Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past two weeks (in no particular order):
OpenAI's new model achieves human-level general intelligence test scores. OpenAI's o3 model scored 85% on the ARC-AGI benchmark, demonstrating unprecedented adaptability and generalization capabilities. This marks a potential leap toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), though questions remain about its scalability and robustness. If validated, o3 could have transformative economic impacts and set new benchmarks for AI. Importance for marketers: Advancements in AGI may redefine marketing automation, personalization, and predictive analytics, opening new frontiers for customer engagement.
Apple faces backlash over AI-generated news alerts. Apple's AI-generated news summaries have been criticized for inaccuracies, sparking calls for removal from organizations like the NUJ and RSF. Examples include false claims about news events, which Apple attributes to its AI tools in beta testing. The company plans updates to clarify AI involvement in summaries. Importance for marketers: Trust in AI-powered communication tools is critical; marketers must ensure accuracy in AI applications to maintain brand credibility.
Microsoft unveils AI model capable of performing real-world actions. Microsoft's "Large Action Model" (LAM) advances AI by enabling it to operate software autonomously. Tested in Word, LAM achieved 71% task success, outperforming GPT-4o. By combining planning, learning, and real-time adaptability, LAM hints at broader applications for AI in automating complex workflows. Importance for marketers: Autonomous AI could streamline content creation, campaign execution, and other marketing operations, enhancing efficiency.
DeepSeek releases powerful open-source AI model. DeepSeek V3, a Chinese-developed AI model, challenges leading AI systems with its high performance on coding, translation, and complex tasks. Openly available, the 671-billion-parameter model was trained efficiently, though political restrictions limit some applications. DeepSeek highlights innovation at a fraction of the cost of competitors like OpenAI. Importance for marketers: Open-source AI models provide cost-effective opportunities for custom AI solutions, especially for content creation and analytics.
New York mandates AI-use reporting in state agencies. A new law requires New York state agencies to review and report on their AI use. It also bars AI from making critical decisions without human oversight. The legislation aims to promote transparency and set boundaries for AI applications in governance. Importance for marketers: Regulatory changes signal a need for businesses to audit and report on AI use, fostering accountability in customer-facing AI systems.
Jerry Yang predicts AI's transformative impact. Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang highlights AI's potential to disrupt industries during an interview. He compares current AI advancements to earlier technology waves, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt quickly. Yang's insights draw from his experience as an early tech pioneer and venture capitalist. Importance for marketers: Understanding AI's trajectory helps marketers align strategies with emerging trends, ensuring readiness for transformative industry shifts.
Samsung introduces AI-focused subscription plans for Galaxy devices. Samsung plans to launch a new "AI subscription" for Galaxy devices starting February 2025, alongside the Galaxy S25 series. The subscription includes installment plans and after-sales services rather than AI feature subscriptions, despite its name. Samsung also offers pre-orders with financial perks. Importance for marketers: AI-driven products must be marketed transparently to manage consumer expectations.
LG and Samsung add Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant to TVs. At CES 2025, LG and Samsung announced new TVs featuring Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant, promising advanced contextual search and personalization. These integrations highlight the increasing role of AI in consumer electronics. However, the lack of detailed demonstrations has left functionality questions unanswered. Importance for marketers: AI-driven consumer electronics offer new avenues for ad targeting and personalized content delivery.
Halliday Glasses combine AI and wearable displays. Halliday Glasses debuted at CES 2025, featuring a near-eye display and proactive AI assistance for tasks like meeting summaries and navigation. Priced between $399 and $499, they aim to blend functionality and convenience in wearable tech. Importance for marketers: Wearable AI devices offer unique ways to engage audiences, especially through innovative ad formats and real-time personalization.
LinkedIn expands AI tools for job seekers. LinkedIn has enhanced its AI capabilities, adding features like resume generation and job-matching tools. While AI helps streamline applications, recruiters caution against over-reliance due to common errors. The tools aim to improve efficiency but face scrutiny over their impact on job search outcomes. Importance for marketers: AI-powered tools can streamline HR and recruitment marketing, enhancing employer branding efforts.
PwC's AI chief predicts scaling and risks in 2025. Dan Priest, PwC's Chief AI Officer, forecasts that businesses will focus on scaling AI applications responsibly in 2025. He emphasizes balancing innovation with risk management to stay competitive. Generative AI's personalization capabilities are reshaping business models across industries. Importance for marketers: Emphasizing ethical AI use strengthens brand trust while driving innovative marketing strategies.
Nvidia launches $3,000 personal AI supercomputer. Nvidia's Digits AI supercomputer offers developers and researchers desktop access to advanced AI processing. With 128GB of memory and up to 1 petaflop of performance, it empowers small-scale AI model development. Importance for marketers: Affordable AI hardware democratizes access to powerful tools, enabling more businesses to harness AI for personalized marketing.
OpenAI's Sam Altman denies abuse allegations by sister. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, has denied allegations of sexual abuse made by his sister, Ann Altman. The case raises complex family dynamics and reputational concerns. OpenAI's prominence adds visibility to this legal issue. Importance for marketers: Crisis management is critical for safeguarding leadership reputations that influence brand perception.
Meta removes AI character profiles after backlash. Meta shut down its AI character profiles after backlash over depictions of marginalized groups. These profiles, part of an experimental initiative, faced criticism for lacking diverse representation. Importance for marketers: Diversity and sensitivity in AI initiatives are crucial to avoid reputational risks and align with inclusive brand values.
Omi wearable AI assistant debuts at CES 2025. The Omi wearable assistant offers voice-activated features like meeting summaries and personalized recommendations. Positioned as a personal mentor, it showcases evolving AI-human interaction possibilities. Importance for marketers: AI wearables create opportunities for hyper-personalized marketing in real-time contexts.
Anthropic settles music copyright lawsuit. Anthropic resolved allegations of training AI models with copyrighted song lyrics by applying new content guardrails. This agreement addresses rights-holder concerns while allowing AI development to continue. Importance for marketers: Ensuring compliance with copyright laws is vital for sustainable AI-driven content marketing.
Samsung Galaxy S25 AI to surpass Apple features, claims report. Samsung's Galaxy S25 series is set to introduce advanced AI features, including a "true AI companion" that enhances user interaction. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, the devices promise significant upgrades, such as AI-powered camera enhancements and real-time adjustments. Launching January 22, the series will redefine AI integration in smartphones. Importance for marketers: An "AI companion" offers marketers new opportunities to engage customers via personalized experiences, interactive campaigns, and direct communication through integrated AI platforms.
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.
