The year 2024 has seen an explosion in the field of generative AI, with numerous new products and features being introduced. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as companies continue to find innovative ways to leverage large language models and create AI-powered tools. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable AI releases of 2024 and what we can expect for the rest of the year.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been a leading player in the generative AI space, constantly enhancing its capabilities and expanding its services. This year, ChatGPT introduced a Memory feature, allowing it to adjust its behavior based on previous interactions. It also unveiled a Read Aloud feature, which converts textual answers into audio performances in 37 languages and five voices. Furthermore, OpenAI launched the GPT Store, enabling users to customize ChatGPT for specific tasks. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for OpenAI, as the company faced a public controversy over the similarity of its ‘Sky’ voice to Scarlett Johansson’s voice in the movie Her. Additionally, ChatGPT experienced some significant outages in June.
Google’s generative AI projects, collectively known as Gemini, have also made waves in 2024. Google revamped its existing models and introduced new features to keep up with ChatGPT’s advancements. Gemini now offers image generation tools and a Gems store for custom chatbots. You may have encountered Gemini in various Google products, from email composition to photo annotation. Google’s aim is to integrate generative AI across its suite of services, making it a ubiquitous presence in users’ daily lives.
In January, Rabbit surprised the audience at CES 2024 with its pocket-sized generative AI device, the Rabbit R1. Priced at $200, the device showcased a miniature touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and an assistant powered by Perplexity AI’s language models for real-time answers. The Rabbit R1 garnered significant attention due to its affordability and accessibility, as there are no monthly subscription fees. However, some users experienced issues with inconsistent battery life, sluggish performance, and limited features. This device serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by hardware developers in implementing generative AI while meeting user expectations.
Another wearable device that drew attention at CES 2024 was the Humane AI Pin. This always-on assistant attaches to your clothing and offers real-time information through voice commands. It also records and analyzes your interactions and meetings throughout the day. However, concerns about privacy and voice recognition reliability in noisy environments emerged. Despite these drawbacks, the Humane AI Pin quickly gained popularity, but recent reports suggest that the company is looking for a buyer.
AI music generators, such as Suno and Udio, have also made significant strides in 2024. These platforms can produce melodic tunes with lyrics, vocals, and instrumentation based on simple text prompts. However, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against both companies. This legal battle highlights the ongoing conflict between copyright holders and startups utilizing AI models trained on vast datasets. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely shape the future of AI music generators and the broader generative AI field.
Looking ahead, one of the most highly anticipated AI releases is Apple Intelligence. Apple showcased this “personal intelligence” system at WWDC 2024, announcing its integration into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Apple Intelligence combines Apple’s models with ChatGPT and other AI platforms to enhance Siri’s capabilities as a digital assistant. It offers better guidance, contextual understanding, and on-screen awareness, allowing it to perform actions related to information displayed on the screen. Apple Intelligence will also assist in email and message writing, audio file summarization, image creation and editing through the Image Playground, and even emoji generation with the Genmoji feature. However, to utilize Apple Intelligence, users will need the latest M-Series iPad, Mac, or iPhone models, possibly prompting some users to upgrade their devices.
On the Alexa front, Amazon is rumored to introduce ‘Remarkable Alexa’ later this year. This new version of Alexa is expected to incorporate generative AI features, handle multiple tasks with a single command, and even facilitate food delivery orders. If these rumors are true, it would mark a significant step forward for Alexa in terms of AI capabilities.
In conclusion, the pace of innovation in the generative AI space has been relentless in 2024. Established players like OpenAI and Google continue to enhance their offerings, while startups like Rabbit and Humane are pushing the boundaries of AI in hardware and wearables. The legal battle surrounding AI-generated music raises important questions about copyright and regulation in this rapidly evolving field. Finally, we eagerly anticipate the launch of Apple Intelligence and the potential expansion of Alexa’s AI capabilities. As generative AI matures, we can expect a more robust commercial ecosystem in the coming years, offering subscription services and improved hardware options to cater to a wider audience.
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