Google Gemini Gains, Meta AI on WhatsApp, Microsoft Warns

The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with both opportunities and challenges emerging. While ChatGPT remains a leader, Google's Gemini is gaining ground, showing significant growth on both web and mobile platforms. Meta is also active, integrating AI writing assistance into WhatsApp for iOS, featuring options to rewrite messages in different tones while prioritizing user privacy through Private Processing. Other AI applications, including companion chatbots, are also seeing increased popularity, raising concerns about potential risks, especially for younger users, prompting scrutiny from state attorneys general, including Pennsylvania, who are joining coalitions to combat predatory AI practices targeting children. From a regulatory perspective, states are taking varied approaches to AI. Indiana has declared that generative AI chatbot services are exempt from sales tax, viewing them as remotely accessed tools. Meanwhile, states like Colorado, California, and Tennessee are developing AI-specific laws addressing algorithmic discrimination, AI-generated content watermarking, and protection for musicians against AI misuse. To address the skills gap, Goodwill North Central Texas is offering a free Google AI Essentials course to help job seekers adapt to AI-driven changes in the job market, supported by Google.org. However, Microsoft's CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, cautions that the pace of AI development may outstrip people's ability to adapt, emphasizing the need for reskilling and digital literacy programs. The surge in AI investment also has some investors wondering if it's a boom or a bubble, with Nvidia's earnings report being closely watched. Companies across industries are exploring AI integration, with the tech sector offering lessons in full integration, investment, and clear communication for others to follow to improve productivity and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Google's Gemini is emerging as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, demonstrating significant growth in both web and mobile usage.
• Meta's WhatsApp is introducing AI-powered "Writing Help" on iOS, enabling users to rewrite messages with different tones while ensuring privacy through Private Processing.
• Several states, including Pennsylvania, are forming coalitions to combat predatory AI practices, particularly those targeting children with harmful content.
• Indiana has declared that generative AI chatbot services are exempt from sales tax, setting a potential precedent for other states.
• Colorado, California, and Tennessee are pioneering state-level AI laws addressing algorithmic discrimination, content watermarking, and protection of musicians' rights.
• Goodwill North Central Texas, with support from Google.org, is offering a free Google AI Essentials course to help job seekers acquire AI skills.
• Microsoft's CEO of AI warns that the rapid pace of AI development may outpace people's ability to adapt, highlighting the need for reskilling initiatives.
• Investors are weighing whether the current surge in AI investment is sustainable or indicative of a potential bubble.
• The tech industry's experience with AI integration offers valuable lessons for other businesses looking to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Companion chatbots are gaining popularity, but concerns are rising about their potential dangers, especially for young users.

Top 100 AI Apps Show Ecosystem Stability and New Mobile Growth

A new report on the top 100 AI consumer apps shows the market is becoming more stable. Google's AI efforts are now tracked separately, with Gemini ranking high. Grok saw a big jump in mobile users, while Meta AI's growth was slower. Chinese AI apps are also gaining global users, even where other AI tools are restricted.

ChatGPT Rivals Gain Ground in the AI Race

ChatGPT is still the top AI, but its competitors are catching up. Google's Gemini is now second on both web and mobile, especially strong on Android. Grok, from X, has gained over 20 million users quickly. Chinese AI companies are also expanding globally. The report highlights 14 companies that have consistently ranked high in AI for over two years.

Popular AI Apps List Reveals Surprises and Companion Chatbots' Popularity

A list of the top 50 AI apps reveals some unexpected names. While ChatGPT and Gemini are at the top, many lesser-known apps are also popular. A significant number of these apps are companion chatbots. This raises concerns about the potential dangers of AI companions, especially for young people, as highlighted by recent news and scrutiny of companies like Meta.

Indiana Says AI Chatbots Are Exempt from Sales Tax

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) has stated that generative AI chatbot services are not subject to Indiana sales tax. The DOR considers the AI to be accessed remotely, not downloaded. This follows previous guidance on software accessed over the internet. Other states may follow Indiana's approach, examining if AI functions are downloaded or accessed remotely and the primary purpose of the service.

Indiana Clarifies Sales Tax Rules for AI Chatbot Services

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) has found that a generative AI chatbot service isn't subject to Indiana sales tax. The DOR stated that the AI chatbot is a tool for processing data, not a sale of software. The ruling suggests Indiana will have a narrow view of taxable computer software in the AI context. Businesses should watch for further guidance from Indiana and other states.

WhatsApp Adds AI Writing Help on iPhone Before Apple

WhatsApp is adding a new AI feature called Writing Help to its iOS app. This feature helps users rewrite messages with different tones like professional, funny, or supportive. It also offers proofreading. Meta says the feature uses Private Processing to keep messages private. The feature is rolling out in English in the US and other countries.

How to Scale AI in Consumer Products for Business Success

AI can greatly improve productivity and efficiency in the consumer products industry. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Unilever have seen big gains using AI in areas like supply chain and marketing. To successfully use AI, companies need a clear plan, strong data, and employee training. They should also address ethical concerns and learn from industry examples.

Tech Industry's AI Success Offers Lessons for Other Businesses

The tech industry's approach to AI offers valuable lessons for other businesses. Successful tech companies fully integrate AI, invest heavily, and communicate clearly about its role. They also assign managers to oversee AI projects and encourage experimentation. Overcoming cultural barriers and focusing on core capabilities are also important for successful AI adoption.

Pennsylvania Joins Coalition to Fight Predatory AI Targeting Children

Pennsylvania is joining a national coalition to stop AI companies from targeting children with harmful content. State attorneys general are concerned about AI chatbots engaging in sexually inappropriate conversations with minors. They are urging companies to create policies that prevent AI from sexualizing children. Pennsylvania's Attorney General calls children 'guinea pigs' for tech experiments.

Key State AI Laws to Watch in Colorado, California, and Tennessee

States are creating AI laws as Congress struggles to act. Colorado delayed its AI Act, which requires developers to protect consumers from algorithmic discrimination. California's AI Transparency Act will require watermarking of AI-generated content. Tennessee's ELVIS Act protects musicians from AI misuse of their work. California is also considering legislation to protect users from addictive AI chatbots.

Goodwill Offers Free Google AI Course to Help Job Seekers

Goodwill North Central Texas is offering a free Google AI Essentials course. The course teaches people how to use AI in their jobs. It is available to everyone and provides a Google certificate upon completion. The program aims to help people adapt to the changing job market. Goodwill is offering the course with support from Google.org.

Microsoft CEO Warns People May Not Adapt to AI Fast Enough

Microsoft's CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, warns that AI is developing so quickly that people may not be able to adapt. He suggests prioritizing reskilling programs and digital literacy to help people keep pace. Separately, Microsoft offered a simple fix for an Xbox 360 issue where consoles were locked due to debt. An update removes the lock for older Xbox models.

AI Boom or Bubble Investors Worry About Soaring AI Investments

Investors are wondering if the current surge in AI investment is a boom or a bubble. AI startups are getting a large share of venture capital. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, said investors may be overexcited about AI. Nvidia's upcoming earnings report is being closely watched as a sign of the AI sector's health.

Sources

• The Top 100 Gen AI Consumer Apps - 5th Edition
• The AI Arms Race Heats Up: ChatGPT's Rivals Closing the Gap
• The top 50 AI apps include names that I didn't expect
• Generative AI Chatbot Service Not Subject to Indiana Sales Tax
• Generative AI chatbot service not subject to Indiana sales tax
• Another app beats Apple in offering useful AI features on the iPhone
• The AI Advantage In Consumer Products: Your Playbook For Scaling AI
• What AI got right. Lessons for the rest of the business world.
• PA BECOMES PART OF NATIONAL COALITION TO COMBAT PREDATORY AI PRACTICES
• Three state AI laws we're watching
• Goodwill North Central Texas Offers Free Google AI Essentials Course To Boost Job Skills
• “….People Will Not Be Able to Adapt Fast Enough” Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips On New AI Threat
• AI Boom or AI Bubble? Investors Weigh Risks Amid Soaring AI Investments