AI is able to develop the best beer possible.

Welcome back, AI enthusiasts! 🤖

It’s Max, remember? 🧔🏻 I know it’ll be hard to be back to work after the extended weekend (Happy Easter, btw), but I’m here to help with a push. Hope this newsletter will serve as an inspiration for your productivity 🪫

P.S.: the next 3 minutes of reading would serve as a perfect time to finish all the Chocolate eggs left 🐣. Right, reader

1. Fancy a Pint? 🍻

Camden Hells. Blue Moon. Guinness. These sweet words once again remind us there is nothing better than a good pint 🤤

And here is the good news: right now Belgium 🇧🇪 researchers led by Prof Kevin Verstrepen from KU Leuven university have employed artificial intelligence to enhance the taste of beer even more. So what is the trick? Stage one 1️⃣ - analysing the chemical composition of 250 Belgian beers. Stage two 2️⃣ - collecting data from a tasting panel and online consumer reviews. Stage three 3️⃣ - identifying key factors influencing beer flavour. And here is the result ➡️ using machine learning models, they predicted taste and appreciation based on these factors. The researchers then utilised these predictions to modify a commercial beer, resulting in improved ratings across various attributes ✅

However, the study suggests that AI could particularly benefit the enhancement of non-alcoholic beers. So while the experiment offers potential for refining beer, the traditional skills of brewers remain essential in the process - any volunteers? 😎

2. The Hologram Norton Show 📺

Seems like Graham Norton 🕺 should think about his retirement plan as quite soon he might be replaced by AI. It’s still not a reality in the UK, but in Thailand 🇹🇭 two AI reporters will be piloted from April 1 in the Nation News Alert programme.

Nation TV channel 22 have used artificial intelligence to create female news reporter Natcha 💁‍♀️ and her male counterpart Nitchan 💁‍♂️

Apirawee Pichayadecha, Nation TV’s managing director, said to Asia News: “AI reporters will help support the work of our editorial department, allowing (human) reporters to have more time to focus on gathering and verifying information”. News reporting by Natcha and Nitchan will be accompanied by automatic closed captions that should make viewers feel like they are listening to real people 😱

With aspirations to utilise AI in various areas, such as brand ambassadors and event hosts, Nation TV demonstrates a commitment to embracing technology for enhanced viewer engagement. While the use of AI reporters may streamline news delivery and bypass language barriers, the program's success will ultimately depend on its ability to maintain credibility and connect with audiences in a meaningful way. What do you think: is it really possible now or are we still desperate to see someone being really camp to relate to them? 😂

3. Doctor, Who? 🛸

I can’t even imagine that countless fans of Doctor Who. The TV series has become a huge part of the culture, so no wonder the audience is quite protective of its legacy.

However, a recent development shook the Doctor Who community. The BBC experimented with AI 👽 to aid in crafting promotional material for the show. While this move seemed logical, it sparked backlash from viewers. Consequently, according to Deadline, the BBC swiftly announced their decision to refrain from using AI for Doctor Who promotions in the future 🙃

The move marks a reversal from their earlier stance, where they had highlighted the potential of AI to streamline promotional efforts. Although the BBC did not disclose the exact number of complaints received 🤔, they assured adherence to editorial quotas. This decision emerges amidst growing discourse surrounding AI's role in the television industry, prompting the industry to issue guidelines for its ethical use ✍🏻

Meanwhile, on the other end of the world, OpenAI showcased its Sora software in Hollywood 🇺🇸, igniting conversations about AI's potential impact. Looks like LA will be accepting AI with open arms whilst Whovians at the BBC have rejected it outright. Well, what can the Doctor say – you do you, the universe is big 🪐

Curious, innit? Who knows, maybe our Easter break next year will look totally differently: with an AI TV host, artificially generated beer…and maybe even with a new Doctor! 🤯 But that’s going to be in a year.

And for now - stay curious and treat yourself with a cup of coffee before you come back to work 💔

See you next week!

Max

xx