Gemini has Landed: Canadians Finally Get to Access Google’s Generative AI
Google has officially launched Gemini (formerly Bard) in Canada, making it accessible in English, French, and 40 other languages. Gemini offers innovative AI collaboration tools, including features for job interview preparation, code debugging, and business idea brainstorming. Additionally, Gemini Advanced introduces the Ultra 1.0 AI model for complex tasks, available through the Google One AI Premium Plan. An Economic Impact Report highlights the potential $210 billion boost to Canada's economy from generative AI, emphasizing Google's commitment to responsible AI development and its potential to address societal challenges.
Key takeaways:
Gemini is now available in Canada, supporting English, French, and 40 other languages for diverse AI collaboration.
The introduction of Gemini Advanced with Ultra 1.0 AI model offers advanced capabilities for complex tasks through a premium subscription.
Generative AI is poised to significantly impact Canada's economy, with a focus on responsible development and addressing societal challenges.
Autonomous Waymo Vehicle Torched by Mob in San Francisco
During the Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco's Chinatown, a Waymo autonomous vehicle was destroyed by vandals. Amidst the festivities, which typically include fireworks, an unruly mob targeted the Waymo car. The vehicle, attempting to navigate a busy street, was stopped by a crowd, vandalized with graffiti, and had its windows smashed. The situation escalated when a lit firework was thrown into the car, causing it to catch fire and burn down completely, despite the car's attempts to signal distress through its hazard lights. The fire department managed to extinguish the blaze without it spreading further. Waymo confirmed that no passengers were in the car at the time and there were no injuries. The incident, captured extensively on social media and likely by the car's own cameras, is under investigation by the San Francisco Police Department. Waymo has not yet indicated whether it will press charges.
Key takeaways:
A Waymo autonomous car was vandalized and set ablaze by a mob during Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco.
The incident caused significant damage to the vehicle but did not result in any injuries, as the car was not carrying passengers.
The attack is under investigation, with potential evidence from social media and the vehicle's cameras possibly aiding in identifying the perpetrators.
OpenAI Sets Sights on Google Search's Dominance
OpenAI is reportedly working on a search app that could directly challenge Google Search, potentially integrating with ChatGPT or launching as a separate application. This move is seen as a significant threat to Google, leveraging Microsoft Bing's infrastructure. The AI search engine aims to deliver fast, concise summaries with powerful capabilities, posing a challenge to Google's two-decade dominance in internet search. The initiative reflects a broader shift towards AI-driven search solutions, with OpenAI's user base and Microsoft's technology posing a formidable challenge to Google's market position. This development is part of the ongoing evolution in how information is retrieved online, highlighting the competitive dynamics between leading tech companies and the transformative potential of AI in search technologies
Key takeaways:
OpenAI is developing an AI search engine that could compete with Google Search, possibly incorporating or operating alongside ChatGPT.
This initiative, supported by Microsoft Bing, represents a significant threat to Google's longstanding dominance in internet search.
The move underscores a shift towards AI in search, challenging traditional search engines with faster, AI-powered information retrieval.
A Closer Look at ChatGPT's Memory: Control, Privacy, and Benefits
OpenAI has introduced a memory feature for ChatGPT, enabling it to recall details from past conversations, thus enhancing user experience by eliminating the need to repeat information. This feature is under testing with a limited number of ChatGPT free and Plus users, with plans for a broader rollout announced soon. Users have complete control over this memory function, including the ability to turn it off, manage what ChatGPT remembers, and delete memories. Additionally, OpenAI has introduced temporary chats for conversations users prefer not to be remembered and continues to prioritize privacy and safety standards. This update also benefits Enterprise and Team users by allowing ChatGPT to remember user preferences and styles for more efficient and relevant interactions. Furthermore, GPTs will have their distinct memory capabilities, promising a more personalized interaction across various applications.
Key Takeaways:
ChatGPT now features a memory capability, improving conversations by recalling user-shared information.
Users maintain full control over ChatGPT's memory, with options to manage, delete, or disable it entirely.
The update benefits Enterprise and Team users by tailoring interactions based on remembered preferences, and GPTs will also have distinct memory functionalities for enhanced personalization.
How Slack AI Keeps You Informed: Summaries, Recaps, and Q&As
Slack is enhancing its platform with AI-driven features to streamline workplace communication for Enterprise users. The new suite includes summarizing threads, providing channel recaps, and answering questions based on workplace conversations. Slack AI, now a paid add-on, aims to keep users informed and updated by summarizing unread messages or those within a specific timeframe, interpreting workplace policies, and integrating with other apps like Notion and Box for content summaries. Additionally, Slack is developing more tools for information summarization and prioritization, including a digest feature for channel highlights, and emphasizes privacy with hosted LLMs ensuring customer data remains isolated.
Note: This feature is only available in the US and UK, not Canada.
Key Takeaways:
Slack AI introduces a suite of features for summarizing conversations, recapping channels, and answering work-related questions, enhancing workplace efficiency.
The AI tool integrates with external apps for content summaries and is part of Slack's broader effort to prioritize and summarize information, including an upcoming digest feature.
Slack emphasizes customer data privacy, with LLMs hosted within the platform, ensuring data isolation and no use in training LLMs for other clients.
Author: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA. Malik works at Auvenir as a GRC Strategist that is working to transform the engagement experience for accounting firms and their clients. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent UWCISA, UW, Auvenir (or its affiliates), CPA Canada or anyone else. This post was written with the assistance of an AI language model. The model provided suggestions and completions to help me write, but the final content and opinions are my own.
The rise of robot wranglers highlights the ongoing need for human oversight in increasingly automated work environments.
Despite their technological advancements, robots often require human intervention to correct errors and guide their actions.
The interaction between human workers and robots is evolving into a collaborative dynamic, emphasizing the importance of both in achieving operational success.
Google is contemplating a rebrand of its forthcoming Assistant, previously linked with Bard, to "Gemini," as identified in a recent teardown of the Google app by 9to5Google. This analysis revealed changes in the app's code, suggesting a shift in naming from "Assistant with Bard" to "Gemini." This rebranding effort reflects Google's exploration of names for its large language model (LLM) technologies, despite potential confusion among users accustomed to the Bard designation. Gemini, which encompasses several variants including Nano, Pro, and Ultra, represents Google's new LLM, and the rebranding to "Gemini" could lead to complexities, especially with the introduction of a subscription service named "Gemini Advanced," initially known as "Bard Advanced." The potential for confusion extends to future iterations of Google's LLM, raising questions about the sustainability of the "Gemini" brand name.
Key Takeaways:
Google may rename its upcoming Assistant from "Bard" to "Gemini," based on code changes spotted in a Google app teardown.
The rebranding introduces "Gemini" as the new face of Google's large language model technologies, with variations like Nano, Pro, and Ultra.
The change might confuse users, especially with the launch of "Gemini Advanced" subscription service, and raises questions about future branding consistency.
Germany's €2 Billion Bitcoin Seizure: A Landmark in Cyber Law Enforcement
German authorities have confiscated approximately €2 billion worth of bitcoins, marking potentially the largest seizure of its kind in the nation's history. The operation in the eastern state of Saxony led to the seizure of 50,000 bitcoins linked to two individuals suspected of operating a piracy website up until the end of 2013. These suspects, aged 40 and 37, are believed to have acquired the bitcoins through revenues generated from their illicit website, engaging in unauthorized commercial exploitation of copyrighted works and subsequent commercial money laundering. The bitcoins were voluntarily transferred to an official wallet of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), signaling a significant step in the ongoing investigation, though no charges have yet been filed. The case highlights the intersection of digital currency and criminal activity, underscoring the challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement in tracing and managing digital assets.
Key Takeaways:
German police have seized 50,000 bitcoins worth around €2 billion in Saxony, possibly the largest seizure of its kind in Germany.
The bitcoins were linked to two men suspected of running a piracy website and engaging in commercial money laundering.
The seized bitcoins were voluntarily transferred to a wallet of the Federal Criminal Police Office, with the investigation still ongoing and no charges filed yet.
Bitcoin Unveiled: The Surprising Traceability of Cryptocurrency Transactions
The narrative of Bitcoin's anonymity was significantly challenged by the work of Sarah Meiklejohn, a young mathematician whose research revealed the cryptocurrency's transactions to be far more traceable than previously believed. Meiklejohn's investigation into Bitcoin's blockchain technology uncovered that, contrary to the crypto-anarchist ideal of a fully anonymous digital currency, the public ledger of Bitcoin transactions provides a tool for researchers, tech companies, and law enforcement to trace and identify users' activities. This revelation has had profound implications for the world of cybercrime, aiding in solving major crimes, including the takedown of dark-web drug markets, and leading to significant law enforcement seizures. Meiklejohn's approach, combining meticulous transaction tracking with innovative clustering techniques, showcased the blockchain's transparency and the potential to undermine the privacy of those who misuse the currency for illicit purposes.
Key Takeaways:
Sarah Meiklejohn's research unveiled the traceability of Bitcoin transactions, challenging the perception of the cryptocurrency as an anonymous digital currency.
The investigation into the blockchain technology led to significant breakthroughs in cybercrime investigations, including major drug market takedowns and law enforcement seizures.
Meiklejohn's methods demonstrate the potential for transparency within the blockchain, highlighting the risks for users involved in illicit activities.
Matt Wolfe is a popular AI developer and educator known for sharing his insights on AI, no-code technologies, tech, and futurism through various platforms such as YouTube and his website, FutureTools.io. He curates lists of AI tools for different needs and shares his expertise to help others navigate the evolving landscape of digital tools and technologies. Below is a summary of his review of the Apple Vision Pro. For his full review, watch this video:
The Apple Vision Pro has stirred considerable excitement, offering an immersive experience that is notably distinct from other virtual reality headsets. With a price tag of nearly $44,000 after taxes for the 512 GB model, it represents a significant investment into the future of VR and AR technologies. The unboxing experience aligns with Apple's high standards, presenting a product that exudes quality. The device comes with a range of accessories, including a cleaning cloth, an extra padded light seal, an alternate band, a power brick, and a USB-C cable, ensuring users have everything they need for an optimal experience.
Key Takeaways:
The pass-through quality is impressive, although not as flawless as some early reviews suggested, with minor issues like LED light distortion.
Despite concerns about its weight, the Apple Vision Pro is surprisingly comfortable for extended use, with less eye fatigue compared to other VR headsets like the Meta Quest.
The device offers unparalleled immersion, especially with realistic environments and detailed hand tracking, which enhances the overall user experience.
Multitasking capabilities are a standout feature, allowing users to manage multiple screens and applications effortlessly within their field of view.
However, the device has its drawbacks, including limitations in low-light conditions, a somewhat restricted field of view, and a lack of a substantial app selection at launch.
Author: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA. Malik works at Auvenir as a GRC Strategist that is working to transform the engagement experience for accounting firms and their clients. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent UWCISA, UW, Auvenir (or its affiliates), CPA Canada or anyone else. This post was written with the assistance of an AI language model. The model provided suggestions and completions to help me write, but the final content and opinions are my own.
Musk's Twitter Rebrand: Lighting Up $20 Billion in Brand Value?
Elon Musk's recent decision to rebrand Twitter as "X" and eliminate the iconic bird logo has sparked controversy and is estimated to have wiped out between $4 billion and $20 billion in brand value. The move, which includes a shift in focus towards audio, video, messaging, payments, and banking, has been criticized by analysts and brand agencies who argue that Twitter's brand recognition and cultural influence are invaluable assets. The rebranding has also led to a significant drop in advertising revenue, with advertisers wary of Musk's controversial persona. Despite the backlash, some believe that Musk's personal brand may be powerful enough to carry the new "X" platform forward. (Source: BNN)
Google's Bard Expansion: Canada Left Out in the Cold
Google's AI-powered chatbot, Bard, has expanded globally but has notably excluded Canada, along with countries like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Belarus, and Cuba. This move comes amidst Google's ongoing dispute with the Canadian government over the Online News Act, which mandates tech giants like Google and Meta to negotiate compensation deals with media outlets. The Act aims to balance online advertising revenues, a sector dominated by Google and Meta. In response to the Act, both companies have threatened to block news links from their platforms in Canada. Google's Bard, now available in over 40 languages and more than 230 countries, has not clarified if its exclusion of Canada is directly related to these regulatory disputes. (Source: CTV)
Sam Altman's Eyeball Scans: A New Frontier in Crypto or Privacy Breach?
Worldcoin, a project by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has launched a global initiative offering free cryptocurrency in exchange for an eyeball scan to create a digital ID. The project aims to establish a new "identity and financial network" and to verify users as human, not bots. Despite privacy concerns, people in countries like Britain, Japan, and India have participated, with Worldcoin claiming to have issued IDs to over two million people in 120 countries. Critics have raised concerns about potential privacy breaches, but Worldcoin insists that the project is "completely private" and that biometric data is either deleted or stored encrypted. The promise of free cryptocurrency has attracted many participants, despite the potential risks. (Source: CTV)
Apple's AI Ambitions: The Birth of 'Apple GPT'
Apple is reportedly developing its own AI-powered chatbot, internally referred to as "Apple GPT", using a large language model (LLM) framework named "Ajax". The project, which runs on Google Cloud and is built with Google JAX, is still in its early stages with no confirmed plans for public release. Multiple teams within Apple are working on the project, including addressing potential privacy issues. Despite Apple's relative silence in the generative AI space, the company has been integrating AI into its software for years, most notably with Siri. Apple's AI initiative is led by John Giannandrea and Craig Federighi, and a significant AI-related announcement is expected from the company next year. (Source: TheVerge)
AI Giants Commit to New Safety Measures Amid White House Initiative
In an effort to manage the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), the Biden administration has reached an agreement with seven major AI companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The companies have voluntarily committed to implementing more safeguards around AI, such as developing a watermarking system to help users identify AI-generated content, testing their AI systems' security and capabilities before public release, investing in research on the technology's societal risks, and facilitating external audits of system vulnerabilities. While these commitments largely reflect existing safety practices, they lack enforcement mechanisms. The White House is also developing an executive order to govern the use of AI, emphasizing that these commitments are not a substitute for federal action or legislation. (Source: WSJ)
Author: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA. Malik works at Auvenir as a GRC Strategist that is working to transform the engagement experience for accounting firms and their clients. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent UWCISA, UW, Auvenir (or its affiliates), CPA Canada or anyone else. This post was written with the assistance of an AI language model. The model provided suggestions and completions to help me write, but the final content and opinions are my own.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, mentioned something worth reflecting on during a fireside chat with Tobias Lütke (founder and CEO of Shopify) at Toronto's 2023 Elevate conference:
"If you look at the prediction from maybe 10 years ago maybe even five, I think most experts would have say first AI comes for physical labor. It's going to drive trucks it's going to work in factories. Then it comes from the sort of easier parts of cognitive labor. Then it comes from the stuff that's really hard… Maybe it can write computer code someday - maybe not. And then maybe someday in the distant future (but probably never) it can do creative work. And of course it's gone the exact opposite direction…Almost everybody predicted this wrong."
The quote by Altman summarizes the amazement that many of us experience when interacting with Generative AI, witnessing how it can effortlessly generate high-quality content, whether it's telling a joke in the tone of your favourite comedian or writing a blog post in the style of a famous author.
Not everyone, however, is a fan. Its abilities, though in their infancy, have irked the creative crowd. I am talking about the writers in Hollywood, who are picketing as we speak.
AI: Taking Center Stage within the Scriptwriting Process?
They are worried about the use of artificial intelligence in the movie production process. The writers fear that producers may use AI to write scripts or fill in gaps in unfinished screenplays. This would result in an increased supply of scripts. When the supply of something goes up, the price goes down. That's the way capitalism works. Consequently, the increased use of AI could lead to a decrease in the need for scriptwriters, potentially affecting writers' earnings. While recognizing that this rapidly advancing technology could be a useful tool in some cases, the writers are demanding that production companies agree to certain safeguards regarding its use.
It’s tempting to think that this only applies to those picketing in front of Hollywood. The word “content” may send our minds to art, writing, and movie scripts. However, content generation is not just about the creative crowd. Consider that accountants, lawyers, and consultants are also content generators. Sure, they cater to a different genre and audience. And yes, their content is more likely to make you cry than laugh, it's still content at the end of the day. Moreover, this discourse extends far beyond the confines of movies, television, or streaming platforms, serving as an early warning sign, a proverbial canary in the coal mine, hinting at the impending profound transformations across all sectors and industries.
How good is this technology? Is it really worth protesting?
As they say, seeing is believing. We don’t have to speculate about AI’s script writing powers. We can try it out ourselves. Here is my attempt to do just that. Check it out and see for yourself:
Admittedly, the story was terrible.
It is certainly no competition for the quality and the caliber of those protesting in the Sunshine State. Both my wife and Efrim Boritz thought it needed some work. A lot of work. That being said, if we focus on the aesthetics of the story, however, we miss the point. The story, from start to finish, took a grand total of 35 minutes. Here how I generated the story.
Step 1: Fill-in the Narrative Arc
I took the five elements of Narrative Arc and completed it for my story. This was crafted in the following prompt:
Prompt: Draft the story using the following
“Exposition: A group of auditors working on an audit file for a bank in 2006. There is a deadline of two weeks. Kevin is the hero. He is the senior on the audit
Rising Action: Kevin is asked to audit a mortgage-backed bonds held by the audit client. He tries to understand the structure. He calls the bond rating agency. Doesn't get answers. Tries to call the borrowers no answer. Billy his manager wants him to just get the work done. He wants him to stop asking questions.
Climax: Kevin concludes that the bonds are worthless and must write them down. Billy insists that they use the current trading price. Terry the partner on the file must step-in to address this argument.
Falling Action: Partner decides to go with Kevin. Billy quits and goes to work for Lehman Brothers.
Resolution (Denouement): After the financial crisis, Kevin becomes part of the internal education team teaching him about the importance of skepticism. Billy has lost his job and is having a tough time finding a new one.”
The result was an outline with each element a bit more flushed out. Here’s how “Exposition” looked like:
“In 2006, a group of auditors are working on an audit file for a major bank. The team has a tight deadline of two weeks to complete the task. Kevin, the hero of the story, is the senior auditor on the project. He is responsible for overseeing the audit and ensuring that the team meets their deadline.”
Step 2: Expand out the Story
Then I asked it to take the text and “Expand and write in Michael Lewis's style”. Here is what it came up with:
“In the bustling year of 2006, when the financial world was basking in the warm glow of seemingly endless prosperity, a group of auditors found themselves hunkered down in a fluorescent-lit conference room. Their mission: to dissect and analyze an audit file for a major bank, a task with a ticking clock – a mere two weeks to complete the assignment. The pressure was palpable, the atmosphere charged with a blend of urgency and apprehension.
At the helm of this ragtag ensemble stood Kevin, the protagonist of our tale. A senior auditor with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering sense of duty, Kevin bore the weight of overseeing the audit and steering his team towards the fast-approaching deadline. His steady hand and calm demeanor disguised the internal churn of responsibility and the need to maintain professional skepticism amidst a sea of financial jargon and convoluted transactions.
Kevin's days blurred together as he poured over documents, cross-referencing figures and questioning assumptions. He navigated the labyrinthine world of finance with an uncanny intuition, a skill honed by years of experience that allowed him to cut through the fog of complexity to reveal the hidden truths beneath. Surrounded by his team of auditors, a diverse group of individuals each with their own quirks and strengths, Kevin felt the weight of their collective success or failure resting squarely on his shoulders…”
Rinse and repeat for the remainder of the outline and you’ve got a fully fleshed out story.
We all agree that this is not a work of art, but it only took 35 minutes. Now, imagine what I could create if I spent 35 hours or 35 days on it. Imagine further and think what the studios could achieve with an artificial intelligence that was designed specifically to generate movie scripts.
Was AI-Enabled Scriptwriting Truly Unpredictable?
No, it was not. This sci-fi thriller has been in the making for 20 years. As Chris Steiner describes in "Automate This", Hollywood had access to an algorithm in 2004 that could predict the commercial viability of a script. He writes:
"In 2004, a major movie studio allowed an algorithm to scan nine scripts of unreleased movies. The results of the analysis, run by a new company named Epagogix, were then tucked away. The movies all eventually hit the screen, and when the last one was out of theaters, the movie studio went back to take a look at what the algorithm, which was supposed to tell them how much money each film would gross at the box office, had predicted. In three of the nine cases, the algorithm missed by a wide margin. The other six forecasts, however, were bizarrely accurate. On one movie that the studio expected $100 million or more on, the total gross was $40 million, a huge disappointment.1 The algorithm predicted $49 million. Another prediction was within $1.2 million. Epagogix was suddenly on its way to becoming an indispensable tool for studios to use in analyzing scripts—especially ones that may be attached to big budgets—before the movie gets made. Epagogix was conceived and built by two movie lovers, one of them a lawyer and the other from Wall Street’s favorite of disciplines: risk management. The point is to minimize the risk of producing a stinker like Disney did in 2012 when John Carter lost the studio nearly $200 million."
He then goes on to describe the algorithm that analyzes a script based on a comprehensive report created by humans who evaluate various aspects, such as setting, characters, plot, and moral dilemmas. Despite its advanced capabilities, the algorithm still relies on human judgment to evaluate the script's language, story, and characters. But Steiner asks, presciently:
"What if there were an algorithm that didn’t need people for input? What if there were algorithms that could create the script itself?”
The Deeper Truth about Hollywood’s Existing Algorithmic Approach
There is a deeper truth in what Steiner uncovered: audiences are quite predictable. This notion seemingly contradicts the long-held belief that humans demand an infinite canvas when it comes to creativity, a canvas where one could expect unexpected twists, novel ideas, and a constant reinvention of concepts and narratives. Instead, 20-year-old algorithms are capable of predicting what most people like to watch.
Hollywood is clearly gravitating towards sustaining innovation, instead of pursuing truly disruptive narratives. John Wick is on its fourth instalment. And they just released the tenth instalment of Fast and the Furious. Yes, Fast X. By opting to reiterate tried-and-true storylines, Hollywood ensures its economic prosperity. However, the result is a not-so-creative landscape where sequels are incessantly produced, extending familiar plotlines to an almost infinite degree. This approach provides a measure of security, given the inherent uncertainty of box office returns. Yet it also confines the industry within the bounds of proven narratives, potentially at the expense of groundbreaking, original storytelling.
Hollywood studios are not in the business of searching for avant-garde composers, they're searching for chart-topping artists—those who can consistently produce hits that climb the billboards. And as for box-office bombs, they're a crippling blow to the account books—a $200 million heartache they'd rather avoid.
What about the value of creativity?
What about the pursuit of cinematic excellence, the weaving of a narrative so profound that it moves its audience to tears, laughter, or introspection? That's a narrative they've relegated to the bohemian fringe of society, the ones we affectionately refer to as “starving artists”.That creative crowd can dabble in the intricate arts of filmmaking to their hearts' content, while the Hollywood studios stick to what they know best—churning out billion dollar blockbusters, over and over again
This cold commercial reality births a Faustian bargain—one where artistic vision bows before the altar of profitability. It's the invisible contract that underwrites every script, each casting call, and the red-carpet premieres. It's the unspoken rule, the little secret tucked beneath the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. More on this and Optimus Prime in our next post.
Author: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA. Malik works at Auvenir as a GRC Strategist that is working to transform the engagement experience for accounting firms and their clients. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent UWCISA, UW, Auvenir (or its affiliates), CPA Canada or anyone else. This post was written with the assistance of an AI language model. The model provided suggestions and completions to help me write, but the final content and opinions are my own.
The race for AI-enabled search is on, and the stakes are high as Microsoft and Google are competing to be at the forefront of this exciting field. Last week was a milestone in the world of AI, as both companies made significant announcements about their latest offerings. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what these announcements mean for the competition for AI-enabled search and what could have led Google to fall behind.
Microsoft's Announcement
Microsoft announced that it will be integrating ChatGPT into Bing to allow people to use Generative AI to answer questions, instead of just endlessly searching. In their demo, they showed how “BingGPT” (my term) could help users get their bearings about a topic, such as famous Mexican painters or Japanese poets. BingGPT could also develop a travel itinerary for a vacation and attempt to answer questions like "Will a sofa fit in a Honda Odyssey?"
Microsoft also unveiled the new Edge browser, which would have the productivity right in the browser. From a CPA perspective, what was impressive was how Microsoft was able to summarize a GAP press release and produce instant comparatives with Lululemon. They also demonstrated how BingGPT could instantly generate a LinkedIn post. In the demo, Microsoft showed how you can direct the AI to use a specific tone (which in this case was “enthusiastic”).
One of the other key takeaways from the unveiling was Microsoft’s positioning of BingGPT. They see it as a co-pilot: something that the user can use to augment their work. That is, they are not looking to unveil bots to replace office workers. Check out the following extracts from the announcement:
The full presentation is available here
Google's Announcement
Google, not to be left behind, also had an announcement the next day. They chose Paris to unveil their alternative to ChatGPT, Bard.
Unfortunately, the announcement was received as underwhelming. The demonstration was cut short when they misplaced a phone, and they seemed to be more focused on incremental improvements to their existing offerings, such as multi-search (i.e. search by image and text) and augmented reality apps, which provide a Google maps overlay of the shops on the street.
With respect to Bard, there were few details provided. Google mentioned that an API would be available for developers next month, but there was no information about when the average user would be able to try it. The biggest news with Bard, however, was the mistake it made when retrieving an answer. As was widely reported, "Google's blog showing off Bard's capabilities, the AI falsely said the James Webb Space Telescope took the first ever picture of an exoplanet. It was Webb's first picture of an exoplanet, but the first picture taken occurred back in 2004."
The result of Google's stumbles?
Investors were quick to react and wiped out $100 billion of the search engine’s market capitalization.
What happened to Google’s lead?
Google is a prime example of a company that got caught in the innovator's dilemma. Their dominant position in the search engine market made them extremely profitable, but it also made them slow to respond to the rise of AI-enabled search. Google was too focused on maximizing their existing business model and the advertising revenue that came with it, which made them hesitant to invest in AI-enabled search. This is because AI-enabled search would limit the amount of searching that people would do, and therefore, would reduce the amount of advertising dollars that Google would earn.
As a result of their slow response, Google was overtaken by Microsoft, who was able to integrate ChatGPT into Bing, allowing people to use generative AI to answer questions. Google's Bard launch was a clear indication that the company is playing catch up in the AI-powered search space. In order to remain competitive and not lose market share to Microsoft, Google will need to quickly respond and make improvements to their offering.
Though their launch needed work, their panic is justified. Nadella stated during the launch of BingGPT:
"It's a new day in Search. It's a new paradigm for search. Rapid innovation is going to come. In fact, a race starts today in terms of what you can expect and we're going to move. We're going to move fast. For us every day, we want to bring out new things. Most importantly, we want to have a lot of fun innovating again in Search because it's high time."
The statement highlights Microsoft's ambitious plans to capture market share from Google in the rapidly evolving AI-powered search space.
In closing, Google's experience serves as a cautionary tale for companies that are tempted by the riches of their existing business models. In order to stay competitive, companies must be willing to take risks and invest in new technologies, even if they may disrupt their existing business. Companies that are too focused on preserving their existing profits may miss out on new opportunities and be left behind.
Author: Malik Datardina, CPA, CA, CISA. Malik works at Auvenir as a GRC Strategist that is working to transform the engagement experience for accounting firms and their clients. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent UWCISA, UW, Auvenir (or its affiliates), CPA Canada or anyone else. This post was written with the assistance of an AI language model. The model provided suggestions and completions to help me write, but the final content and opinions are my own.
