Businesses are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into their operations, with Meta leading the charge by launching Business AI tools designed to enhance customer experiences and boost sales for small and medium-sized businesses. These AI assistants will be available across Meta's platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as on company websites and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. Beyond Meta, the AI investment surge predicted by Bank of America, potentially exceeding $1.2 trillion annually by 2030, highlights a broader trend. Norges Bank Investment Management, managing a $2.2 trillion portfolio, is prioritizing AI to improve efficiency, with tools like Anthropic's Claude analyzing reports and data. The fashion industry is also leveraging AI to predict trends by analyzing runway shows and social media, while agricultural tech startup Instacrops uses AI to significantly reduce water usage and increase crop yields. Experts like Zico Kolter, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, foresee a creative boom driven by AI tools such as ChatGPT, encouraging their use for everyday tasks. However, a Thomson Reuters report emphasizes that a smart AI strategy, not just tool adoption, is crucial for achieving a return on investment, recommending a framework that includes aligning technology with business goals and investing in talent. The Trade Desk is also enhancing its ad market position with Audience Unlimited, an AI-driven platform for data accessibility. Lessons from Hong Kong's LeaveHomeSafe app indicate that public trust in government technology hinges on clear communication and transparent data management, not just technological sophistication. Even in sports, AI is being used, with SportsLine's AI predicting NFL Week 5 winners with a strong track record.
Key Takeaways
- Meta is launching Business AI tools to help small and medium-sized businesses with sales and customer interactions on its platforms and external websites.
- Bank of America predicts annual AI investments will nearly triple to over $1.2 trillion by 2030, driven by infrastructure upgrades and business adoption.
- Norges Bank Investment Management is using AI, including Anthropic's Claude, to increase efficiency for its 700 staff managing a $2.2 trillion portfolio.
- The fashion industry is employing AI to analyze runway shows and social media for predicting upcoming trends.
- Instacrops, an agritech startup, uses AI to help farms cut water usage by up to 30% and boost crop yields by 20%.
- Experts like Zico Kolter believe AI tools such as ChatGPT will spur an unprecedented creative explosion.
- A Thomson Reuters report indicates that a strategic approach to AI implementation is more effective than simply buying tools, with firms having AI strategies being over three times more likely to see ROI.
- The Trade Desk has launched Audience Unlimited, an AI-driven platform to make third-party data more accessible for advertisers.
- Public trust in government AI applications, as seen in Hong Kong, depends on clear communication and transparent data management.
- Sports analytics platforms are using AI, like SportsLine's, to predict outcomes for events such as NFL games.
Meta brings AI chat tools to outside websites
Meta is launching its Business AI chat tools, designed to help companies offer personalized recommendations and faster purchasing options to customers. These tools will be available on Meta's platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as on third-party websites. Clara Shih, Meta's head of business AI, stated that the goal is to help businesses improve customer experiences and operations beyond just ads. The Business AI digital assistant will be free for use within Meta ads and will have a low cost for integration on company websites. It will also be available on WhatsApp and Messenger in Mexico and the Philippines soon.
Meta offers new AI tools for brands
Meta has introduced new AI solutions for advertisers, including Business AI, a tool designed to help small and medium-sized businesses use AI for sales and conversions more easily. The company also launched new generative AI tools for video and image ads, such as AI-generated music. Business AI aims to simplify AI-powered sales guidance and product recommendations across Meta's platforms and business websites. Additionally, Meta is testing new ad experiences like virtual try-ons for clothing and improving ways to turn creator content into paid ads.
Meta launches AI sales assistant for small businesses
Meta has launched Business AI, an AI-powered sales assistant for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to help drive sales and customer interactions. This tool can be used on Meta's platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as on businesses' own websites. Meta also introduced the Meta AI business assistant within Ads Manager to help advertisers optimize campaigns and resolve account issues. The company is also developing augmented reality shopping experiences and customizable advertising options.
Meta's new AI assistant helps businesses sell online
Meta has introduced Business AI, an AI-powered sales assistant designed for small and medium-sized businesses to help them scale operations and improve performance. This tool learns from a business's existing social posts, ad campaigns, and website to provide personalized customer responses 24/7. Business AI will be free within Meta Ads and available at a lower cost on websites and messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp. Meta also launched a Meta AI business assistant for Ads Manager to help optimize campaigns and resolve account issues.
AI expert predicts creative boom
Zico Kolter, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and director of its Machine Learning Department, believes artificial intelligence will lead to an unprecedented creative explosion. He encourages people to use AI tools like ChatGPT, emphasizing their user-friendliness and potential for everyday tasks, from writing stories to planning meals. Kolter, who also co-founded the AI safety company Gray Swan AI, acknowledges potential risks but remains optimistic about AI's transformative capabilities. He notes that while AI can assist with tasks like coding, deep learning still requires human struggle and effort.
Young founder uses AI to boost sales outreach
Ibrahim Hasanov, founder of MyUser, is using AI to modernize sales outreach by creating personalized messages for potential clients. He believes that tailoring communication based on a prospect's interests significantly increases response rates compared to generic outreach. Hasanov, who started his first company at 13, developed MyUser to automate B2B outreach, allowing sales teams to focus on closing deals rather than repetitive tasks. His approach emphasizes understanding the prospect deeply and then demonstrating that insight in the message.
Norway's $2.2 trillion fund uses AI for efficiency
Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), managing a $2.2 trillion portfolio, is prioritizing AI to boost efficiency among its 700 staff. CEO Nicolai Tangen has urged employees to embrace AI, stating it can help them '10x your output.' Lead portfolio manager Thomas Larsen explained that AI agents like Anthropic's Claude analyze manager reports and trading data, allowing portfolio managers to focus on strategic tasks. NBIM is also developing an AI tool to detect behavioral biases in trade execution, aiming to improve investment decisions while carefully considering how to train junior staff in this new AI-driven environment.
Bank of America predicts AI investment surge
Bank of America analysts predict that annual investments in artificial intelligence will nearly triple between 2025 and 2030, exceeding $1.2 trillion. This growth is driven by the upgrading of infrastructure for accelerated computing, the need to protect existing market positions, sovereign AI initiatives, and the increasing adoption of AI productivity tools by businesses. The firm notes that AI infrastructure buildouts are robust, supported by strong cash flows from major cloud providers. Several chip and semiconductor equipment companies are identified as well-positioned to benefit from this trend.
Fashion industry uses AI to predict trends
The fashion industry is increasingly using AI to predict upcoming trends, moving beyond traditional methods relying on elite editors. Companies like Heuritech analyze vast amounts of data from runway shows and social media to identify early signals of trends. AI helps fashion retailers make decisions, such as choosing between color options for new products, by providing visual data and predictions. While AI offers sophisticated analysis, human expertise remains crucial for interpreting the data and understanding the commercial viability of predicted trends.
AI startup Instacrops saves water and boosts crops
Instacrops, a startup focused on agricultural technology, is using AI to help farms reduce water usage by up to 30% while increasing crop yields by as much as 20%. The company pivoted from hardware to software, now processing millions of data points per hour from IoT sensors and other sources. Their AI models analyze over 80 parameters, including soil moisture and weather, to provide irrigation advice to farmers via mobile phones and WhatsApp. Instacrops will demonstrate its water-saving AI technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
Smart AI strategy beats just buying tools
Many tax firms are mistakenly buying AI tools without a clear strategy, leading to limited returns. A Thomson Reuters report shows firms with AI strategies are over three times more likely to see a return on investment. Successful AI adoption requires aligning technology with business goals, choosing strategic partners, running pilot projects, establishing ethical guidelines, investing in talent development, and continuously measuring results. The report outlines a six-principle framework for firms to effectively implement AI and achieve transformative results.
Trade Desk's AI platform aims for ad market edge
The Trade Desk has launched Audience Unlimited, an AI-driven platform designed to make third-party data more accessible and affordable for advertisers. This innovation aims to enhance the company's competitive position in the digital advertising industry. The platform uses AI and machine learning to precisely identify audience segments, offering advertisers more flexibility and control over campaign management and optimization. Industry analysts are watching to see how this AI initiative will impact The Trade Desk's market share and influence future advertising strategies.
Hong Kong's AI app lessons on trust
Hong Kong's experience with the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app during COVID-19 offers lessons on public trust in government technology. A study found that support for the app was linked to willingness to cooperate with the government and accept some privacy loss, rather than trust in data-driven policy. The findings suggest that clear communication about policy justifications, transparent data management, and genuine public dialogue are crucial for building trust. The city aims to be an AI data hub, but technological sophistication alone is insufficient without public acceptance and strong governance.
AI picks NFL Week 5 winners
SportsLine's self-learning AI has analyzed Week 5 of the NFL season to provide predictions and betting picks for every game. The AI evaluates team data and opponent matchups to generate statistically informed ratings. For Week 5, the AI predicts the Buffalo Bills will comfortably cover the spread against the New England Patriots, rating it as an A+ pick. The AI has a strong track record, having hit over 2,000 4.5- and 5-star prop picks since the start of the 2023 season.
Sources
- Meta wants to bring its Business AI chat tools to third-party websites
- Meta streamlines AI use for brands with new business agent, creative tools
- Meta Launches Business AI Tools for SMBs
- Meta introduces Business AI, its AI-powered sales assistant for small and medium-sized enterprises
- CMU artificial intelligence expert foresees a 'creative explosion like we’ve never seen before'
- From building startups before high school to scaling sales with AI: How a young founder is modernizing outreach (Brains Byte Back Podcast)
- Inside NBIM’s AI playbook to hone investment edge
- BofA expects annual AI investments to nearly triple between CY25-30E to over $1.2T By Investing.com
- Here's how the fashion industry is using AI to predict the next big trend
- Instacrops will demo its water-saving, crop-boosting AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
- Why Buying AI Tools Isn't an AI Strategy—And What Actually Works
- Is Trade Desk's (TTD) AI Data Move a Turning Point for Its Competitive Edge?
- Lessons in AI Trust From Hong Kong’s Leave HomeSafe Mobile App
- NFL picks, predictions, Week 5 best bets from SportsLine's self-learning AI
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