Highlights of the Month – March
5 min read
5 min read
Google has announced the release of its experimental conversational AI service, Bard, in the coming weeks. Similar to ChatGPT, Bard promises to answer complex questions and teach users about in-depth topics in a conversational style. However, the main difference is that Bard will be connected to the web, allowing it to give “fresh, high-quality responses.” Bard is powered by LaMDA, a large language model trained on a vast dataset and capable of understanding human language as it’s written. In its early days, Bard will be released on a lightweight model version of LaMDA to scale the chatbot to more people. Google plans to combine external feedback with internal testing to ensure the chatbot’s quality. Bard is a next-gen development of Google Search that could change how we use search engines and look for information on the web. To try out BARD, interested users can sign up at Bard.google.com. Although initially available only in the US and UK, Google has plans to expand to more countries and languages over time. Those outside the US and UK can use a VPN to bypass the limited availability.
Microsoft is launching a new AI feature called Microsoft 365 Copilot that utilizes GPT-4 technology to improve workplace productivity. With simple written instructions, Copilot can generate entire emails and reports, analyze Excel spreadsheets, generate graphs, highlight important messages, summarize email threads, and even generate replies in a different style. It can also take notes during meetings, provide data during client meetings, and create automatic workflows using Power Automate. Copilot marks a shift in AI technology being at the center of a product, rather than just powering it behind the scenes. Microsoft emphasizes the responsible use of AI while acknowledging that work will change to make our lives easier. Copilot is set to revolutionize workplace efficiency and streamline productivity.
Adobe has launched a new tool called Project Sunrise that enables e-commerce companies to generate product images from 3D models, reducing the need for expensive photo shoots. The software generates fresh variations of images, such as different colors or textures, from a basic 3D model of a product. The tool will allow marketing professionals to create the images they require for marketing emails and web pages. The tool will be beneficial with a vast number of products in their catalogs that require highly realistic renderings. The system automates many details and feeds the images generated into a website’s e-commerce system. The platform will be used by creatives, merchandisers, and marketers.
Instagram has announced that it will start showing ads in its search results to reach users searching for businesses, products, and content. The new ads will appear in the feed that users can scroll when they tap into a post from search results. The company plans to launch this placement globally in the coming months. In addition, Instagram has rolled out ‘Reminder’ ads to all advertisers as an option in their feed to help them build awareness, anticipation, and consideration for upcoming moments. The move is aimed at giving businesses more ways to get discovered and form meaningful connections with users. Instagram has been adding more ads over the years and they are now seen on Explore page, Explore feeds, Reels, Stories, and user profiles.
Starting off in mid-April, TikTok’s refreshed guidelines introduce its Community Principles, which aim to uphold human rights and international legal frameworks. Key changes to the guidelines include regulations on synthetic media, tribes, and civic and election integrity. TikTok defines “synthetic media” as content created or modified by AI, and requires creators to label it as such to mitigate the potential risks of spreading misinformation. The platform has also added Tribes to the list of protected attributes to safeguard against hateful behavior and ideologies. Additionally, TikTok prohibits paid political promotion, advertising, and fundraising by politicians or parties to support informed civic exchanges and prevent misinformation. The changes come as TikTok faces scrutiny over data privacy concerns from organizations like the Tech Oversight Project and Congress.
Microsoft has launched a category-based targeting solution for search advertising that combines categories and keywords to enhance campaign performance. This new approach simplifies campaign management for advertisers and provides a better experience for shoppers. Traditional keyword targeting has its limitations as shoppers browse digital aisles on retail websites and don’t rely solely on keywords. By utilizing category-based targeting, advertisers can boost their campaign bids with keywords to enhance performance and increase conversions and sales. The new approach has already produced higher click-through rates and revenue per thousand impressions compared to campaigns that don’t use keyword bid boosting. This innovative approach can potentially improve performance for both advertisers and retailers, providing a unique shopping experience for customers.
Any reuse, transmission, republication, duplication, or distribution of this article and graphics, without the express written permission of Aryxe is not allowed. If you wish to reuse, transmit, republish, duplicate or distribute this article, cite passages, or use in full, including but not limited to proprietary text and graphics, please request written permission.
