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

OpenAI updates ChatGPT to new model based on user feedback. OpenAI quietly released an update to its GPT-4o model, integrated into ChatGPT, following user feedback. While some users speculated that the new model introduced multistep reasoning, OpenAI clarified that no new reasoning process was added. The model now natively supports image generation, improving quality and efficiency over previous versions. Importance for marketers: This update highlights the ongoing refinement of AI tools that marketers use, potentially enhancing content generation and image-based marketing strategies.

Google's live demo of Gemini AI highlights competitive pressure on Apple. Google showcased its new AI assistant, Gemini, during a live demo at its Pixel phone launch, despite technical hiccups. Gemini's capabilities, including multimodal AI, emphasize Google's lead in integrating AI into smartphone software, ahead of Apple's anticipated AI-driven advancements in Siri. Importance for marketers: This development signals an increasing reliance on AI in consumer devices, which will require marketers to adapt strategies to leverage AI-driven user interactions on mobile platforms.

Google’s Gemini now supports Google Assistant Routines. Google has enabled its AI assistant Gemini to trigger Google Assistant Routines on Android devices, allowing users to start routines via voice commands within Gemini. However, some actions remain unsupported. Importance for marketers: The expanded functionality of AI assistants like Gemini could drive more engagement with apps and services, offering marketers new opportunities to integrate their brands into daily routines and activities.

Wyoming reporter caught using AI to fabricate quotes and stories. A Wyoming reporter was caught using generative AI to create fake quotes and stories, leading to his resignation and an apology from the newspaper. This incident underscores the ethical challenges and potential dangers of AI in journalism. Importance for marketers: Marketers need to be vigilant about the authenticity of content generated by AI tools, as misuse can damage credibility and trust in both media and brand communications.

Samsung expands AI features to mid-range Galaxy devices. Samsung announced that its Circle to Search feature, previously exclusive to flagship models, will now be available on mid-range Galaxy A series phones and tablets. This AI-powered search tool integrates Google Lens capabilities into Samsung's One UI, enhancing user experience across more affordable devices. Importance for marketers: The expansion of AI tools to mid-range devices broadens the audience for AI-driven features, offering marketers new avenues to engage with a larger, more diverse customer base.

Google expands AI-generated search summaries to new countries. Google is rolling out its AI-generated search summaries to six additional countries, following initial criticism for factual inaccuracies. The feature aims to provide concise overviews atop search results, now with more hyperlinks to relevant websites. Importance for marketers: The international expansion of AI-generated search summaries could impact SEO strategies, as marketers must ensure their content is accurately represented and linked in these AI-driven overviews.

Google launches updated Imagen 3 AI image generator. Google has made its latest AI image generator, Imagen 3, available in the U.S., offering improved detail, lighting, and fewer artifacts. The tool includes safeguards against generating images of public figures and copyrighted characters, though users have found workarounds. Importance for marketers: The enhanced capabilities of AI image generators like Imagen 3 provide marketers with more powerful tools for creating high-quality, customized visual content while also raising ethical considerations about usage.

Dutch copyright group shuts down unauthorized AI training dataset. Dutch copyright enforcement group BREIN has taken down a large dataset used for training AI models without proper permissions. This action highlights the ongoing concerns around the use of copyrighted material in AI development. Importance for marketers: Marketers using AI tools must be aware of the legal and ethical implications of data sourcing, ensuring that AI models are trained on appropriately licensed content to avoid potential legal issues.

AI-enabled PCs account for 14% of quarterly shipments. AI PCs, equipped with neural processing units, made up 14% of personal computer shipments in the last quarter, with Apple leading the market. This surge reflects the growing demand for devices capable of performing AI tasks locally. Importance for marketers: The rise of AI-capable PCs presents new opportunities for marketers to develop more sophisticated, AI-driven applications and services that cater to an increasingly tech-savvy audience.

California partners with Nvidia to boost AI education resources. California has partnered with Nvidia to expand AI training resources in community colleges, aiming to equip students and educators with skills in generative AI. The partnership includes new curriculum, certifications, and AI labs. Importance for marketers: As AI education becomes more widespread, marketers can anticipate a more knowledgeable workforce equipped with AI skills, which could lead to innovative marketing strategies and applications.

Google unveils Pixel 9 phones early amid AI competition with Apple. Google launched its Pixel 9 phones earlier than usual, positioning them as vessels for its advanced AI technology, including the Gemini assistant. This preempts Apple's anticipated AI enhancements in the next iPhone, intensifying the competition. Importance for marketers: The accelerated AI race between Google and Apple highlights the growing importance of AI in consumer tech, urging marketers to stay ahead by integrating AI into their strategies for personalized and efficient customer engagement.

X faces Austrian complaint over AI training with user data. Austrian advocacy group NOYB has filed complaints against X (formerly Twitter) for allegedly using users' personal data to train its AI without consent, violating EU privacy laws. The complaint seeks to enforce stricter compliance with GDPR. Importance for marketers: This case underscores the importance of transparency and user consent in data usage for AI training, which is critical for maintaining consumer trust and avoiding legal pitfalls in marketing practices.

Decentralized AI network Sahara secures $43 million in funding. Sahara AI, a startup combining blockchain with AI, raised $43 million in a funding round led by major investors like Pantera Capital and Samsung NEXT. Sahara's platform rewards data contributors and AI trainers, challenging centralized AI models. Importance for marketers: The rise of decentralized AI networks like Sahara offers marketers new opportunities to engage in more ethical and transparent AI practices, potentially reshaping the landscape of AI-driven marketing.

Hollywood union reaches deal for AI voice replication in ads. SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal allowing actors to license their digital voice replicas for advertising, setting a standard for ethical AI use in the industry. This agreement ensures that actors are compensated and have control over their AI-generated voices. Importance for marketers: As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, this deal highlights the need for marketers to navigate ethical considerations and ensure that the use of digital replicas is transparent and consensual.

Musk’s Grok xAI chatbot sparks controversy with few content restrictions. Elon Musk's xAI chatbot, Grok-2, has drawn criticism for its lack of content restrictions, allowing the generation of misleading, violent, and potentially infringing images. The bot is available to X's premium users, raising ethical and legal concerns. Importance for marketers: The controversy around Grok-2 serves as a cautionary tale for marketers about the risks of using AI tools without adequate safeguards, particularly when it comes to brand safety and content integrity.

California schools struggle with AI tool adoption, revealing key lessons. Los Angeles and San Diego school districts faced challenges with AI tool adoption, including issues with performance and lack of oversight, leading to costly setbacks. These cases highlight the importance of thorough vetting and understanding of AI tools before implementation. Importance for marketers: The lessons from these school districts underscore the need for careful consideration and due diligence when integrating AI into any system, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the risks.

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.