Llama 2 is now available for research and commercial use. It is open source, so anyone can use it to develop AI-based systems.
Social media giant Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has unveiled its latest foray into artificial intelligence with the release of Llama 2. This new free AI model aims to compete directly with tech giants OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and Google. Llama 2, akin to GPT-4 at its core, can be downloaded and used for both research and commercial purposes.
What sets Llama 2 apart from its competitors is its open-source nature. Unlike the closed systems offered by OpenAI and Google, Llama 2’s code is accessible to everyone, allowing users to experiment, modify, and build new AI-powered tools freely. The move towards an open approach is driven by Meta’s belief in fostering innovation, particularly in the rapidly evolving generative AI space.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, highlighted the benefits of open-source development in a Facebook post, citing increased security as more developers can examine the software for potential vulnerabilities. By stressing the system through the collaboration of a wider community, issues can be identified and addressed swiftly.
Meta envisions Llama 2 providing opportunities for companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers to access powerful AI tools that would otherwise be challenging to build and afford. Through Microsoft’s Azure cloud service, the upgraded Meta model will be available for download to any company, forging a significant partnership with the Windows creator.
This announcement indicates Microsoft’s intention to diversify its AI offerings and give companies greater control over their data and software. The move aligns with Microsoft’s push into the AI market, as evidenced by its recent stock price surge following the announcement of an AI-enhanced version of Microsoft 365, which comes with a higher price tag for business customers.
With the release of Llama 2 and its open-source approach, Meta aims to make AI technology more accessible, encouraging collaboration and driving further innovation in the field. As the AI race continues, the impact of these developments on the industry and society remains to be seen.
How to Access Meta’s Open Source Llama 2 AI Model
- Hugging Face Model Hub: Llama 2 is available on the Hugging Face Model Hub, a platform that hosts a wide range of pre-trained AI models. You can find example code, pre-trained models, and community-contributed resources to kick-start your projects using Llama 2.
- Azure AI Model Catalog: If you’re using Microsoft Azure, you can access Llama 2 through the Azure AI model catalog. Explore the catalog to find deployment guides, best practices, and resources specific to integrating Llama 2 into Azure-based applications.
- AWS Marketplace: For users of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Llama 2 can be accessed through the AWS Marketplace. You’ll find resources on deploying and utilizing the model within AWS infrastructure.
