Meta’s Head of AI Research Exits After 12 Years to Start New Venture

Yann LeCun, a pioneer in AI, is set to leave in order to establish a new company focused on AI world models.

What you should know

– Meta’s leading AI scientist is exiting the company by the year’s end to launch a startup.
– Yann LeCun, the founder of Meta’s FAIR research division and a key figure in AI, has dedicated 12 years to the organization.
– LeCun’s forthcoming startup is designed to create AI world models and will collaborate with Meta.

Meta is evolving into an artificial intelligence powerhouse, integrating Meta AI into its social applications and devices. Nevertheless, the esteemed AI scholar, who spearheaded the company’s research initiatives for more than ten years, is now embarking on a journey to establish a new startup. Yann LeCun, Meta’s vice president and chief AI scientist, plans to leave to create a firm focused on “ushering in the next revolution in AI.”

The new venture will carry forward LeCun’s exploration of Advanced Machine Intelligence (AMI), which he has studied as part of Meta’s FAIR research division and at New York University as a faculty member. LeCun will remain with Meta until the year’s end and states that further information regarding the new company will be disclosed later. Importantly, it has been confirmed that Meta will collaborate with LeCun’s startup “due to their ongoing interest and support.”

LeCun announced his impending departure in a message on Threads and other social media platforms on Wednesday, November 19.

“I am establishing a startup company to pursue the Advanced Machine Intelligence research program (AMI) that I have been working on over the last several years with my colleagues at FAIR, at NYU, and beyond. The purpose of this startup is to foster the next significant breakthrough in AI: systems that comprehend the physical world, possess enduring memory, can reason, and can devise intricate action plans.” – Yann LeCun, chief AI scientist at Meta

Currently available consumer AI products predominantly consist of large language models (LLM), which hold extensive knowledge derived from written content and various other resources. However, LLMs often face challenges in remaining up-to-date or providing a profound understanding of reality. Through LeCun’s AMI initiative, the researcher aspires to construct world models that offer reasoning, knowledge, and functionalities that mirror or approximate the capabilities of the human mind.

“In my vision, AMI will possess extensive applications across numerous sectors of the economy, some of which will align with Meta’s business interests, while many will not,” LeCun expresses. “Chasing the objective of AMI within an independent organization allows for maximizing its widespread influence.”

This transition will place the leadership of Meta’s FAIR research division in new hands for the first time since its establishment. It occurs at a moment when Meta is actively recruiting AI talent and companies to contend with the likes of Google, OpenAI, and others.

“The influence of FAIR on the company, on the realm of AI, on the tech community, and on the larger world has been phenomenal,” LeCun remarks. “The establishment of FAIR stands as my most cherished non-technical achievement.”

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“Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked – A Revolutionary Follow-Up Transforming Strategy Gaming”

**Demeo Matures and Broadens Its Scope in My Selection for Game of the Year on the Meta Quest Platform**

In a year filled with notable game launches, a singular title has risen to prominence on the Meta Quest platform: “Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked.” This game, a partnership between the cherished Demeo series and the vast realm of Dungeons & Dragons, has entranced players with its refined gameplay and immersive environment. Offered on Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation, this title presents both VR and non-VR versions, guaranteeing accessibility for every player.

**A Fresh Chapter in the Demeo Journey**

“Demeo x D&D” enhances the successful groundwork of the initial Demeo, a turn-based strategy card battler. By weaving in the rich narratives of Dungeons & Dragons, the game provides a novel perspective on the genre. Players can embark on grand campaigns set in iconic locales like Neverwinter and Icewind Dale, with each battle taking place on elaborately crafted boards that mimic real-world environments.

The gameplay mechanics are recognizable yet inventive. Players can execute two actions each turn, utilizing a hand of cards for attacks or items, or maneuvering across the board. The addition of card-based abilities brings a distinctive twist to the conventional D&D mechanics, delivering a lively and engaging experience.

**Extensive Campaigns and Replay Value**

At its release, “Demeo x D&D” includes two principal campaigns, each presenting hours of gameplay across diverse locations. Players have the ability to save their progress at any moment, enabling flexible gaming sessions. The game also features three “one-shot” campaigns, boosting its replayability and diversity.

In contrast to its predecessor, “Demeo x D&D” embraces a more classic RPG framework. Players can navigate the game’s world map, selecting areas to explore and participating in both combat and non-combat events. This open-ended format promotes exploration and discovery, ensuring each playthrough is a distinctive journey.

**Cutting-Edge Multiplayer and Personalization**

A highlight of the game is its cross-platform multiplayer functionality. VR and non-VR players can effortlessly collaborate, ensuring that no one misses out on the excitement. Furthermore, the game introduces character customization, enabling players to modify their avatars and create unique skill trees.

For those desiring a more communal experience, “Demeo x D&D” presents a co-location feature for Meta Quest users. This allows players to congregate in the same physical area and experience the game board as though it were an actual tabletop game, heightening the feeling of togetherness and immersion.

**An Essential Title for VR Aficionados**

“Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked” exemplifies the possibilities of VR gaming. Its blend of strategic gameplay, rich storytelling, and groundbreaking features renders it an essential title for genre enthusiasts. Whether you are a veteran D&D player or a newcomer to the realm of tabletop gaming, this game provides an unparalleled experience that is certain to enchant and amuse. As my choice for the game of the year on Meta Quest, “Demeo x D&D” establishes a new benchmark for the achievements of VR games.

How Google Connected the File-Sharing Divide by Merging Quick Share with AirDrop

**It’s similar to the substantial RCS initiative between Android and iPhone, but for your documents.**

In a pivotal step to improve cross-platform functionality, Google has unveiled a new update for its Pixel 10 series that enables Android’s Quick Share to operate effortlessly with Apple’s AirDrop. This advancement is reminiscent of the recent RCS (Rich Communication Services) merger between Android and iPhone, intended to enhance messaging experiences. Consequently, file sharing between these two platforms is poised to become simpler.

**Key points to remember:**
– Google has allowed its Pixel 10 series to transmit files from Quick Share to iPhones through AirDrop.
– Users need to adjust their devices to “Everyone for 10 minutes” to enable file exchanges between Android and iPhone.
– Google intends to expand this functionality to more Android devices, widening the range of cross-platform file sharing.

This update, which starts to roll out today, underscores Google’s dedication to promoting better interoperability between Android and iOS devices. The firm assures users that this feature has been designed with security in mind, having undergone thorough evaluation by independent security specialists.

The initiative follows Apple’s recent incorporation of RCS on iPhones with iOS 18, which enhanced messaging between Android and iOS by introducing functionalities such as read receipts and higher-quality images. This was a notable advancement, aligning with Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign that champions improved messaging standards.

The partnership between Google and Apple in advancing file sharing and messaging mirrors a growing trend towards cross-platform integration, promising a more cohesive user experience across different devices. As this update is implemented, users can anticipate a more seamless interaction between their Android and iOS devices, creating a sense of greater connectivity than ever before.