Best AI Software and Sora Steals the Spotlight

This Week

• AI Tools: G2’s best software of 2024

• Around the web: Sora steals the spotlight

• Campaign: Tasmania’s artistic take on AI 

• Research: Avoiding AI hype from Contrary Research

• News: Drift acquired by Salesloft, Alembic raises $14M

G2’s Best Software of 2024

G2 just released its 2024 list of best software platforms. Most of the AI-powered platforms are featured on the Rookies of the Year and Fastest Growing Products lists. Platforms run the gamut from sales intelligence, email, and social marketing to text-to-speech, video generation, and transcription. 

AI-powered platforms you’ll want to check out: Midjourney, Rask AI, Clay, Synthesia, Ad Creative, Jasper, HeyGen, and more.

Looking for your next AI-driven software? Check out the full list.

Sora Steals the Spotlight

Google's latest AI model, Gemini Pro 1.5, is a significant leap forward in AI's ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data. The model's 1 million token context length is nothing short of astounding — it allows the processing of up to 1 hour of video, 11 hours of audio, and codebases with over 30,000 lines in a single instance. This is the first time we’ve seen the ability to process and reason with vast quantities of information across different media types like video, audio, and text. 

Google must have been pretty chuffed with their release, but then Sora happened. 

OpenAI's announcement of Sora, a text-to-video model that can create realistic and imaginative scenes, stole the show a week later. This is OpenAi’s first move into AI-generated video content, and it’s blowing away the competition. 

You can see Sora's ability to create videos with complex scenes and emotional understanding from simple text prompts in the demos. All those weirdly awkward and horrifying AI video creations will be something we laugh at in a few month's time.

Gemini Pro is currently offered with limited access to developers and enterprise customers, with a full public release coming soon. Sora is not available to the general public pending review and testing, and specific pricing details remain under wraps.

Tasmania Puts the Artistic in AI

The Tasmania destination is bucking the trend and going anti-AI with its latest marketing campaign with a fun twist. Their campaign, TasmanAi, takes a unique approach, blending human artistry with AI technology to capture the island's essence. Potential visitors can submit an AI prompt and if one of the Tasmanian artists signed up to participate in the campaign likes it, they’ll create it for you… by hand. 

Here's what makes the campaign stand out:

• Human Artists, Not Algorithms: TasmanAi is partnering with local Tasmanian artists instead of relying solely on AI-generated imagery. This injects authenticity and a human touch, showcasing the talent of the island's creative community.

• AI as a Muse, Not a Master: Artists submit prompts to an AI model, but they retain creative control. AI becomes a tool to inspire and spark ideas, not dictate the final outcome.

• Engaging the Audience: By inviting the public to submit prompts and vote for their favorite artworks, TasmanAi creates an interactive experience, fostering a deeper connection with potential visitors.

What Marketers Can Learn:

• Think beyond the algorithm. Don't underestimate the power of human creativity.

• Embrace collaboration. AI can be a powerful tool but is most effective when combined with human ingenuity.

• Tell authentic stories. People connect with genuine experiences, not manufactured perfection.

• Engage your audience. Create interactive experiences that foster deeper connections.

Tasmania's TasmanAi campaign is a refreshing example of how innovative marketing can leverage technology while staying true to its human roots. It’s quirky, authentic, and original - a perfect brand-building campaign.

See the full campaign here. 

Generative AI in a Nutshell

AI expert Henrik Kniberg explains what generative AI is, how it works, and shows you how to take this “Einstein in your pocket” out for a walk. He covers topics like autonomous agents, prompt engineering, AI-powered product development, and the origin of ChatGPT. 

If you’ve got 18 minutes, this is a great primer on AI and its useful applications.

Watch the video.

How to Avoid The AI Hype

According to Contrary Research, while foundation models like ChatGPT grab headlines, marketers shouldn't get lost in the hype. These models are just tools, and the real value lies in what they unlock. 

Here are their key takeaways:

1. Focus on value proposition, not specific models: Don't rely solely on specific models for differentiation; look for specific outcomes.

2. Look beyond generative AI: Consider AI's impact across your workflows, not just content creation. Explore areas like data-driven marketing automation, personalized customer experiences, or AI-powered insights for campaign optimization.

3. Remember the physical world: AI can enhance physical interactions too. Explore opportunities in areas like smart packaging, personalized product recommendations in stores, or AI-powered customer service robots.

4. Leverage existing solutions: You don't need to be an AI expert. Look for companies offering pre-built solutions that integrate AI into your existing marketing stack.

Focus on how AI can solve your specific marketing challenges, not just the latest trends. By taking a strategic approach and exploring various applications, you can unlock the true potential of AI for your marketing efforts.

Read the full article here. 

News

• Drift acquired by sales engagement platform Salesloft. Read more.

• Google's Surprise Release of a 1-Million Token Model. Read more.

• Predictive AI startup Alembic raises $14 million. Read more.