Recall, Pasqal & Pokemon AI

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IBM and Pasqal Partner to Advance Quantum-Centric Supercomputing

IBM and Pasqal have announced an enhanced collaboration to develop integrated frameworks for quantum-centric supercomputing using Qiskit, the leading quantum software platform.

The partnership aims to create a unified programming model that integrates various quantum and classical hardware resources, including IBM’s next-generation quantum computers, Pasqal’s neutral atom-based quantum devices, and traditional high-performance computing (HPC) systems like CPUs and GPUs.

This integrated architecture is designed to boost the usability and performance of complex, hybrid HPC workflows by allowing users to select the most appropriate hardware for each task within a single framework. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between HPC centers and quantum hardware providers, driving broader adoption of quantum technologies.

As an initial step, Pasqal will grant Qiskit SDK users access to their neutral atom quantum processors, enabling programming across both IBM’s and Pasqal’s hardware. Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of Pasqal, emphasized the collaboration’s role in allowing quantum developers to leverage diverse hardware seamlessly. Jay Gambetta, IBM Quantum Vice President, highlighted the partnership’s potential to simplify the development of quantum-centric supercomputing applications.

Niantic Launches AI Model “LGM” to Navigate the Physical World Using Gamer Data

Niantic, the company behind Pokémon Go and Scaniverse, announced plans to develop a new AI model called the Large Geospatial Model (LGM) designed to navigate the physical world using scans collected from its mobile games.

LGM leverages geolocated images from over 10 million scanned locations worldwide, with users contributing approximately 1 million new scans weekly. This innovative approach marks one of the first instances of AI training data sourced directly from a mobile gaming app.

Niantic’s LGM builds on its existing Visual Positioning System (VPS), which uses single images to determine position and orientation within a 3D map. The model processes physical spaces by analyzing pedestrian-perspective scans, capturing areas beyond the reach of cars and street-view cameras. Niantic has trained over 50 million neural networks, encompassing more than 150 trillion parameters, enabling the model to recognize and understand diverse locations from multiple angles.

While many players may have been aware their scans contribute to AI advancements, reactions remain mixed. The development underscores Niantic’s significant role in AR and its innovative use of gaming data to drive AI progress.

Microsoft Unveils Preview of Recall AI for Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft released the first preview of its Recall AI feature for Copilot Plus PCs, now available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. After several delays, Recall and Click to Do—similar to Google’s Circle to Search—are part of the latest Windows 11 build.

Recall AI captures screenshots of user activities and makes them searchable to help users retrace their steps or recall specific memories using natural language queries. It features a scrollable timeline, allowing users to navigate to particular dates and access previously used apps or websites. Powered by AI, Recall matches text and visual elements from snapshots to deliver relevant search results.

The feature is entirely optional and requires users to opt-in. Recall is available on Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs, with support for Intel and AMD processors coming soon. Users can manage snapshot storage, exclude sensitive information, and prevent certain apps or websites from being recorded. Microsoft ensures that snapshots remain on the device, are not sent to the cloud, and are not used to train AI models.

Recall also includes Click to Do, which enables AI-powered actions like copying text or saving images from snapshots. This feature will expand to support future interactive overlays and visual searches.

Microsoft emphasized privacy and security, requiring Windows Hello, BitLocker, and Secure Boot for Recall to function. The preview aims to address previous security concerns, with ongoing evaluations by security researchers before a wider release.

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