The role of AI in marketing (technology)

Hi Futurist,

Perhaps you have the idea that AI developments have entered calm waters. Then think again. Next month, Google, Microsoft, and Apple are all hosting a conference. And a lot is expected there. OpenAI is hosting a livestream on Monday, expected to include huge updates on GPT-4. Therefore: Insights, inspiration, and innovation straight to your inbox. Let’s dive into the depths of the digital future together and discover the waves of change shaping our industry.

In this post, we're dipping in:

• 📣 Byte-Sized Breakthroughs: Three (technological) developments in the digital landscape

• 🤖 Digital Toolbox: Three tools or functionalities you might not yet know exist

•  🧐 Last but not least: Things that I like

Do you have tips, feedback or ideas? Or just want to give your opinion? Feel free to share it at the bottom of this dip. That's what I'm looking for.

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 📣 Byte-Sized Breakthroughs

'Byte-Sized Breakthroughs' briefly highlights (technological) developments in the digital landscape

Headstory: The role of AI in marketing (technology)

The marketing technology landscape now houses 14,106 marketing tools. That's a growth of 27.8% compared to last year, with 3,068 tools added. These are unprecedented figures. Even more impressive are the 2,324 AI-driven marketing tools included in the current landscape. But even more noteworthy are the 846 GPTs that have made the cut.

Indeed, 846 GPT-4 wrappers. Tools that use OpenAI's AI model as their foundation, risking potential future additions of such functionalities by OpenAI itself. This could potentially "kill" 846 tools. At least, that's the criticism many people have of tools built on the foundation of a powerful model like GPT-4. However, we observed something different. When OpenAI announced GPT-4 and introduced the ability to upload and understand PDF documents, the number of users for tools that allow you to chat with your PDF actually doubled. Why? Because useful and user-friendly functionalities and interfaces are being developed that OpenAI might never add.

Okay, 3,135 GPTs were not included in the landscape, mainly because they lacked their own website and pricing plan. This shows how intertwined the marketing landscape is becoming with AI-driven tools or functionalities. Agencies building agents or major names like Hubspot, Adobe and Salesforce integrating AI into the core of their tool. For Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and marketers, the role of AI in Martech is not just a technological advance but a fundamental shift in how marketing operates. And there are good reasons for this:

1. Enhanced customer insights: AI enables deeper and more precise insights into customer behaviors and preferences by analyzing vast amounts of data at speeds and accuracies unattainable by human efforts.

2. Automating repetitive tasks: AI excels in automating routine and repetitive tasks within the marketing domain, such as campaign analysis, customer segmentation, and even content generation.

3. Real-time decision making: With AI, Martech tools can make real-time decisions based on current data inputs.

4. Predictive analytics: By forecasting future trends and customer actions, AI enables proactive campaign planning and management.

5. Content optimization: AI tools can analyze which content types, formats, and creative elements perform best across different platforms and audience segments.

6. Personalization at scale: AI algorithms can tailor content, recommendations, and advertisements to individual preferences, based on real-time data, without manual segmentation and intervention.

7. Enhanced measurement and ROI: Advanced AI models can isolate the effects of individual campaign elements, providing a clearer picture of what works and what doesn’t.

This is why it should matter to you. You cannot afford to fall behind. You cannot wait to explore the possibilities of AI only when they become apparent. By then, you will already be lagging behind. Because developments are not just doubling every two years, but even more rapidly. Embracing AI in Martech is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage, enhancing customer engagement, and driving revenue growth. AI not only supports operational efficiencies but also fosters innovation in strategy and customer interaction.

As the Martech landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI will likely become not just advantageous but essential for success in the digital marketing world. Its ability to transform data into actionable insights, automate complex processes, and personalize customer interactions at scale makes it an indispensable asset for any marketing leader aiming to thrive in the dynamic digital landscape. In essence, AI is not just another tool in the marketer’s toolbox—it is becoming the foundation upon which future marketing strategies are built.

A new companion for developers

TL;DR

GitHub has recently unveiled the Co-Pilot Workspace, described as Copilot-powered agents that assist developers in brainstorming, planning, building, testing, and running code through natural language.

Read it yourself?

Sentiment

Developers who have utilized the Workspace describe it as ‘very impressive,’ though it still has some flaws. Nevertheless, they almost unanimously agree that with a few more improvements, it will significantly boost their productivity. But replace them? No, they don't see that happening anytime soon.

My thoughts

Okay, I might not be a developer, but in my view, this is precisely an example of how humans and machines can work together to achieve higher productivity, more quantity, and ultimately higher quality. Having a 'minion' to help with your work allows you to spend time on other things. For instance, reviewing code instead of writing it yourself, which will only enhance your output. Therefore, this is also an example of how it will eventually succeed in other sectors as well.

Microsoft developing a 500 billion parameter AI model

TL;DR

Microsoft is developing an AI model with 500 billion parameters, potentially to be unveiled at the Build conference on May 21st. This model has been developed entirely in-house, without the involvement of OpenAI. It is expected to compete with Google's Gemini and OpenAI's GPT-4.

Read it yourself?

Sentiment

Online, there is a lot of speculation. Reasons include: the high costs of using OpenAI's API, the desire for a proprietary AI model for GitHub Co-Pilot, and the ambition to develop their own AI-agent framework. Regardless, many believe that Microsoft's efforts to develop a model with capabilities expected to rival those of Gemini, GPT-4, or others, represents a significant advancement.

My thoughts

Recently, Microsoft recruited Mustafa Suleyman, one of the co-founders of Google's DeepMind, to serve as the CEO of Microsoft AI. They are investing in various companies and countries and are constructing their own supercomputers, which are also used by OpenAI for training its models. Microsoft is really building something that should ultimately become a flywheel. Ultimately, I expect that Microsoft will need this type of model to develop an on-device model that will drive their Windows operating system.

More byte-sized breakthroughs:

• OpenAI 🤝 Stack Overflow
  OpenAI will harness Stack Overflow's API to refine its AI models, utilizing the robust, user-vetted technical knowledge that Stack Overflow has cultivated over 15 years. As Stack Overflow develops OverflowAI, insights from OpenAI will promise improved solutions for developers across both platforms.

• Apple ramps up AI race with in-house server chips
  Apple is doubling down on its AI strategy, shifting from M2 Ultra to M4 chips in its server. As the company gears up for mass production with TSMC's 3nm technology by 2025, these moves highlight a strategic push into more powerful on-device and cloud-based AI functionalities. The initiative hints at an exciting horizon for the iPhone 16 and beyond.

• Meta’s AI features for small business advertisers
  Meta's new generative AI tools empower small businesses with automated image variations and text overlays, enhancing ad creativity and efficiency on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This innovative suite simplifies ad production while optimizing engagement and ROI, perfect for dynamic, personalized campaigns.

🤖 Digital Toolbox

In the 'Digital Toolbox,' I mention three (new) tools that you can use for your work now or later.

Jellypod - Transform your inbox into a podcast

With Jellypod, your email content doesn't just stay in text form; it comes alive as a podcast. This innovative tool effortlessly converts your emails into engaging podcast episodes, making information consumption more accessible and enjoyable.

Jebbit - Engage more deeply with quizzes

Jebbit enables you to create captivating quizzes that not only engage users but also provide deep insights into their preferences and behaviors. It’s an effective way to activate your audience and enhance your marketing strategies with real, actionable first party data.

Exatom - Streamline your form experiences

Exatom enhances form functionality, providing detailed insights and analytics to improve user interaction and conversion rates. It's the ideal tool for understanding where users struggle and refining your forms to ensure smoother submissions.

 🧐 Last but not least: Things that I like

• Massive investment in AI: xAI and Mistral secure $6 billion each: Elon Musk's xAI has secured a whopping $6 billion in a recent funding round, valuing the company at an estimated $18 billion after just 10 months of operation. Not to be outdone, French AI company Mistral recently raised another 600 million euros. This also brings the total to $6 billion.

• OpenAI introduces memory feature, yet to reach Europe: OpenAI has begun rolling out a new memory function for ChatGPT, enhancing its ability to retain information across conversations. However, European users will need to wait, as the feature is not yet available in Europe.

• OpenAI faces another privacy complaint in Europe: A European privacy non-profit has filed a complaint against OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT of creating hallucinatory content about individuals.

• OpenAI secures a new domain hinting at enhanced search capabilities: OpenAI has registered the domain search.chatgpt.com, indicating an upgrade in ChatGPT's ability to search and cite internet sources.

• OpenAI boosts transparency by tagging AI-generated images with metadata: OpenAI's commitment to transparency continues with its decision to attach metadata to images generated by Dalle, clarifying which are AI-generated. They're extending this practice to Sora. TikTok to introduce a similar feature for AI content.

• First official music video made with Sora released: The first official music video created using the Sora AI has been released, setting a new benchmark in digital media production.

• OpenAI and Financial Times team up: In a strategic partnership, OpenAI gains access to content from the Financial Times, which in return will exploit the benefits of using ChatGPT in its operations.

• Rumors swirl around a stealthy release of GPT-5 by OpenAI: Speculation is rife that OpenAI may have quietly released GPT-5 to gauge public response, under the moniker 'gpt2-chatbot,' which showed results sometimes surpassing GPT-4.

• Apple deepens talks with OpenAI ahead of iPhone 16 launch: As anticipation builds for the June announcement of the iPhone 16, Apple has been intensively consulting with major AI model developers, including OpenAI.

• Apple Vision Pro developers explore immersive environments with Blockade Labs: Using Blockade Labs, developers for Apple Vision Pro are crafting full immersive environments with stunning results.

• Apple Vision Pro developers explore immersive environments with Blockade Labs: Using Blockade Labs, developers for Apple Vision Pro are crafting full immersive environments with stunning results.

• China advances in AI with a model comparable to GPT-4: China continues to push the boundaries in AI, developing a new model anticipated to rival GPT-4 and creating their own version of Sora. The country remains on track with its ambitious robotics development schedule.

• Create custom voices with emotion recognition with Hume AI's new Playground: Hume AI has introduced a Playground where users can create custom voices capable of understanding emotions, pushing the boundaries of AI speech models.

• Europe lags behind with €112 million AI investment: While the USA and Canada have poured billions into AI, Europe's investment of just €112 million is seen by experts as insufficient.

• Florida greenlights AI in political campaigns with conditions: The governor of Florida has signed a law permitting the use of AI in political campaigns, though disclaimers are required.

• Google enhances Gemini integration with popular services: Google has updated Gemini, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with services like Gmail, Drive, and YouTube, enabling users to query about emails, documents, and videos directly.

• Chrome's update revolutionizes access to AI for millions: A simple yet groundbreaking update to Chrome now allows millions of users to enter AI prompts directly into the browser's address bar, tapping into the power of Gemini.

• Google unveils cybersecurity solution powered by Gemini AI: Meet Google Threat Intelligence, the latest tool employing Gemini 1.5 to dissect and neutralize malware and viruses effectively.

• Google’s breakthrough with biomolecules: Google's Deepmind has not only mastered the 3D structure of proteins but now advances to other biomolecules, a significant leap forward in developing new medications. It can predict the interactions among almost all molecules that are fundamental to life.

• Udio's latest update extends music generation to two minutes: Udio, a leading AI music tool, now allows up to two minutes of consistent music generation, improving on its previous 33-second limit and adding audio inpainting capabilities.

• Elevenlabs previews a high-quality music generation model: Elevenlabs has previewed their music generation model. Personally, I find the quality extremely good. I'm curious to see if it's also possible to generate songs with your own voice.

• Claude launches an iOS app and unveils a business plan: Claude has officially released an iOS app and detailed its business strategy, although the app remains inaccessible in Europe. Just like Microsoft, Claude also turns everyone into a prompt engineer with their tool.

• Midjourney's web access now easier for image creators: Midjourney's web version is now available to users who have generated at least 100 images, offering an easier interface than its Discord-based counterpart.

• Stripe to accept crypto payments starting this summer: Stripe announces it will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments this summer, with transactions instantly processed on the blockchain and converted to fiat currency.

• Pinterest's AI-powered collage feature triples engagement compared to traditional pins: Pinterest claims its new collage feature, powered by AI and computer vision technologies, attracts three times more engagement than its standard pins.

• Biden administration backs semiconductor research with significant funding: The Biden administration is promoting semiconductor manufacturing by investing in digital twin technology to enhance research and production capabilities.

• Freepik acquires Magnific: In a strategic expansion, Freepik has acquired Magnific, the tool known for upscale AI-generated images, highlighting Freepik's push into enhancing visual content capabilities.

• Tiktok sues USA: Following the U.S. government's move to ban TikTok, the social media giant has filed a lawsuit against the U.S., marking a significant escalation in the ongoing battle over digital privacy and national security.

• LinkedIn enters the gaming arena: LinkedIn is set to introduce gaming within its app, aiming to boost user engagement by integrating interactive puzzles and games, akin to Facebook and Netflix's strategies.

• WhatsApp streamlines event planning: WhatsApp enhances its Communities feature with a new event organization tool, making it easier to manage social gatherings and PTA meetings directly within the app.

• Microsoft enhances Co-Pilot: Microsoft's latest update to Co-Pilot allows for prompt rewriting for improved output turning everyone into a prompt engineer and integration into Outlook for composing or summarizing emails.

• Microsoft's secret AI for the CIA: Rumors suggest Microsoft has developed an AI model not connected to the internet, specifically for the CIA, to leverage AI capabilities without the risks of espionage.

• Microsoft and OpenAI launch $2 million fund to combat AI risks in elections: Microsoft and OpenAI have established a $2 million "societal resilience fund" to address the risks posed by AI and deepfakes in elections, aiming to enhance AI literacy and education, particularly in vulnerable communities as a record number of voters are expected in global polls this year.

• Microsoft to restrict Azure OpenAI Services from police use in facial recognition: Microsoft will prohibit the use of Azure OpenAI Services for facial recognition by police forces, aligning with its stance against using the model for such purposes.

• Krea Video launches: Following its preview, Krea Video is now available, allowing users to generate videos by adding images or text prompts, enhancing digital storytelling.

• Netflix creates interactive Roblox world: Netflix has opened a portal in Roblox that brings fans closer to their favorite films and TV shows, starting with Stranger Things, with plans to expand this interactive experience.

• Developing AI voice agents: This tool enables the creation of various AI voice agents that can interact with each other and handle customer queries, marking a step forward in automated customer service.

This was it. Our eleventh digital dip together. It might seem like a lot, but remember; this wasn't even everything that happened in the past few weeks. This was just a fraction.

If you need help understanding what the role of AI within your marketing stack or organization means, let me know. Hit reply and I'll come to you.

Looking forward to what tomorrow brings! ▽

-Wesley