Artificial Intelligence

In part two of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss some predictions for 2024 that are too specific to be 100% certain about but could still come true, including: which car company Amazon could potentially acquire, how AI might land itself in hot water, and the next digital consumer privacy lawsuit. Tune in to the discussion with our vice presidents of content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna and analyst Max Willens.

Three generative AI startups get fresh funding: Mistral AI, Aleph Alpha, and Essential AI draw significant VC investments and signal a shift toward a more diverse sector.

Microsoft and AFL-CIO launch workforce alliance: It could promote worker-focused tech development and pro-worker policies amid concerns over mass tech job losses.

Meta’s Audiobox, an AI for voice cloning and sound generation, has potential but faces restrictions and copyright concerns. Future commercial versions are expected.

Regulators examine its $13 billion deal with Microsoft and potential control issues. Focus on billion-dollar AI deals will likely intensify.

EU finalizes world’s first comprehensive AI regulations: Rules for AI companies pave the way for future regulatory frameworks around the world but are met with mixed reception.

Healthcare organizations need to see more from genAI: We examine the one big reason that could prevent providers and payers from going all-in on genAI investments next year.

The robot is not ready to take your order: Over 70% of customer interactions at AI-powered drive-thrus require staff to step in, according to tech provider Presto.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the travel rebound and how tech is helping it out, how Black Friday football (with a side of online shopping) performed this year, will X (formerly Twitter) go bankrupt next year, a new way to stream NBA games post-cable, what to expect from ChatGPT next year, why your passport is the color it is, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, forecasting analyst Zach Goldner, and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

Is Google’s Gemini a real leap in AI or just clever marketing? The launch boosts Alphabet shares by 5.3%, but skepticism arises amid staged demos and performance issues.

What the new SAG contract means for entertainment: $1 billion in payouts and AI protections could lead studios to increase CPMs and subscription costs.

AI's environmental footprint revealed: Research calls for transparent emissions reporting and efficient tech amid consumer and regulatory push for sustainability.

Apple's MLX, focuses on machine learning for Apple Silicon– the shift towards AI integration in services favors open-source development over mainstream genAI.

Microsoft, OpenAI, and Meta look beyond Nvidia’s chips: AMD’s latest Instinct MI300X chip is set to shake up the generative AI sector, potentially eating some of Nvidia’s market share.

AI firm Civitai faces a child sexual abuse content scandal: Generative AI was used to create sexual images of children, raising further concerns about the tech’s brand safety.

Amazon to shutter Amazon Ad Server by 2024, focusing on growing other ad services: Reflects a strategic shift towards more promising advertising technologies.

Microsoft extends Windows 10 support to 2028 while eyeing AI integration and new revenue from genAI adoption. The extension is a win-win for AI adoption.

Google’s Gemini launches in three sizes: Ultra, Pro, and Nano show prowess on benchmarking tests, but questions loom about release timing and how the technology measures up.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss whether Uber's business is actually sustainable, how many Americans use ride-hailing apps, and what the ad opportunity is. "In Other News," we talk about whether there will be more—or fewer—self-checkout options by the end of next year and whether the world is ready to accept humanoid robots used by Amazon. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Yory Wurmser.

Meta and IBM lead the 50-member AI Alliance, challenging tech giants’ exclusive models with broad applications and potential competitive risks.