Salesforce, Google, Microsoft Compete in AI Ads

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with major tech players like Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon engaging in a competitive push within the AI-driven advertising technology market. This intense competition aims to make digital ad buying more efficient and effective. Meanwhile, OpenAI has released Sora 2, a new platform that generates high-quality AI video content with integrated sound, potentially transforming the creator economy and industries like comedy by enabling the production of studio-level audiovisual content from simple prompts. In the legal sector, Thomson Reuters is leveraging generative AI with its CoCounsel Legal feature on the Westlaw platform, acting as an AI legal assistant for research and drafting, building on years of tech investment and acquisitions totaling approximately $2.5 billion. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas is pioneering a new approach to investor pitches, opting for memos and AI-powered Q&A over traditional pitch decks, a method that is gaining some traction in Silicon Valley. However, concerns about an AI investment frenzy echo the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, with warnings from the Bank of England and IMF advising caution due to high valuations and questionable revenue models. The US military is also aggressively adopting AI, with generals experimenting with generative AI chatbots to enhance decision-making processes for weapons, aircraft, and combat technology. On a different note, Verizon has invested $200 billion in the U.S. over the last six years, focusing on broadband, mobility, and enabling the cloud to prepare its networks for AI advancements, using AI to improve operations, offer connectivity solutions like AI Connect, and embed AI into its products. The HVACR contracting business is also seeing AI integration, with over 70% of contractors experimenting with AI tools to automate tasks, support training, and improve customer service. Cybercriminals are exploiting X's AI chatbot, Grok, to spread phishing scams by embedding malicious links in videos, turning the AI into an unwitting accomplice. Police are also warning about dangerous AI intruder prank trends on platforms like TikTok, which use AI-generated images to scare individuals and can lead to panic and misuse of emergency resources. Despite these advancements and challenges, author Adjaoute argues that AI cannot replicate human imagination and ingenuity, emphasizing its role in streamlining processes rather than genuine creativity.

Key Takeaways

  • Major companies like Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are competing in the AI-driven advertising technology market.
  • OpenAI has launched Sora 2, a platform for generating high-quality AI video content with integrated sound.
  • Thomson Reuters is integrating generative AI into its legal software platform, Westlaw, with its CoCounsel Legal feature.
  • Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas is using AI and memos instead of traditional pitch decks for investor presentations.
  • Concerns are rising about an AI investment bubble, drawing parallels to the 1990s dot-com crash.
  • The US military is actively adopting AI for decision-making in weapons, aircraft, and combat technology.
  • Verizon has invested $200 billion in U.S. infrastructure to support AI advancements and is using AI in its operations and products.
  • Over 70% of HVACR contractors have experimented with AI tools to improve efficiency and customer service.
  • Cybercriminals are using X's AI chatbot, Grok, to spread phishing scams.
  • Police are warning about dangerous AI intruder pranks circulating on social media.

Verizon exec details AI and connectivity strategy

Sowmyanarayan Sampath, EVP and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, shared Verizon's strategy for the future of AI and connectivity. The company has invested $200 billion in the U.S. over the last six years. Verizon focuses on broadband, mobility, and enabling the cloud, preparing its fiber and wireless networks for AI advancements. Sampath outlined three ways Verizon is using AI: improving its own operations, enabling other companies through connectivity like AI Connect, and embedding AI into its products for better customer experiences. He also emphasized transforming customer service by listening to feedback and making the company more human.

AI transforms HVACR contracting business

Artificial intelligence is becoming a key tool for HVACR contractors, helping them save time and money while improving customer service. AI tools automate tasks like dispatching and customer communication, and support technician training. A Housecall Pro report shows over 70% of contractors have tried AI, with 40% using it actively, especially younger business owners. Experts emphasize that AI empowers, rather than replaces, skilled tradespeople by handling 'sitting jobs' and freeing up pros for complex tasks. Successful AI integration requires careful data management and team buy-in.

Thomson Reuters becomes Gen AI leader with Westlaw

Thomson Reuters has become a leader in generative AI by integrating it into its legal software platform, Westlaw. The new CoCounsel Legal feature acts as an AI legal assistant for research, drafting, and document analysis, potentially saving lawyers significant time. This development is the result of years of tech upgrades, acquisitions, and a focus on customer needs. The company's long-standing investment in technology and cloud infrastructure prepared them for the AI revolution. Thomson Reuters also made strategic acquisitions to gain AI talent and technology, spending approximately $2.5 billion to date.

Sora 2 launches, changing content creation and comedy

OpenAI has released Sora 2, a new platform for generating high-quality AI video content with integrated sound. This marks a significant shift for the creator economy, allowing anyone to produce studio-level audiovisual content from simple prompts. Experts like Jason Hammer compare its impact to the transition from painting to photography. Ben Frenkel likens this moment to the iPhone's launch, enabling new content economies. While still in its early stages, Sora 2's capabilities are expected to disrupt social media and impact industries like comedy, potentially automating creative jobs.

Perplexity CEO uses AI for investor pitches

Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI search engine startup Perplexity, revealed he uses artificial intelligence instead of traditional pitch decks for investor presentations. He stated that the Series A funding round was the only time he used a pitch deck. For subsequent pitches, he provides a memo and encourages investors to ask questions, which he answers using Perplexity itself. This innovative approach, though rare, is gaining traction in Silicon Valley, with other startups also experimenting with memo-based fundraising.

Perplexity CEO skips pitch decks for AI in funding rounds

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas no longer uses traditional pitch decks for investor presentations, opting instead for AI. He co-founded the AI search engine in 2022 and found success using memos and AI-powered Q&A for recent funding rounds. Srinivas shared an instance where he used Perplexity to answer investor questions, leading to a swift funding decision. While this no-pitch-deck method is uncommon, other companies like Rippling have also explored similar approaches, highlighting a potential shift in Silicon Valley fundraising.

IMF meetings face US-China trade tensions

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank gatherings are starting in Washington amid rising trade tensions between the US and China. China's recent export restrictions on critical minerals led to US President Donald Trump threatening 100 percent tariffs. These actions caused stock markets to fall, raising concerns about a renewed trade war. Despite these issues, the IMF notes the global economy is performing better than expected, though growth is slowing slightly. Discussions will focus on the global economy, job creation, and support for Ukraine.

AI bubble concerns echo 1990s tech crash

Warnings from the Bank of England and IMF suggest that the current AI investment frenzy might be nearing an end, drawing parallels to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. High company valuations, questionable revenue models, and weak earnings indicate potential risks for investors. Experts advise caution and suggest that sitting out the AI hype or staying near the exit might be a prudent strategy. The current situation is described as potentially leading to an 'irrational exuberance' similar to past market bubbles.

Salesforce, Google, Microsoft vie for AI ad tech market

A 'land grab' for AI-driven advertising technology is underway, with major companies like Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon competing to disrupt the digital ad buying space. These firms are leveraging artificial intelligence to make ad buying more efficient and effective for advertisers. Salesforce is reportedly integrating AI into its tools for better targeting and performance measurement. Microsoft and Amazon, with their existing infrastructure and data, are also strong contenders. New initiatives, like one led by AppNexus founder Brian O'Kelley, aim to innovate and challenge established players.

Police warn of dangerous AI intruder prank trend

West Bloomfield police are warning parents about a dangerous national TikTok trend involving AI-generated fake photos of intruders. This prank, known as the 'AI Homeless Man Prank,' uses artificial intelligence to create frightening images to scare family members or roommates. Police emphasize that such pranks can cause panic, lead to dangerous reactions, and waste emergency resources. They urge parents to discuss the potential emotional and legal consequences with their children.

X chatbot 'Grok' used to spread AI scams

Cybercriminals are exploiting X's AI chatbot, Grok, to promote phishing scams in a technique called 'Grokking.' Threat actors embed malicious links in video posts, and when asked about the video's source, Grok amplifies the link in its trusted responses. This tactic turns the AI into an unwitting accomplice, potentially spreading scams and malware widely due to the high visibility of paid posts. Security researchers warn that this method, a form of prompt injection, highlights the risks of blindly trusting AI output and could be applied to other AI tools.

AI won't replace human creativity, author argues

Author Adjaoute argues in his new book that artificial intelligence, despite its transformative role in industries, cannot replicate human imagination, ingenuity, and curiosity. He highlights that machines lack the risk-taking and creative drive that built the world. Adjaoute, with decades of experience in AI systems, including founding Brighterion, explains that AI's current strengths lie in streamlining processes and improving decision-making, not in genuine creativity. He aims to provide a clear understanding of AI's capabilities and limitations, dispelling myths about it replacing human cognition.

Geopolitics impact AI trade, experts say

Geopolitical factors are increasingly influencing the trade of artificial intelligence technologies. Experts suggest that competition law remains a crucial tool for addressing anti-competitive practices driven by AI. The article also touches upon skepticism regarding a rebound in dealmaking. The intersection of AI development and international relations is becoming a significant consideration in the global market.

US Army generals use AI chatbots for decisions

Top US Army leaders, including Maj. Gen. William 'Hank' Taylor, are experimenting with generative AI chatbots to enhance their decision-making processes. The military is aggressively adopting AI for weapons, aircraft, and combat technology, recognizing the need for faster decisions than humans can make. This embrace of AI aligns with military thought processes like the OODA loop, aiming to gain a battlefield advantage. While AI offers significant potential, the military also acknowledges challenges in keeping pace with rapid technological development and the risk of flawed AI outputs.

Sources

NOTE:

This news brief was generated using AI technology (including, but not limited to, Google Gemini API, Llama, Grok, and Mistral) from aggregated news articles, with minimal to no human editing/review. It is provided for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies or biases. This is not financial, investment, or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please verify all information with the linked original articles in the Sources section below.

AI strategy Connectivity Verizon AI operations AI Connect Customer experience HVACR contracting AI tools Automation Technician training Generative AI Legal software Westlaw AI legal assistant Thomson Reuters AI video generation Sora 2 Content creation Creator economy Audiovisual content Social media disruption AI scams AI chatbots Grok Phishing scams Prompt injection Investor pitches Perplexity AI search engine Fundraising Silicon Valley AI bubble Tech crash Dot-com bubble Market valuations Investment risks AI ad tech Advertising technology Salesforce Google Microsoft Amazon Digital ad buying AI intruder prank TikTok trend AI-generated photos Human creativity AI limitations Geopolitics AI trade Competition law US Army Military AI Decision-making OODA loop

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