Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past two weeks or so (in no particular order):
Writer enhances AI chat apps with advanced RAG and transparency features. Writer has announced significant updates to its AI chat applications, introducing advanced graph-based retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and new transparency tools. These enhancements enable the analysis of up to 10 million words of data and introduce a "thought process" feature that shows how AI arrives at its responses. New "modes" tailor AI interactions to specific tasks, streamlining user experience.
Importance for marketers: These innovations can help marketers utilize vast amounts of data more effectively and gain insights into AI decision-making processes.
Meta AI introduces efficient language model for mobile devices. Meta AI researchers have developed MobileLLM, an efficient language model optimized for smartphones and other resource-constrained devices. With fewer than 1 billion parameters, these models outperform larger ones on certain tasks, making advanced AI capabilities more accessible on personal devices.
Importance for marketers: This development could lead to more efficient AI applications for mobile marketing, enhancing user experiences on smartphones.
Google experts caution against AI's potential to distort reality. A new Google report warns that low-quality AI-generated content could undermine public trust in digital information. The report highlights risks such as misinformation and disinformation, which could distort sociopolitical realities. Despite these concerns from Google experts, Google's own AI Overviews feature faced criticism for generating odd and inaccurate suggestions.
Importance for marketers: Understanding these risks is crucial for marketers to maintain credibility and trust in their digital content strategies.
Microsoft exits OpenAI board amid regulatory scrutiny. Microsoft has withdrawn its observer seat on the OpenAI board because of regulatory concerns. This move aims to alleviate competition regulators' worries in the UK and the US regarding Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, including its $13 billion investment. OpenAI will now engage strategic partners through regular stakeholder meetings instead of board observers.
Importance for marketers: This development highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny on AI partnerships, which could impact future collaborations and investments in AI technology.
Top AI models struggle with basic vision tasks, study finds. A recent study reveals that state-of-the-art vision learning models (VLMs) often fail simple visual analysis tasks that humans perform easily. Researchers created eight simple tests and found that AI models struggled with tasks like counting rows in a grid and identifying circled letters.
Importance for marketers: Recognizing these limitations is essential for marketers relying on AI for visual content analysis.
Manufacturers slow AI rollout over accuracy concerns, study says. A study by Lucidworks finds that manufacturers are deploying AI initiatives more cautiously because of concerns about accuracy. While 58% of manufacturing leaders plan to increase AI spending in 2024, that's lower than the global consensus. Despite challenges, manufacturers reported increased cost savings from AI adoption.
Importance for marketers: Marketers should note the cautious approach of manufacturers toward AI, emphasizing the need for accurate and reliable AI solutions.
Samsung enhances AI in foldable phones and health monitoring devices. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones and introduced new AI features and health monitoring capabilities in its smartwatch and a new health monitoring ring. The upgrades aim to compete with Apple's dominance in the premium market. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 come with improved AI functionalities and health sensors.
Importance for marketers: These innovations highlight the growing integration of AI in consumer electronics, offering new opportunities for health and lifestyle marketing.
AMD to acquire Finnish AI startup Silo AI for $665 million. AMD announced its acquisition of Finnish AI startup Silo AI for $665 million in cash to enhance its AI chip capabilities. This acquisition aims to improve AMD's development and deployment of AI models and strengthen its software development capabilities. Silo AI will continue to operate under its current leadership within AMD's AI Group.
Importance for marketers: This acquisition highlights the competitive landscape in AI technology, signaling potential advancements in AI-driven marketing tools.
Meta adjusts AI labels after real photos are misidentified as AI-generated. Meta is changing its labeling approach for AI-generated content after receiving criticism for misidentifying real photos as AI-made. The new label "AI info" will replace "Made with AI" and will provide more information to users. This change aims to improve transparency and address artists' concerns about their work being misclassified.
Importance for marketers: Ensuring accurate labeling of AI-generated content is crucial for maintaining trust and transparency in digital marketing.
Figma disables AI design feature after accusations of copying Apple's Weather app. Figma temporarily disabled its "Make Design" AI feature after accusations that it copied the designs of Apple's Weather app. The feature, intended to generate UI layouts from text prompts, was found to be replicating existing app designs. Figma CEO Dylan Field announced that the feature will remain disabled until a full quality assurance review is completed.
Importance for marketers: This incident underscores the importance of originality and ethical considerations in AI-driven design tools.
Google Search ranks AI spam above original reporting, study finds. A recent study reveals that Google's search algorithm ranks AI-generated spam content higher than original reporting from reputable sources. Despite Google's efforts to improve search results by updating its algorithm and spam policies, AI-generated content continues to appear prominently in search results. This issue has caused frustration among SEO experts and publishers who see their original work being overshadowed by low-quality AI content.
Importance for marketers: Marketers must be aware of the challenges posed by AI-generated content to ensure their high-quality work remains visible and credible.
Pixel 9 to feature new 'Google AI' collection of features. Unnamed sources claim that Google's upcoming Pixel 9 will introduce a collection of features under the "Google AI" brand. These features include "Add Me" for cameras, "Studio" for AI-generated images and videos, and "Pixel screenshots" for creating tailored summaries of screenshots. The Pixel 9 is expected to debut at an early hardware event on August 13.
Importance for marketers: The introduction of new AI features in Pixel 9 highlights the growing importance of AI in enhancing user experience and engagement on mobile devices.
Apple Intelligence to launch this fall, with some features delayed. Apple is set to introduce Apple Intelligence in its iPhone, Mac, and iPad this fall with the release of iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and iPadOS 18. However, several features, including support for non-English languages and advanced Siri functionalities, will be delayed and rolled out over the coming year. These features aim to enhance AI capabilities across Apple devices, improving user experience and productivity.
Importance for marketers: Apple Intelligence represents a significant step forward in AI integration, offering new opportunities for creating personalized and efficient marketing campaigns.
Artists concerned as tool preventing AI mimicry is bypassed. Glaze, a tool designed to protect artists' styles from being mimicked by AI, has seen a surge in demand. However, security researchers recently discovered a way to bypass Glaze's protections, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Glaze adds imperceptible noise to images to prevent AI from copying styles, but the attack on its security highlights the ongoing challenges artists face in protecting their work from AI.
Importance for marketers: Ensuring the ethical use of AI in creative industries is crucial for maintaining trust and protecting intellectual property.
The future of AR beyond Vision Pro is already brewing. At the AWE conference, developers and startups showcased advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology, highlighting the potential beyond current VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. Innovations in smart glasses, hand tracking, and AR displays are paving the way for more integrated and less bulky AR experiences. Companies like Meta and Xreal are leading the charge with new AR glasses that offer improved functionality and user experience.
Importance for marketers: The evolution of AR technology presents new opportunities for immersive marketing experiences and enhanced customer engagement.
UN adopts resolution to close AI access gap between developed and developing nations. The UN General Assembly has adopted a Chinese-sponsored resolution, with US support, urging developed nations to help close the AI access gap with developing countries. The resolution emphasizes the need for fair, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory access to AI technology, ensuring that all nations can benefit from AI advancements. This initiative follows the adoption of a similar resolution spearheaded by the US in March.
Importance for marketers: Equitable access to AI technology is crucial for global marketing strategies, fostering inclusivity and expanding market opportunities.
California advances AI safety regulations despite tech firm opposition. California lawmakers have advanced legislation requiring AI companies to implement safety measures to prevent misuse of AI technology. The bill, aimed at reducing risks from powerful AI systems, is opposed by tech giants like Meta and Google, who argue that the regulations should target those who misuse AI rather than developers. The bill also proposes the creation of a state agency to oversee AI development and provide best practices.
Importance for marketers: Understanding regulatory developments is essential for marketers to ensure compliance and anticipate changes in the AI landscape.
Amazon reviews Perplexity AI for content scraping violations. Amazon is investigating claims that AI startup Perplexity AI has been scraping content from websites without permission, including prominent news sites. Perplexity, which uses Amazon Web Services, has denied any violations. The startup has faced criticism for publishing summarized news stories without proper attribution. Amazon's review follows a Wired investigation highlighting these issues.
Importance for marketers: Ensuring ethical content sourcing and attribution is critical for maintaining trust and credibility in digital marketing.
States seek to equip workers with AI skills to stay relevant in the job market. As generative AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, some states are developing initiatives to help workers enhance their tech skills. Connecticut, for example, plans to launch the country's first Citizens AI Academy, offering free online courses to help individuals gain AI literacy and certifications. Other states are exploring similar measures to ensure workers remain competitive in an AI-driven economy.
Importance for marketers: Investing in AI education and skills development is essential for marketers to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Brazil authority suspends Meta's AI privacy policy. Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has suspended Meta's new privacy policy for using personal data to train generative AI systems. The decision affects all Meta products in Brazil, citing imminent risk to fundamental rights. Meta must adapt its policy and stop processing personal data for AI training.
Importance for marketers: Marketers need to be aware of evolving privacy regulations affecting AI data usage, ensuring compliance to avoid legal repercussions.
Amazon hires Adept co-founders to boost AI efforts. Amazon has hired several co-founders and employees from AI startup Adept to enhance its AI capabilities. This move mirrors Microsoft's recent hiring strategy to strengthen its AI development. Amazon aims to improve AI model training and deployment, signaling a significant investment in AI technologies.
Importance for marketers: Amazon's increased focus on AI development highlights the importance of AI in business strategies, potentially offering advanced AI tools for marketing automation.
Nokia taps AI boom with $2.3 billion Infinera purchase. Nokia plans to acquire US-based optical networking gear maker Infinera for $2.3 billion. This acquisition is part of Nokia's strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for data centers driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. The deal aims to enhance Nokia's capabilities in the AI and networking sectors.
Importance for marketers: The acquisition reflects the increasing investment in AI infrastructure, which could lead to improved AI-driven marketing tools and services.
Microsoft and OpenAI partnership faces EU scrutiny. EU antitrust regulators are examining the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, along with Google's AI deal with Samsung, for potential anti-competitive practices. The investigation focuses on whether these partnerships could hinder competition in the AI market, particularly affecting smaller AI developers.
Importance for marketers: Marketers should monitor regulatory actions as they may impact the availability and development of AI tools and partnerships.
Baidu launches upgraded AI model and hits 300 million users. Baidu has unveiled an upgraded version of its AI model, Ernie 4.0 Turbo, and announced that its AI user base has reached 300 million. The new model, accessible via Web and mobile interfaces, aims to maintain Baidu's competitive position in China's AI market. Baidu also upgraded its PaddlePaddle AI ecosystem, now supporting 14.65 million developers and 370,000 businesses.
Importance for marketers: Baidu's advancements in AI technology offer new tools and opportunities for marketers targeting the Chinese market.
You can find the previous issue of AI Update here.
Editor's note: GPT-4o was used to help compile this week's AI Update.
