Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order):
OpenAI debuts mini version of its most powerful model yet. OpenAI announced the launch of "GPT-4o mini," described as the most capable and cost-efficient small model available. The model supports multimodality and will include image, video, and audio integration. It is an offshoot of GPT-4o, which handles 50 languages at improved speed and quality. Available to free, Plus, and Team ChatGPT users, and to Enterprise users next week.
Importance for marketers: GPT-4o mini's capabilities in handling multiple media types and languages can enhance marketing content creation and customer interaction.
Apple, Anthropic, others used YouTube videos to train AI without permission. An investigation revealed over 170,000 YouTube videos were used to train AI systems for companies like Apple and Nvidia without permission. The dataset, consisting of subtitles, included content from popular creators and news outlets.
Importance for marketers: This highlights the ongoing ethical and legal concerns in AI training, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper data usage practices.
Microsoft's new AI system 'SpreadsheetLLM' boosts enterprise productivity. Microsoft introduced SpreadsheetLLM, an AI model designed to understand and work with spreadsheets, improving AI's performance in analyzing and reasoning over spreadsheet data. This tool aims to automate data analysis tasks, providing intelligent insights and recommendations.
Importance for marketers: SpreadsheetLLM can significantly enhance data-driven decision-making, automating routine tasks and allowing marketers to focus on strategic activities.
OpenAI working on new reasoning technology under code name 'Strawberry.' OpenAI is developing a project called "Strawberry" to enhance its AI models' reasoning capabilities. This technology aims to enable AI to perform deep research and navigate the internet autonomously.
Importance for marketers: Enhanced reasoning capabilities in AI can lead to more sophisticated tools for market analysis and strategy development, benefiting marketers significantly.
Google's Gemini AI accused of scanning Google Drive files without permission. Google's Gemini AI has been found scanning PDF files in Google Drive without user consent, raising privacy concerns. Kevin Bankson of the Center for Democracy & Technology shared his experience with Gemini AI reading private documents without consent. Google stated that its generative AI features are designed to keep users in control of their data.
Importance for marketers: This incident underscores the importance of data privacy and user consent, critical for maintaining trust in AI applications.
Exa raises $17M to build a 'Google for AIs'. Exa, a startup building a search engine for AI models, raised $17 million in Series A funding led by Lightspeed. The tool allows AI models to perform Web searches, predicting the next link rather than the next word. Exa's search engine is already serving thousands of developers.
Importance for marketers: This innovation could revolutionize how AI models gather and utilize information, enhancing the development of more accurate and reliable AI applications.
FTC seeks details on Amazon deal with AI startup Adept. The FTC has requested more information from Amazon about its deal with AI startup Adept, reflecting concerns about AI partnerships and their potential anticompetitive effects. Amazon has been making recent efforts to bolster its AI capabilities.
Importance for marketers: Increased regulatory scrutiny on AI deals highlights the importance of transparency and fair competition, impacting how marketers approach AI collaborations.
SymphonyAI targets second half 2025 IPO with $500 million revenue run rate. SymphonyAI plans to go public in the latter half of 2025 after achieving a $500 million revenue run rate. The company provides AI solutions to major firms like Pepsi and financial companies.
Importance for marketers: SymphonyAI's IPO and revenue growth highlight the increasing value and demand for AI solutions in diverse industries, underscoring the potential for AI-driven business transformations.
Microsoft faces UK competition investigation over AI startup hires. UK regulators have opened an investigation into Microsoft's hiring of Inflection AI's key staff, assessing whether it lessens competition in the AI market. Microsoft argues that hiring talent promotes competition.
Importance for marketers: This investigation emphasizes the importance of fair hiring practices and competition in the rapidly evolving AI industry, potentially affecting talent acquisition strategies.
Former Yandex chief Volozh launches AI infrastructure venture Nebius. Arkady Volozh, freed from Russian ties, has launched Nebius, aiming to build AI infrastructure including large-scale GPU clusters and cloud platforms. Nebius hopes to become a leading AI infrastructure company in Europe.
Importance for marketers: The establishment of Nebius highlights the growing need for robust AI infrastructure to support the expanding capabilities and applications of AI technologies.
US senators call for investigation into Big Tech's AI talent poaching. Senators are urging an investigation into how Big Tech companies, like Amazon and Microsoft, are hiring talent from AI startups without formal acquisitions. This practice, called "reverse acqui-hire," raises antitrust concerns.
Importance for marketers: This highlights the competitive dynamics in the AI industry and the potential regulatory challenges, impacting how AI talent is sourced and retained.
AI's soaring emissions from Google and Microsoft contribute to climate change. AI chatbots like ChatGPT significantly increase electricity consumption, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Google and Microsoft have reported substantial rises in emissions due to AI data centers.
Importance for marketers: The environmental impact of AI technology highlights the need for sustainable practices in AI development and usage, critical for corporate social responsibility.
Samsung to launch upgraded Bixby with its own AI this year. Samsung will launch an upgraded version of its voice assistant Bixby, incorporating its own large language model to enhance features. This upgrade aims to compete with AI assistants like Siri.
Importance for marketers: The enhanced Bixby could offer new opportunities for voice-activated marketing strategies and customer engagement tools.
Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 to enhance writing across devices. Apple Intelligence will introduce new writing tools in iOS 18, offering text rewriting, composition, proofreading, and summarizing features. These tools will be integrated across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Importance for marketers: These advanced writing tools can streamline content creation and improve the quality of marketing communications, enhancing productivity.
Whistleblowers claim OpenAI blocked airing security concerns. Whistleblowers at OpenAI allege the company blocked staff from raising AI safety concerns to regulators by imposing restrictive agreements. OpenAI denies these claims, stating their policy protects whistleblower rights.
Importance for marketers: This case highlights the ethical considerations and corporate governance issues in AI development, crucial for maintaining public trust.
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.
