David Tan, CrushBank CTO
Here’s a summary of what’s going on currently in the world of AI and how it may affect your business and your life.
Recent Announcements and Innovations
OpenAI’s Major Moves
OpenAI has been at the forefront of AI advancements, and their latest announcements did not disappoint. They unveiled GPT-4o (“o” for Omni), a faster and more functional large language model with enhanced multimodal capabilities, including vision and audio. Notably, GPT-4o is now free for all users, democratizing access to advanced AI tools. The introduction of a desktop app marks a significant shift towards real-time, context-sensitive assistance, enhancing user interaction by providing instant, relevant information based on the user’s current activity.
Google’s Developments
Google’s annual I/O conference was a hotbed of AI innovation. Project Astra, although still in pre-release, showcased impressive capabilities in real-time object identification and contextual understanding. Their new Gemini model 1.5 continues to push the boundaries of large language models. Additionally, Google’s AI overviews and video search capabilities promise to transform how users interact with search engines, making information retrieval faster and more intuitive.
Meta’s Approach
Meta made waves by releasing their latest large language model, LLaMA 3, as open source. This move allows greater transparency and accessibility, enabling developers to see and understand the model’s training data and processes. Meta is embedding AI across its ecosystem, from WhatsApp to Instagram, demonstrating a commitment to integrating AI seamlessly into everyday applications.
IBM’s Focus on Transparency and Governance
IBM continues to lead in AI transparency with their Granite models, now available as open source. Their new product, InstructLab, enables the creation of synthetic data and custom-tuned models using less powerful machines, making AI more accessible to smaller enterprises. IBM’s emphasis on AI-infused solutions from the ground up, like their IBM Concert for monitoring systems, showcases their dedication to reliable and transparent AI development.
Microsoft’s Innovations
Microsoft’s Build event highlighted the launch of their new language models and the introduction of AI-specific hardware. The Co-Pilot Plus PCs, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, are designed to enhance AI functionality. Their new application, Recall, takes continuous snapshots of user activity, applying AI to create a personal, searchable history, a feature that has both intriguing possibilities and privacy concerns.
The Dark Side of AI
The rapid pace of AI development brings challenges and risks. Several high-profile incidents highlight the potential pitfalls:
– Air Canada’s chatbot provided incorrect information, leading to financial and reputational costs.
– New York City’s chatbot gave illegal advice to business owners.
– UnitedHealthcare faced lawsuits over faulty AI denying coverage.
These examples underscore the need for robust safety measures and accurate data in AI applications. The inherent propensity for falsehoods in large language models, as admitted by Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, is a significant concern that the industry must address.
The Future of AI: Agents and Digital Labor
The future of AI lies in the development of intelligent agents and digital labor. These systems will go beyond traditional RPAs and chatbots, integrating generative AI, conversational search, and dynamic workflow automation. AI agents will handle complex tasks across multiple systems, from evaluating job candidates to optimizing supply chains.
CrushBank’s newly launched Neuro platform exemplifies this trend, offering a conversational search solution that leverages IBM’s watsonx. Neuro leverages advanced AI technology on top of a comprehensive private data lake, making all corporate information accessible through an intuitive Q&A interface. By utilizing retrieval-augmented generation on a company’s own data, CrushBank Neuro makes it possible for employees to find precise answers without navigating through multiple systems. All answers provided by CrushBank Neuro are sourced from the company’s own documents and data, not from the general web, ensuring relevance and accuracy.
The Opportunity Ahead
AI’s impact on the global economy is poised to be transformative. By 2030, generative AI could add $4.4 trillion to global GDP, driven by applications that revolutionize industries and create new business opportunities. As AI continues to evolve, the focus must be on leveraging enterprise data intelligently and ethically, ensuring that AI solutions are both innovative and reliable.
In conclusion, the state of AI is one of rapid innovation and immense potential. The announcements from major players highlight the exciting developments ahead, but they also remind us of the need for careful oversight and robust safety measures. By embracing these advancements and understanding their implications, businesses can harness the power of AI to drive growth and transformation in the years to come.