DEEPSEEK DEBUTS OPEN-SOURCE AI MODEL JANUS-PRO-7B
Chinese AI firm DeepSeek unveiled on Monday its open-source AI model, Janus-Pro-7B, which allegedly surpasses both Stable Diffusion and OpenAI's DALL-E 3 in terms of image creation capabilities.
'Janus-Pro is a novel autoregressive framework that unifies multimodal understanding and generation. It addresses the limitations of previous approaches by decoupling visual encoding into separate pathways, while still utilizing a single, unified transformer architecture for processing,' the company said on Monday. 'Janus-Pro surpasses previous unified model and matches or exceeds the performance of task-specific models
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L'Orient-Le Jour
2 days ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Ministry of Tourism launches its 'smart tourism app'
BEIRUT — The Ministry of Tourism launched an AI-powered app to aid tourists in planning their Lebanon destinations on Tuesday, dubbed the "smart tourism application" by Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud and Minister of State for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadeh. The app functions as a directory of tourist sites, expected to grow as sites themselves register, with a module allowing users to query the database, modeled on OpenAI's Large Language Model (LLM). The application, called simply "Ministry of Tourism Lebanon," is already available on macOS and Android. "It does not replace any other [tourism] application, but links them all, through artificial intelligence," a statement from the Ministry of Tourism's press office explains. "These applications map out for us the archaeological sites, mountain hiking routes, addresses of guest houses, or even places of pilgrimage and religious tourism," Lahoud said during a presentation introducing the app on Tuesday at the ministry. "Today, we are launching a new tool that does not compete with these private initiatives, but rather complements and highlights them." "The application functions as a personal assistant using artificial intelligence to provide guidance, advice and suggestions in the field of tourism in Lebanon, in all its details," Shehadeh said. "What can I do in Tripoli today between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.? How can I fill five days with activities suitable for my children aged 10 to 14?" are examples of questions that can be asked on the app, Lahoud demonstrated. Although the application's interface is in English, the artificial intelligence responds in the user's language. The application "draws from the data of 2,400 sites specialized in tourism in Lebanon — a figure expected to increase over time," Shehadeh said. The minister also emphasized that the application "will help owners of small and medium-sized tourism businesses reach the public, especially since they can add information about their establishments." It aims to "make life easier for citizens and tourists in Lebanon," he said.
MTV Lebanon
2 days ago
- MTV Lebanon
US, China Extend Tariff Truce by 90 Days, Averting Surge in Duties
The United States and China have extended a tariff truce for another 90 days, staving off triple-digit duties on each other's goods as U.S. retailers get ready to ramp up inventories ahead of the critical end-of-year holiday season. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform on Monday that he had signed an executive order suspending the imposition of higher tariffs until 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on November 10, with all other elements of the truce to remain in place. China's Commerce Ministry issued a parallel pause on extra tariffs early on Tuesday, also postponing for 90 days the addition of U.S. firms it had targeted in April to trade and investment restriction lists. "The United States continues to have discussions with the PRC to address the lack of trade reciprocity in our economic relationship and our resulting national and economic security concerns," Trump's executive order stated, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China. The tariff truce between Beijing and Washington had been due to expire on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT). The extension until early November buys crucial time for the seasonal autumn surge of imports for the Christmas season, including electronics, apparel and toys at lower tariff rates. The new order prevents U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from shooting up to 145%, while Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods were set to hit 125% - rates that would have resulted in a virtual trade embargo between the two countries. It locks in place - at least for now - a 30% tariff on Chinese imports, with Chinese duties on U.S. imports at 10%. There was relief on the streets of China's capital, where officials are grappling with the challenge Trump's trade policy poses to the economy's long-standing, export-oriented growth model. "I don't think either China or the United States wants to see their relationship continue to deteriorate," said Wang Mingyue, a 39-year-old professional working in robotics. "That's why both are taking the current approach, but the game and confrontation may not be over yet - so there's still risk." Markets showed optimism for a breakthrough between the two superpowers, with Asian stocks rising and currencies mostly steady, after treading water for weeks. Trump told CNBC last week that the U.S. and China were getting very close to a trade agreement and he would meet Xi before the end of the year if a deal was struck. The two sides announced a truce in their trade dispute in May after talks in Geneva, Switzerland, agreeing to a 90-day period to allow further talks. They met again in Stockholm, Sweden, in late July, and U.S. negotiators returned to Washington with a recommendation that Trump extend the deadline. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said repeatedly that the triple-digit import duties both sides slapped on each other's goods in the spring were untenable and had essentially imposed a trade embargo between the world's two largest economies. "It wouldn't be a Trump-style negotiation if it didn't go right down to the wire," said Kelly Ann Shaw, a senior White House trade official during Trump's first term and now with law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. She said Trump had likely pressed China for further concessions before agreeing to the extension. Trump pushed for additional concessions on Sunday, urging China to quadruple its soybean purchases, although analysts questioned the feasibility of any such deal. Trump did not repeat the demand on Monday. "What is he going to offer in exchange?" said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit in Beijing. "China says: 'you should allow us to buy more high-tech goods,' but the U.S. is reluctant." Xu said Trump's refusal to ease his 20% tariff on Chinese goods over fentanyl flows suggested both sides believed they could continue to withstand the trade shock. "If (Trump) escalates, he will struggle to gain an upper hand over China, which has many cards to play," Xu said. China's exports to the U.S. fell an annual 21.7% last month, according to the country's latest trade data, while shipments to Southeast Asia rose 16.6% over the same period as manufacturers sought to pivot to new markets and capitalise on a separate reprieve that allowed trans-shipment to the U.S. Separate U.S. data released last week showed the trade deficit with China shrank to its lowest in more than 21 years in June. Still, analysts expect the world's two largest economies to reach an agreement before long, as their deep interdependence makes pursuing alternative markets unattractive over the long term. Ryan Majerus, a former U.S. trade official now with the King & Spalding law firm, said the news would give both sides more time to work through long-standing trade concerns. 'This will undoubtedly lower anxiety on both sides as talks continue, and as the U.S. and China work toward a framework deal in the fall," he said. Washington has also been pressing Beijing to stop buying Russian oil to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine, with Trump threatening to impose secondary tariffs on China.
MTV Lebanon
6 days ago
- MTV Lebanon
Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store
A new robot shop has opened in Beijing selling everything from mechanical butlers to human-like replicas of Albert Einstein. More than 100 types of products will be on sale at Robot Mall, which launched in the Chinese capital on Friday. The store is one of the first in the country to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots. The outlet has been compared to a car dealership as it offers services including sales, spare parts and maintenance. China has invested heavily in the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) as it looks to overcome challenges such as slowing economic growth and an ageing population. "If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough," Wang Yifan, a store director, told Reuters. The robots on sale range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) to several million yuan. Visitors will be able to interact with a wide range of robots, including dogs and chess players, organisers said. There is also a separate section offering replacement parts and robot maintenance services. Robot Mall is located next to a themed restaurant, where diners are served by robots and the food is cooked by mechanical chefs. China has increasingly prioritised the robotics industry, with subsidies topping $20bn over the past year. The Chinese government is also planning a 1 trillion yuan fund for AI and robotics start ups. Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store A new robot shop has opened in Beijing selling everything from mechanical butlers to human-like replicas of Albert Einstein. More than 100 types of products will be on sale at Robot Mall, which launched in the Chinese capital on Friday. The store is one of the first in the country to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots. The outlet has been compared to a car dealership as it offers services including sales, spare parts and maintenance. China has invested heavily in the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) as it looks to overcome challenges such as slowing economic growth and an ageing population. "If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough," Wang Yifan, a store director, told Reuters. The robots on sale range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) to several million yuan. Visitors will be able to interact with a wide range of robots, including dogs and chess players, organisers said. There is also a separate section offering replacement parts and robot maintenance services. Robot Mall is located next to a themed restaurant, where diners are served by robots and the food is cooked by mechanical chefs. China has increasingly prioritised the robotics industry, with subsidies topping $20bn over the past year. The Chinese government is also planning a 1 trillion yuan fund for AI and robotics start ups. Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store A new robot shop has opened in Beijing selling everything from mechanical butlers to human-like replicas of Albert Einstein. More than 100 types of products will be on sale at Robot Mall, which launched in the Chinese capital on Friday. The store is one of the first in the country to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots. The outlet has been compared to a car dealership as it offers services including sales, spare parts and maintenance. China has invested heavily in the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) as it looks to overcome challenges such as slowing economic growth and an ageing population. "If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough," Wang Yifan, a store director, told Reuters. The robots on sale range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) to several million yuan. Visitors will be able to interact with a wide range of robots, including dogs and chess players, organisers said. There is also a separate section offering replacement parts and robot maintenance services. Robot Mall is located next to a themed restaurant, where diners are served by robots and the food is cooked by mechanical chefs. China has increasingly prioritised the robotics industry, with subsidies topping $20bn over the past year. The Chinese government is also planning a 1 trillion yuan fund for AI and robotics start ups. Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store A new robot shop has opened in Beijing selling everything from mechanical butlers to human-like replicas of Albert Einstein. More than 100 types of products will be on sale at Robot Mall, which launched in the Chinese capital on Friday. The store is one of the first in the country to sell humanoid and consumer-oriented robots. The outlet has been compared to a car dealership as it offers services including sales, spare parts and maintenance. China has invested heavily in the robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) as it looks to overcome challenges such as slowing economic growth and an ageing population. "If robots are to enter thousands of households, relying solely on robotics companies is not enough," Wang Yifan, a store director, told Reuters. The robots on sale range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) to several million yuan. Visitors will be able to interact with a wide range of robots, including dogs and chess players, organisers said. There is also a separate section offering replacement parts and robot maintenance services. Robot Mall is located next to a themed restaurant, where diners are served by robots and the food is cooked by mechanical chefs. China has increasingly prioritised the robotics industry, with subsidies topping $20bn over the past year. The Chinese government is also planning a 1 trillion yuan fund for AI and robotics start ups. The opening of Robot Mall coincides with the start of the five-day World Robot Conference, which started in Beijing on Friday. Chinese state media said this year's event will see more than 1,500 exhibits from over 200 local and overseas robotic companies. Beijing is also preparing to host the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games from 14 to 17 August. Teams from more than 20 countries will compete in events including track and field, dance and football.
