi-stage processes and supercomputers, Aardvark uses a single machine learning model trained on real-time data from satellites, sensors, and weather stations.
• Tailored Applications: The model can be customized for specific sectors such as renewable energy and agriculture, providing localized forecasts that were previously time-consuming and resource-intensive to develop. ​
• Global Accessibility: Aardvark's efficiency and reduced resource requirements make it accessible for use in developing countries, democratizing advanced weather forecasting capabilities.
• Future Potential: The system lays the foundation for a new era in weather forecasting, offering faster, more accurate, and cost-effective predictions that could transform global weather prediction practices. ​
• For more information, visit here.

Thank you for all your support throughout the year! This will be our last newsletter until the new school year in September 2025. We hope to see you all in the new academic year :)