Microsoft Facial Recognition Search Improves Skin & Gender Detection

The company addressed cultural biases in their algorithms by re-examining their datasets and refining their algorithms. Also this week: Google is offering access to a free class that gives developers an introduction to augmented reality, right as Microsoft made free AV dev kits available for the Windows Mixed Reality and Project Kinect for Azure platforms.

4 Min Read
Human Faces - Facial Recognition

Artificial Intelligence is playing a significant role in many technologies these days and as that grows, the discussion around biases making their way into these advanced algorithms is also increasing. One area of bias that was recently highlighted involved the inability of the facial recognition search tools from Microsoft, IBM, and Megvii in China to properly detect certain skin tones and different genders. This issue was pointed out by MIT researcher Joy Buolamwini earlier this year in a paper titled Gender Shades: Intersectional Accuracy Disparities in Commercial Gender Classification.

At the time, when she asked Microsoft about her findings, they responded that they had already taken steps to improve the accuracy of our facial recognition technology and they were working to recognize, understand and remove bias. In fact, Microsoft established a new AI and Ethics in Engineering and Research (AETHER) committee around the time they were announcing Terry Myerson's departure from the company back in March of this year. The goal of this committee, headed by Microsoft President Brad Smith, is to develop internal policies around AI concerning its development and use in Microsoft products and technologies.

Microsoft shared details this week about updates to the company’s facial recognition search algorithms to address this shortcoming. They report improvements in its ability to recognize gender across different skin tones and the updated tools available to Azure Cognitive Services customers using the Face API for their applications.

The improvements were accomplished by making three changes to help eliminate the bias in their original algorithm. This included expanding and revising their benchmark datasets, new data collection to include increased variety around skin tone, gender and age, plus they tweaked their classifier to result in better precession in the results.

Microsoft admits they do not have all the answers concerning bias in these AI algorithms, but they are now having those discussions with users as they work to refine artificial intelligence.

ALSO

-- Google wants to help you learn how to build AR experiences with Coursera by offering a free class that gives you an introduction to augmented reality and ARCore. ARCore is Google's platform for creating augmented reality experiences. As this technology grows, and it is doing that on all the major platforms, it is an important skill set for developers to help market themselves for potential employment.

-- Microsoft's virtual summit about the next perpetual release of their server-based operating system can now be viewed on demand. You can also access several resources as your organization considers adopting Windows Server 2019 when it is released later this year. If you are a Windows Insider for Business you can already be testing out pre-release builds of Windows Server 2019 plus keep an eye on what build are released using our Windows Server 2019 Build Tracker.

-- Android developers can automate app releases through the Google Play store. These simple lines of code use the same Publishing API you may have used in the past when they were only available in the Play Console. There are also options for controlling releases to your internal testers, performing staged rollouts, draft releases and release notes.

-- Microsoft's Chris Jackson wrote an article this week talking about building momentum for your Windows 10 deployments so that your company is able to move forward more efficiently in your migration to Windows 10. With the end of life cycle support date for Windows 7 approaching quickly, it expires on 14 January 2020, the time is now to put serious effort into your planning and execution of these upgrades/migrations. 

-- Google is offering free courses through their Google Digital Workshop program like content marketing, how to turn data into insights and how to create an online business plan. The company is encouraging would-be job candidates to get certified in Google's courses before applying: "At Google, we’re encouraging applicants to get the Google Digital Workshop Certificate as a requisite to apply for junior positions in Marketing and Sales."

-- If you are a developer using the Microsoft Stack, you can request free development kits for the Windows Mixed Reality and Project Kinect for Azure platforms. Just fill out the WMR or Project Kinect for Azure survey's to let the company know of your interest.

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About the Authors

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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