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Microsoft to Open Source Minecraft-Based Project AIX

Posted by msmash on from the learning-and-fun dept.

Microsoft has found a new use of its insanely popular title Minecraft. The company on Monday announced Project AIX, a platform that will let computer scientists experiment with artificial intelligence in its cube-stacking game. For instance, Microsoft says, they can manipulate a character and learn from its actions. Microsoft says that Minecraft, a game it acquired in 2014, is more sophisticated than existing AI research simulations. "You can do survival mode, you can do build battles with your friends, you can do courses, you can implement our own games. This is really exciting for artificial intelligence because it allows us to create games that stretch beyond current abilities said Katja Hofmann, one of the researchers behind AIX. The company initially launched the project for its own testing, but says it will make it available as open source to all in July.

8 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. !AIX by bradgoodman · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Could they have chosen a worse name?

    1. Re:!AIX by Flavianoep · · Score: 2

      I don't think so. AIX(r) is registered trade mark of IBM; I wonder how can Microsoft use that name.

      --
      Linux is for people who don't mind RTFM.
    2. Re:!AIX by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 2

      They can't. They will be changing the name shortly, once IBM lawyers get involved.

      Here is the link for those that have never heard of AIX .. http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/...

      --
      Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
    3. Re:!AIX by dissy · · Score: 2

      I don't think so. AIX(r) is registered trade mark of IBM; I wonder how can Microsoft use that name.

      My guess is the developers of this AI project are either
      A) too young to know about AIX, or
      B) under the impression that because their project isn't an operating system, it doesn't violate IBMs trade mark on AIX in the sphere of "computer, operating system"

      But still I think you're completely right.

      I'd assume many of the developers that would be using this AI system in Minecraft WILL recognize AIX from elsewhere (very likely IBM) and thus it does cause confusion even if it wasn't a legal issue.

      Also possible is the developers of the AI project may have made the assumption that this project isn't an operating system and so won't infringe on IBMs mark.
      The only problem with that is once the lawyers become involved, it all boils down to what is an operating system and how close to a library does it need to get to cause confusion, and who can better convince a judge (and maybe jury) of their argument. Oops.

      Microsoft, being a company that depends on their "Windows" mark being limited to the definition of an operating system as well, I can only imagine what the MS legal department is screaming right about now. That can't be a fight they want to start, let alone against IBM.

    4. Re:!AIX by castionsosa · · Score: 5, Funny

      SMIT happens, I guess...

  2. Re:IBM is gonna sue. by Locke2005 · · Score: 2

    Because this will TOTALLY cut into their sales of the AIX operating system... oh wait, we had to port our Ion Beam Microscopes from AIX to Linux because nobody supported AIX anymore... so why should IBM give a shit? They've pretty much switched from supporting AIX to Linux anyway.

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  3. Re:Eish! by CrashNBrn · · Score: 2

    Yes. Struggling.

  4. Re:Eish! by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 2

    If they get desperate, they can always boost the dismal uptake of windows 10 by including Minecraft for free.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.