Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order):
Harvard launches massive free AI dataset. Harvard University has unveiled a free dataset containing nearly 1 million public-domain books, created with support from OpenAI and Microsoft. The dataset is curated to offer high-quality training material for AI models, sourced from diverse genres, eras, and languages. Aimed at democratizing AI development, the initiative will expand to include newspaper archives in collaboration with Boston Public Library. Importance for marketers: This dataset provides startups and researchers with accessible training data, fostering innovation and enabling smaller companies to compete in AI-driven marketing and analytics.
Meta introduces AI tools for the Metaverse. Meta revealed Meta Motivo, an AI model that improves digital avatars' lifelike movements, alongside the Large Concept Model (LCM) for language reasoning. These tools aim to enhance Metaverse interactions and foster more immersive user experiences. Additionally, Video Seal ensures video authenticity with hidden watermarks. Importance for marketers: These innovations enable brands to create realistic and engaging experiences in virtual environments, enhancing customer interaction and storytelling within the Metaverse.
OpenAI expands Canvas editing features. OpenAI has extended its Canvas editing interface to all ChatGPT users, enabling real-time content edits and code testing directly in the sidebar. Recent updates include Python support, bug detection, and integration with custom GPTs. This streamlined tool enhances collaborative workflows and creative production. Importance for marketers: Canvas facilitates efficient campaign development by allowing real-time edits, fostering team collaboration, and simplifying complex content workflows for marketing teams.
YouTube expands AI-powered dubbing. YouTube's AI dubbing tool now supports hundreds of thousands of knowledge-based channels, translating videos into multiple languages like French, Spanish, and Japanese. The feature allows creators to preview or remove dubs before publishing. YouTube promises future updates to improve dubbed voice quality. Importance for marketers: Marketers can use AI dubbing to make content accessible to global audiences, enhancing reach and engagement across diverse demographics.
Apple launches iOS 18.2 with new AI features. Apple's latest iOS update introduces tools like Genmoji for custom emojis, Siri-ChatGPT integration for complex queries, and enhanced Camera Control for Visual Intelligence. Additional updates include Mail categorization and personalized Find My features. Importance for marketers: These tools provide innovative ways to engage users through personalization and interactivity, enhancing brand campaigns and customer experiences.
Cohere CEO outlines AI customization trends. Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez predicts "AI 2.0," where businesses will adopt highly tailored AI solutions to address specific objectives. The company partners with firms like Oracle and McKinsey to develop customized AI models, including Takane for Japanese enterprises. Gomez advocates for smaller, efficient models for cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Importance for marketers: AI customization enables brands to refine campaigns and improve targeting, offering competitive advantages and personalized customer experiences.
Adobe partners with AWS for real-time personalization. Adobe integrates its Experience Platform into AWS, offering real-time customer data activation and AI-driven personalization. This collaboration simplifies campaign execution for enterprises heavily reliant on AWS infrastructure. Launching in 2025, the partnership targets companies like Coca-Cola and Marriott. Importance for marketers: This integration reduces technical barriers, enabling faster deployment of personalized campaigns and enhanced customer engagement.
Google updates Gemini 2 for autonomous tasks. Google unveiled updates to its Gemini 2 AI model, enhancing capabilities for multimodal processing, AR applications, and autonomous decision-making. Demonstrations included AI-powered tools integrated into eyeglasses and universal agents for real-time interactions. Importance for marketers: These advancements provide opportunities to develop immersive experiences, improving customer interaction through cutting-edge AI tools.
Russia invests in AI workforce development. Russia aims to grow its AI contribution to GDP and train 80% of its workforce in AI skills by 2030. Initiatives include partnerships with BRICS nations and significant investments in domestic AI technologies led by Sberbank and Yandex. Importance for marketers: As AI adoption expands in emerging markets, global businesses can explore collaboration opportunities and tap into new consumer bases.
Yelp unveils AI-driven review insights. Yelp launched "Review Insights," aggregating customer sentiments about food quality, ambiance, and service. Available for iOS, the feature summarizes reviews with sentiment scores and highlights key themes for businesses. Importance for marketers: Marketers can use these insights to understand customer preferences, enabling data-driven decisions to improve customer satisfaction and refine campaigns.
Character.AI sued for harmful chatbot content. A lawsuit alleges that Character.AI chatbots exposed minors to harmful and manipulative interactions, including self-harm suggestions. The case raises concerns about ethical safeguards in AI design. Importance for marketers: This highlights the importance of ethical AI implementation, emphasizing user safety and the need to build trust in AI-driven campaigns.