AI is Everywhere
The current coverage of AI reminds me so much of the original coverage of the Web. Lots of writing on the “The Rise of”, The Age of”, “The Era of”, and the always popular “The Death of”. Here are a few AI items that spiced up my feed over the past few weeks:
Enterprise AI: OpenAI is now offering an enterprise product that allows businesses to train and use their own version of ChatGPT. Smaller, trainable generative AI tools for individuals are also launching (see ChatPDF).
Google Products: Google is in a great position to offer what these bespoke AI tools can’t, which is integration with its products. The company is launching a Google Meet feature that will take notes for you, and a Chrome feature that will summarize articles (which will either help me to write this newsletter, or make this newsletter totally obsolete…stay tuned!)
Music & AI: Nothing annoys my kids more than when I use the AI-powered Spotify DJ while on a road trip, which is now expanding to help dads around the world torment their kids. AI is also being used to help “neuro-forecast” the popularity of songs, by measuring a listener’s heartbeat.
AI Resources: Google has released a few useful online resources to provide marketers with guidance on AI, and to help people stay up to date on its new products. Scott Galloway (Prof G) is also putting on a free 1-hour presentation on why he is optimistic about AI in a few weeks – I signed up.
McKinseyGPT: The consultancy published new research on the state of AI in 2023, and a guide for CTOs. McKinsey is also shared that it has rolled out a new proprietary generative AI tool for its staff. If I was a consulting client, I’d wonder how my data was being used, how I would benefit from these new efficiencies, and if the nature of the advice that I am paying for is bespoke and not derivate of past work.
AI Companions: AI tools being framed as “companions” as opposed to “computers” or “chatbots”. Pi is an example of this new type of tool that promises to be a companion bot which becomes more personalized and helpful over time.
Brands & Clothing
One of my first clients ever was Molson Canada. I was working on a business case to build an online store for branded merchandise. The brand teams at the time wanted to move away from expensive in-case merchandise giveaways. So, I thought I was dreaming (or drinking?) when I saw that Molson was trying to acquire their own vintage branded merchandise for a new Drake-inspired giveaway. This is happening at a time when Tim Hortons has just launched a new merch shop, and McDonald’s is promoting a new clothing collaboration with Palace. A fun way to align brands with culture and nostalgia, while essentially turning customers into inexpensive media canvases.
TikTok & Commerce
TikTok just released a new Shopping Trend report. It has some useful case studies on how brands are using the platform to sell. I like this visualization on different cultural happenings – some fleeting, some lasting – that marketers can capitalize on.
This comes as more retailers are using TikTok to sell, with some small businesses going live. Creators (rather than brands) seem to have the advantage selling on TikTok due to perceived transparency and parasocial relationships with followers. Interesting to see TikTok rolling out search advertising for brands, as more people are using this feature. As the reach and influence of TikTok grows, more brands are looking to hire TikTok-specific agencies. I’m not surprised – at least in the short-term - as effective TikTok content is unique and specific to the platform.
Research & Resources
APG Skills Survey: The APG UK released a survey of planner-types and found that “understanding people” is the most important skill. Related, Roger Martin has a great post on what makes a great strategist (it’s not about intellectual brilliance...whew!)
Identity Century (Tracey Follows): A thought-provoking presentation / visual essay on the concept of identity, and how plurality of identity(ies) is the reality in 2023. Still digesting.
Top 10 Emerging Technologies (WEF): Study that covers tech well beyond marketing (e.g., flexible batteries, wearable plant sensors) though Generative AI is included. I like the impact framework that they use to evaluate / visualize the differences among technologies.
Cool Beans
Photo Trends: Looking to take a photo and instantly turn it into AI art? Or would you rather go back in time and use a Nintendo DS for something more lo-fi?
Environmental Maps: Google is launching new APIs to incorporate solar, air quality, and pollen data layers on Google Maps to help companies make more environmentally friendly decisions.
Clock Songs: Another smart and creative digital project by The Pudding – this time (pun intended) it’s a website that plays a song with the exact time in the title. My kids will love this ;-)