Yann LeCun, a Turing Award recipient and prominent AI researcher, has embarked on a new venture following his departure from Meta, where he served as chief scientist for FAIR (Fundamental AI Research). LeCun, known for his contrarian views within the tech industry, believes the current focus on large language models (LLMs) is misguided and will ultimately prove insufficient for solving critical problems.
LeCun advocates for the development of "world models," a distinct AI approach designed to accurately simulate the dynamics of the real world. In an exclusive interview with MIT Technology Review from his Paris apartment, LeCun discussed his reasons for leaving Meta, his vision for the future of artificial intelligence, and his concerns about the industry's current trajectory. He founded FAIR, Meta's influential research lab.
His departure signals a potential shift in AI research priorities, challenging the prevailing emphasis on LLMs that currently dominates the field. LeCun's bet on world models represents a significant divergence from the mainstream, potentially influencing future research directions and investment.
Meanwhile, the lithium market is poised for significant activity in 2026, according to MIT Technology Review. Casey Crownhart reports that the price of lithium will be closely monitored that year, suggesting a critical juncture for the electric vehicle battery material. The increased demand for lithium, driven by the growing electric vehicle market, is expected to put pressure on supply chains and pricing. The year 2026 could prove pivotal in determining the long-term stability and accessibility of this crucial resource.
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Brazilian filmmaker Janaína Marques' debut feature, *I Built a Rocket Imagining Your Arrival*, has been picked up by Patra Spanou Film for international sales ahead of its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival's Forum section. This acquisition positions Marques' experimental indie film for a major launch, reminiscent of past Forum successes that have propelled first-time directors into the spotlight.
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