Your first step to 2025 success with spotting AI opportunities

Hi Futurist,

ChatGPT celebrated its second anniversary last weekend. 🥳 Two years on, it's amazing to reflect on tasks we once tackled solo. How time flies! Therefore, I am sending you 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: Learn how to spot and seize AI opportunities to prepare for 2025 success. Identify high-impact areas in your operations. Take the first step by mapping tasks and testing tools to build momentum.

• 🎙️ MarTech Maestros: The "Martech for 2025" report highlights strategies for closing the AI readiness gap and staying ahead of the curve.

• 🧐 In Case You Missed It: From Anthropic’s customizable Claude styles to Luma AI’s Photon for stunning visuals to OpenAI’s Sora leaks. Stay ahead with cutting-edge features from Krea, VWO, and more.

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

Quick highlights of the latest technological developments.

Headstory: Your first step to 2025 success with spotting AI opportunities

In the previous edition, we challenged you to think big. Is AI the cornerstone of your strategy for 2025? It’s not just a tech question; it’s a survival question. AI is no longer optional—it’s essential. And while some are still debating its relevance, forward-thinking businesses are already embedding AI into their plans, positioning themselves for a future where agility, intelligence, and automation define success.

But here’s the follow-up: how do you uncover AI opportunities in your organization? It's one thing to recognize AI’s importance; it’s another to know where and how to deploy it for maximum impact. This time, we’re diving deeper into the practical side—how to spot, seize, and scale AI opportunities in your internal operations and external workflows. Let’s turn intention into action.

Costs? They’ve plummeted. Capabilities? Skyrocketing. The math is simple: 99% cheaper AI models unlock boundless potential for every business, no matter the size. What was once a tool for the few is now the enabler for the many. The question isn’t “Should we use AI?” It’s “How fast can we deploy it?”

AI isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing better. To uncover where AI can revolutionize your operations, start with these questions:

• Is this process data-driven? AI thrives on data. Feeding it, crunching it, and revealing patterns humans might miss.

• Is it repetitive? Routine, predictable tasks—your AI tools eat these for breakfast.

• Is it predictive? From forecasting demand to anticipating customer needs, AI has an uncanny knack for looking ahead.

• Is it generative? Whether it’s crafting bespoke content or designing prototypes, AI brings ideas to life.

A checklist for leaders. Preparing for AI's inevitability.

Business leaders, take note. Preparing your organization for AI’s impact begins with strategy, not technology. Ask yourself:

1. Which of our processes are slowing us down? Think of tasks that drain time and resources. Could AI free up your team for higher-value work?

2. Are we ready to upskill our workforce? AI doesn’t replace talent; it enhances it. But only if your team knows how to use it.

3. Do we have an AI roadmap? Adoption shouldn’t be haphazard. Identify priorities and match them with the right tools.

4. What’s the risk of standing still? While you debate AI’s value, competitors could be sprinting ahead.

5. How can AI support—not replace—our mission? It’s about augmenting human creativity and strategy, not sidelining it.

A starting point: where small steps lead to big impact

Here’s your first move. Spend 30 minutes listing tasks in your business that are:

• Repetitive and time-consuming.

• Reliant on (large) datasets.

• Dependent on accurate predictions.

• Creative but resource-intensive.

Pick one. Research AI tools that can handle it. Implement, test, learn, refine. This small step builds momentum—and momentum is what will carry your business into the AI-powered future.

In the next edition, we’ll take this a step further by plotting your list of tasks onto the AI Value Proposition Matrix, helping you prioritize initiatives that offer the greatest impact with the highest feasibility.

Cursor released their first coding agent

TL;DR

The new Cursor update 0.43 brings exciting features. The Composer UI now appears in the sidebar, making it easier to see and work with changes. It also introduces an agent that can choose the right context and use tools like the terminal. You can even generate git commit messages automatically. The update includes faster performance, better ways to drop images, and a sneak peek of a bug finder feature. AI agents are officially here and making work simpler.

Read it yourself?

Sentiment

People online are excited about the new Cursor Agent in v0.43. Users are happy about how well it understands and edits full projects. Comments like “agents are on the rise, brace yourself” show just how much excitement this update has sparked. Others noticed how small improvements, like faster tabs, make the tool smoother. Tutorials in different languages also show how this tool is reaching users all over the world. Cursor Composer Agent is clearly making productivity better and easier for many.

My thoughts

We’ve been tied to standardized software for too long, shaped for standardized processes. But life and work are rarely standard. Cursor's update shows a future where AI agents can craft custom applications tailored to unique tasks or workflows. Today, understanding coding is still essential for guiding these agents, but that’s bound to change. The age of truly intuitive, customizable software is just beginning. Soon everyone build their own apps.

Anthropics’ model context protocol brings AI closer to real-world applications

TL;DR

Anthropic has launched the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for connecting AI to real-world data systems like Google Drive, Slack, and GitHub. By replacing complex integrations with a universal protocol, MCP enables AI to access and use data more effectively. This makes AI tools more practical for tasks like software development, business operations, and content management.

Read it yourself?

Sentiment

Online, the feedback has been optimistic. Early adopters have praised how MCP simplifies connections between AI and real-world systems. Companies like Block and Apollo are already using MCP to streamline workflows, and developers say it’s saving them time by avoiding the hassle of custom integrations. Comments like "this is the bridge AI needed" highlight the excitement about making AI more useful in everyday work.

My thoughts

AI is moving beyond isolated models to tools that understand and interact with the real world. MCP is a major step toward this future, making it easier to connect AI with real-world data and create tools that feel tailored to specific needs. For now, developers still need technical skills to set up these connections, but it’s only a matter of time before this becomes seamless for everyone. With MCP, we’re seeing the groundwork for a world where AI doesn’t just assist—it integrates into the tools we already use.

More byte-sized breakthroughs:

• The AI agent redefining web automation
  Runner H is built to handle any online task with ease. It can extract data, interact with web pages, and even solve tricky challenges that stop other bots. Powered by advanced AI models, it works quickly and accurately. Need flawless data extraction? Done. Complex interfaces? No problem. Need real-time updates? Runner H delivers. From managing complex tasks to simple ones, it’s reliable and efficient. Perfect for anyone looking to get more done online.

• Amazon launches a family of generative AI models called Nova
  AWS introduces Nova, a suite of generative AI models—Micro, Lite, Pro, and Premier—designed for tasks involving text, images, and video. Micro delivers speed, Lite balances cost and accuracy, and Premier excels in complex tasks. Nova Canvas simplifies image editing, while Reel enables the creation of short videos, unlocking new creative possibilities. From summarizing documents to generating videos, Nova sets a new standard for AI productivity.

• Elevenlabs introduces conversational AI for lifelike voice interactions
  ElevenLabs unveils its conversational AI, designed for creating natural, expressive speech from text. This tool adapts tone, cadence, and emotion for realistic voice interactions, perfect for voiceovers, virtual assistants, or character creation. It offers seamless integration into creative and professional workflows, delivering lifelike results every time. From dynamic narration to real-time conversations, this technology redefines what’s possible in voice AI.

🎙️ MarTech Maestros

A must-see webinar, podcast, or article that’s too good to miss.

The growing influence of AI in marketing technology

The “Martech for 2025” report uncovers the growing influence of AI in marketing technology. With generative AI already transforming workflows, marketers face a pivotal moment: adapt or fall behind. AI is not only reshaping workflows but also revolutionising software tools, changing how marketers leverage these platforms to achieve their goals. This report offers strategies to close the gap in AI readiness and explores how forward-thinking businesses are staying ahead. Start preparing your organisation for the AI-driven future of marketing today.

🧐 In Case You Missed It

A roundup of recent key updates.

• Anthropic introduces custom styles for Claude responses. Choose from preset options or upload writing samples for a personalized communication style.

• Luma AI updated their Dream Machine, your ultimate creative partner. Talk naturally to generate, edit, and explore visuals with ease—no prompts needed.

• Luma AI launches Photon for high-quality image generation Create personalized, high-quality visuals effortlessly for just $0.015 per 1080p image.

• Runway introduces Frames for precise image generation. Take control of style and fidelity to design worlds with distinct aesthetics and atmosphere.

• Runway redefines creativity with latent space navigation. Refine ideas with graph-based video keyframing, unlocking boundless possibilities.

• AgentAuth simplifies connecting AI agents to your apps. Streamline authentication across 250+ apps and 15+ frameworks.

• OpenAI’s Sora video model leaked. The advanced ‘turbo’ variant, now on Hugging Face, generates stunning 1080p videos up to 10 seconds.

• Hume now pairs with Claude AI, combining emotional intelligence and natural voice interactions to control computers seamlessly.

• Hume introduces Voice Control for custom AI voices. Fine-tune 10 voice dimensions to create unique, brand-aligned voices.

• ElevenLabs introduces GenFM. Transform PDFs, articles, and eBooks into engaging audio discussions with AI co-hosts, now available in 32 languages.

• Kling launches AI Try-On for instant outfit changes. Switch outfits in seconds and discover your perfect look with AI-powered styling.

• Motorola's Moto AI beta brings AI-driven features to select devices, enhancing user interactions with context-aware assistance and personalized experiences.

• World Labs unveils AI-generated interactive 3D scenes in your browser, from a single image, with real-time rendering and full camera control.

• VWO introduces AI-powered Copilot. Streamline testing, audience targeting, and actionable insights to boost your conversion rates effortlessly.

• Notion introduces webhook actions. Trigger actions and connect workflows to 1000+ tools, while sending notifications or emails with just one click.

• Vodafone releases AI-crafted ad with striking visuals. Developed with Lipstick Berlin, this advert merges AI artistry and traditional production.

• Google expands access to Veo, its AI video generation model. Veo creates high-quality 1080p videos from text or image prompts.

• Google’s DeepMind released Genie 2. A foundation model for 3D worlds. Create interactive, diverse environments from text or images prompts.

• HaiperGen 2.5 model arrives with Keyframe Conditioning Timelines. Customize every frame with precision for sharper, smoother, and truly revolutionary results.

• Krea AI introduces Krea Editor for magical image editing. Edit like never before with generative fill, expand, move objects, and image blending.

• HunyuanVideo sets a new benchmark in AI video generation. It surpasses other models, delivering unmatched visual quality, motion diversity, and stability.

• Alibaba debuts Qwen QwQ, China’s open-source rival to OpenAI O1. It delivers advanced reasoning, excelling in math and coding with promising capabilities.

• Humane introduces CosmOS. The AI operating system. Designed for seamless interaction across a universe of connected devices.

👋 Let's Connect!

This was it. Our twenty-fifth 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’ve taken the time to complete the exercises, I’d love to hear what you’ve come up with! Reply to this email with your list of tasks—let’s see how your organisation is starting to embrace AI. Keep your list handy though, you’ll need it in the next edition as we dive into the AI Value Proposition Matrix to prioritise your next moves.

Oh, and here’s something to get excited about: OpenAI is treating us to 12 presents over the next 12 days—one surprise after another. Next edition might just turn into an OpenAI special.

Looking forward to what tomorrow brings! ▽

-Wesley