AI Update, August 1, 2024: AI News and Views From the Past Week

Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order):

OpenAI introduces advanced voice mode for real-time ChatGPT conversations. OpenAI has started rolling out Advanced Voice Mode to a limited number of paid ChatGPT users, enabling more natural real-time interactions, including detecting humor and sarcasm. The feature aims to improve conversational flow by eliminating the need to convert speech to text and back. Early tests will help refine the feature before a broader launch in the fall. Importance for marketers: This development could enhance customer service interactions, making them more fluid and engaging.

OpenAI challenges Google with SearchGPT, a new AI-powered search engine. OpenAI has launched SearchGPT, an AI-powered search engine, marking its entry into a market dominated by Google. Currently in prototype, SearchGPT offers real-time internet information and summarized search results with source links. This tool pressures Google to innovate further in search technology. Importance for marketers: SearchGPT's potential to change search dynamics could impact SEO strategies and content visibility, requiring marketers to adapt to new search algorithms and user behaviors.

FCC proposes new AI disclosure rules for political ads. The FCC has proposed rules requiring political ads using AI to disclose this fact, aiming to increase transparency and reduce misleading information. The move faces opposition from the FEC and may not be implemented before the upcoming election. Importance for marketers: Marketers need to monitor regulatory changes in AI use for advertising, as new rules could influence campaign strategies and compliance requirements.

Meta's oversight board calls for updated policies on deepfake images. Meta's oversight board has urged the company to update its policies on nonconsensual deepfake images, highlighting recent failures in handling explicit AI-generated depictions of celebrities. The board recommends clearer policy wording and better protection against misuse. Importance for marketers: Ensuring ethical AI use is crucial for brand reputation. Marketers should stay informed about policy changes to maintain consumer trust and avoid potential legal issues.

Elon Musk's X under scrutiny for AI data use without consent. Europe's data protection watchdog is investigating X, formerly Twitter, for using user data to train AI without explicit consent. Users were automatically opted in for their posts to be used by Musk's AI startup, xAI. This move raises GDPR compliance concerns and could result in fines. Importance for marketers: Understanding data privacy regulations is vital. Marketers must ensure transparency and obtain proper consent when using customer data for AI training to avoid legal repercussions.

Google AI systems advance in solving complex math problems. Google's AI models, AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2, have demonstrated significant progress in solving complex mathematical problems, with notable achievements at the International Math Olympiad. These advancements highlight AI's growing capabilities in abstract reasoning. Importance for marketers: As AI continues to evolve, its applications in data analysis and problem-solving will expand, offering new tools for marketing analytics and strategy development.

AI start-up Anthropic faces backlash over data scraping practices. Anthropic, an AI start-up, is accused of aggressively scraping data from websites without permission, potentially breaching terms of service. This has caused operational disruptions and financial strain for affected sites. Importance for marketers: Ethical data use is critical. Marketers must prioritize obtaining data ethically to avoid damaging relationships with content providers and maintain public trust.

Paris Olympics to showcase generative AI for American viewers. The Paris Olympics will feature extensive use of generative AI in its US broadcast, including recreating a sportscaster's voice and personalized event summaries. European broadcasters are more cautious, citing the technology's immaturity. Importance for marketers: This highlights the potential of AI in enhancing viewer engagement and personalization in media, offering new opportunities for targeted marketing and content creation.

Meta introduces AI Studio for creating custom AI characters. Meta has launched AI Studio, enabling users to create personalized AI chatbots and characters. This tool allows for greater interaction on social media platforms and helps creators manage common questions. Importance for marketers: Custom AI characters can enhance user engagement and provide personalized experiences, making them a valuable tool for social media marketing and customer interaction.

OpenAI unveils GPT-4o Long Output model with extended capabilities. OpenAI has introduced the GPT-4o Long Output model, capable of generating outputs up to 64,000 tokens, a 16-fold increase from its predecessor. This model aims to meet customer demands for longer and more detailed responses. Importance for marketers: The ability to generate extensive outputs enhances content creation and detailed analysis capabilities, providing marketers with powerful tools for producing in-depth reports and creative content.

Apple adds AI-powered summarize feature to Safari. Apple's latest iOS 18.1 update introduces an AI-powered summarize feature in Safari, offering quick summaries of webpages in Reader mode. This feature enhances content consumption by providing concise overviews. Importance for marketers: Marketers can leverage this feature to quickly digest and share key information from webpages, improving efficiency in content curation and research.

Nothing unveils AI-powered 'News Reporter' widget for smartphones. Nothing has introduced an AI-powered 'News Reporter' widget for its smartphones, which provides audio summaries of selected news categories directly on the home screen. This feature enhances user engagement by delivering news in a convenient format. Importance for marketers: The widget's ability to deliver curated audio news can be used to keep users informed and engaged, presenting new opportunities for content delivery and engagement strategies.

Google Gemini to receive multiple new extensions. An APK teardown reveals that Google Gemini will soon support several new extensions, including Home and Phone apps, which will enhance its functionality. These extensions will allow for greater control over smart home devices and phone operations. Importance for marketers: The expanded capabilities of Gemini offer new opportunities for integrating AI into daily tasks and operations, providing marketers with advanced tools for automation and efficiency.

Meta discontinues celebrity lookalike AI chatbots. Meta has shut down its AI chatbots that mimicked celebrity personalities, shifting focus to AI Studio for creating custom AI characters. This change follows the rollout of AI Studio, which allows users to create their own AI personas. Importance for marketers: The shift to customizable AI characters provides new opportunities for personalized marketing and customer engagement, allowing brands to create unique interactions.

AI Cloud provider SMC announces global expansion plans. Sustainable Metal Cloud (SMC), an AI Cloud provider, plans to expand into EMEA and North America due to growing demand for its energy-efficient technology. SMC's immersion cooling technology significantly reduces energy consumption in data centers. Importance for marketers: Energy-efficient AI technologies are becoming increasingly important. Marketers should be aware of these advancements to align with sustainability goals and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

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.

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AI Update, August 1, 2024: AI News and Views From the Past Week

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