AI Update, August 29, 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 and Anthropic sign agreements with US government for AI testing. AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic have signed landmark agreements with the US AI Safety Institute for research, testing, and evaluation of their AI models. These deals provide the Institute access to new AI models from both companies and facilitate collaborative research to assess the capabilities and risks of AI technologies. The collaboration aims to set a framework for safe and responsible AI development. Importance for marketers: This partnership highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and ethical AI use, critical for marketers planning to adopt AI tools in their strategies.

Google uses AI to handle tough questions at its town hall meetings. Google has introduced an AI tool, "Ask," to summarize questions at its TGIF meetings, replacing the previous system "Dory." This AI-driven tool is reportedly used to soften the tone of difficult questions, enabling Google executives to avoid addressing pointed queries from employees. Some Googlers feel the tool dilutes the openness of discussions, but Google claims it was implemented to expand the variety of topics addressed. Importance for marketers: Marketers should note the increasing use of AI in internal corporate communications, which could impact employee engagement and corporate transparency.

Plaud introduces AI wearable device for seamless note-taking. Plaud's new NotePin is an AI-powered wearable audio recorder designed to transcribe and summarize conversations, aiming to boost productivity by capturing meeting details. Although it offers innovative features like speaker identification, concerns remain over privacy and data security, especially if the device is lost or misused. Plaud is positioning the product for business professionals who manage numerous meetings and need efficient note-taking tools. Importance for marketers: This news highlights opportunities in AI-driven productivity tools, but also underscores privacy considerations that marketers need to address when promoting such products.

Google reinstates AI-generated people feature in Gemini chatbot. Google is reintroducing the ability to generate images of people using its Gemini AI chatbot, powered by the upgraded Imagen 3 model. The feature, initially removed because of concerns over historically inaccurate images, now comes with built-in safeguards and is available for select business users. However, certain content, such as images of public figures or sensitive scenes, remains restricted. Importance for marketers: This move highlights the evolving capabilities of AI tools in content creation, offering marketers new avenues for creating engaging visual content while also requiring careful navigation of ethical considerations.

California advances AI safety regulation bill. California lawmakers have passed a proposal to regulate large AI models, mandating safety testing and public disclosure of protocols to mitigate risks like power grid manipulation or chemical weapon development. The bill, facing strong opposition from many but not all tech companies, targets models requiring over $100 million in data for training. It now awaits a final Senate vote and the governor's approval. Importance for marketers: This legislation may influence how AI tools are developed and deployed, potentially impacting innovation strategies and regulatory compliance for companies utilizing AI technologies.

UK shifts AI strategy, prioritizing public sector adoption. Under budgetary pressure, the UK government is revising its AI strategy, focusing on public sector adoption over direct industry investment. The strategy includes scrapping planned investments, such as the 1.3 billion pounds for AI technologies, and reassessing its AI Safety Institute's plans. Critics argue the shift may undermine the UK's position in AI innovation. Importance for marketers: The UK's new direction could limit private-sector AI advancements, presenting challenges for marketers relying on AI technologies for growth and innovation.

Open-source AI model CogVideoX revolutionizes video creation. Researchers from Tsinghua University and Zhipu AI have released CogVideoX, an open-source text-to-video model that generates high-quality videos from text prompts. With advanced features and an open-source approach, CogVideoX empowers developers worldwide to innovate in AI-generated video content. However, concerns around misuse, such as deepfakes, remain a challenge. Importance for marketers: CogVideoX presents new possibilities for content creation and engagement, making video marketing more accessible, but also requires careful consideration of ethical implications.

AI data centers compete with bitcoin miners for energy resources. US.tech companies are acquiring energy assets from bitcoin miners to power their expanding AI and cloud data centers, driving significant growth in electricity demand. This competition is reshaping the energy landscape, with some bitcoin miners pivoting to lease or sell their infrastructure to AI firms. Importance for marketers: This trend reflects the growing energy needs of AI development and its potential impact on sustainability and operational costs, an essential consideration for marketers in tech-driven sectors.

Google's Pixel 9 Pro shifts focus to AI with Gemini integration. Google's Pixel 9 Pro series prioritizes AI capabilities over hardware improvements, featuring the Gemini AI assistant integrated across the devices. Although Gemini offers advanced functions like conversational mode and on-device processing, users have experienced glitches, questioning its reliability. The Pixel 9 series aims to position AI as its core appeal rather than traditional hardware enhancements. Importance for marketers: The focus on AI over hardware suggests a shift in product positioning, emphasizing the role of AI in creating personalized customer experiences.

Apple unveils AI features under "Apple Intelligence" for iPhone. Apple is launching "Apple Intelligence," a suite of AI tools, including a new Siri powered by ChatGPT integration, under its upcoming iOS 18. The features, arriving later in 2024, will enhance iPhone functionality with personalized assistance, advanced conversation capabilities, and privacy-focused design. The rollout will be delayed in the EU and China due to regulatory concerns. Importance for marketers: These new AI capabilities can enhance customer engagement and support, offering marketers fresh opportunities for innovation in user experience.

New technique allows custom fonts in AI-generated images. Hobbyists have discovered a method to insert custom fonts into AI-generated images using the Flux AI model, also making text in AI images more accurate. Although this innovation offers creative possibilities, it raises concerns about overkill and ethical implications, such as data use without consent. Importance for marketers: Marketers can use this development to create more branded and customized visual content, but they should be mindful of the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated media.

Klarna uses AI chatbots to reduce workforce size. Swedish fintech company Klarna has cut hundreds of jobs, crediting AI chatbots for handling customer service tasks traditionally performed by employees. The company claims its AI-driven approach reduces resolution times and boosts efficiency while planning for further workforce reductions. Importance for marketers: This showcases the growing role of AI in automating customer service, offering potential cost savings but also highlighting the need to balance automation with maintaining a positive customer experience.

Platform X revises AI chatbot to curb election misinformation. Social platform X, formerly Twitter, updated its AI chatbot Grok after state officials warned it was spreading election misinformation. The chatbot now directs users to trusted sources like Vote.gov for accurate election information. Despite the change, concerns persist over the platform’s ability to control AI-generated content. Importance for marketers: This news highlights the risks associated with AI in information dissemination and the importance of ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness in content shared via AI platforms.

OpenAI backs California bill for AI content watermarking. OpenAI supports a California bill mandating the labeling of AI-generated content to enhance transparency, especially in the context of political misinformation. The bill has passed the state Assembly and awaits Senate approval. Importance for marketers: This could set a precedent for AI content regulation, influencing how marketers use AI-generated content and necessitating compliance with new transparency standards.

Google enhances AI Studio with free Prompt Gallery. Google has launched a free Prompt Gallery in its AI Studio, offering developers a wide range of tools to experiment with the Gemini API. The feature aims to democratize AI development by providing access to diverse prompts and creative applications, enhancing AI adoption across sectors. Importance for marketers: This update could accelerate AI innovation and reduce barriers for marketers looking to integrate AI tools into their strategies.

Google's AI transparency issues with Pixel 9 Pro spark concern. Google's lack of transparency regarding AI-generated edits on the Pixel 9 Pro, particularly with the Magic Editor tool, has raised alarm. Critics argue that the absence of clear AI labeling can contribute to misinformation, as altered images appear real without disclosure. Importance for marketers: This highlights the critical need for transparency when using AI tools in marketing, especially in content authenticity and consumer trust.

Google Keep's AI list-making feature expands to all Pixel phones. Google has rolled out its AI-powered "Help me create a list" feature in Google Keep to all Pixel phones and Google One AI Premium subscribers. This tool aims to streamline list creation, enhancing productivity across devices. Importance for marketers: The feature's expansion shows the trend of AI enhancing daily tasks, providing new opportunities for marketers to promote AI-driven productivity solutions.

Google DeepMind staff urge end to military contracts. Around 200 Google DeepMind employees have called for the company to cease its military contracts, arguing that such deals conflict with Google's AI principles. The letter highlights tensions between Google's AI and Cloud divisions and urges leadership to cut military access to DeepMind technology. Importance for marketers: The demand reflects growing employee activism and ethical considerations, which can influence brand perception and impact marketing strategies.

Anthropic supports revised California AI regulation bill. Anthropic, an AI startup, supports the revised California bill requiring safety testing for advanced AI models. The bill has been adjusted to ease concerns of tech companies while retaining measures like the "kill switch." Importance for marketers: This development highlights the regulatory landscape's impact on AI deployment and its potential influence on marketing strategies involving AI technologies.

Meta and Spotify CEOs criticize European AI regulations. Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Spotify's Daniel Ek argue that Europe's fragmented AI regulations hinder innovation and competitiveness, suggesting that a streamlined approach would better support developers. Importance for marketers: The discussion underscores the challenges and opportunities in navigating regional regulatory environments for AI development and marketing.

Note: This content was updated at 11:17 AM ET on 8/29/2024 with the item headlined "OpenAI and Anthropic sign agreements with US government for AI testing."

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 29, 2024: AI News and Views From the Past Week

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