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Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


We’ve reached Wednesday night! How’s everything going so far? 💭


Microsoft is rolling out specialized AI models, built in partnership with industry experts, to tackle real-world challenges across sectors. 🤝


Plus, recent findings reveal that turning to ChatGPT instead of Google might actually fuel creativity. And for consumers, AI features like review summaries and virtual shopping assistants are making it easier to shop smarter and faster.


Take a breather and dive into these midweek updates. 💡


Here's another crazy day in AI:

  • Microsoft introduces AI models that fit specific industries

  • Research reveals ChatGPT's edge over Google in creative tasks

  • How AI can improve retail customer experience

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Targeted AI Solutions for Industry Needs


Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)


How can AI become a practical tool tailored to specific industries, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution?


Microsoft has introduced a significant update in the realm of AI with its new "adapted AI models," developed specifically for various industries to help organizations address their unique challenges more effectively. Announced by Satish Thomas, Corporate Vice President of Business & Industry Solutions, this initiative brings together Microsoft Cloud’s platform and a network of industry partners like Bayer, Cerence, and Rockwell Automation to design AI models pre-trained with industry-specific data. These specialized tools aim to make AI more practical and applicable by tackling real-world challenges, from agriculture and manufacturing to finance and automotive.


What These New Models Offer:

  • Targeted Functionality: Each model is designed for specific tasks and challenges:

    • Agriculture: Bayer’s crop protection model assists in efficient crop management to support sustainable agriculture.

    • Automotive: Cerence’s CaLLM™ Edge enables voice-controlled assistance in cars, even when offline.

    • Manufacturing: Rockwell’s FT Optix supports food and beverage manufacturing with real-time operational insights.

    • Finance: Saifr provides compliance tools for financial companies, helping manage advertising and communication compliance.

    • Product Design: Siemens NX X Copilot enhances CAD design, allowing for faster and smarter product development.

    • Data Standardization: Sight Machine’s Factory Namespace Manager streamlines data across factories to improve efficiency.

  • Easy Accessibility and Customization: All models are accessible through Microsoft’s Azure AI model catalog, making it possible for businesses to tailor these tools to their specific workflows.

  • Commitment to Ethical AI: Microsoft continues its dedication to responsible AI practices, emphasizing privacy, security, and transparency within each model.


Source: Microsoft
Source: Microsoft

Each of these models reflects a deeper shift toward a “bespoke” approach to AI, where solutions are built around real needs rather than offering a broad, generalized tool. By focusing on industry-specific challenges, Microsoft and its partners are moving AI from experimental to essential, aiming to fit seamlessly into the operations that define each sector. Microsoft’s Azure AI model catalog makes these models readily available for companies to adopt, enhancing usability and reducing the time it takes to deploy AI in a practical way.


At the heart of this initiative is Microsoft’s commitment to responsible and trustworthy AI. Privacy, transparency, and security are central to each model, with guidelines that ensure these tools are as reliable as they are useful.


Microsoft’s strategy is grounded in a realistic vision of AI, one that respects the diversity of industry needs while providing powerful, purpose-built tools. Rather than selling a dream of what AI could do, this approach is about showing what AI is ready to do today, from automating crop management to ensuring regulatory compliance in finance. For those hesitant to embrace AI, these targeted models could be the bridge, offering a way to start small but grow meaningfully within a familiar industry context.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Research Reveals ChatGPT's Edge Over Google in Creative Tasks

/Jaeyeon Chung, Assistant Professor of Business, Rice University on The Conversation


Asking ChatGPT instead of Googling may spark more creativity, according to recent research. In a series of experiments, ChatGPT proved effective at helping users come up with innovative ideas for creative tasks, from reimagining household items to designing products. While ChatGPT was adept at building on existing ideas, truly groundbreaking innovations remain a uniquely human strength. The study suggests that AI can enhance creative thinking, though expert input is still essential for refining and implementing these ideas.



Read more here.


How AI Can Improve Retail Customer Experience

/Merritt Robinson, Mikey Vu, Arpan Sheth, Andre Tanaka, and Colleen Lin on Bain & Company


Generative AI is making its mark on retail by enhancing customer experience through personalization, ease of use, and tailored assistance. According to Bain & Company, features like AI-generated review summaries and virtual shopping assistants are helping customers make more informed and efficient decisions. Bain’s research identifies five design principles to integrate generative AI seamlessly into the shopping journey, emphasizing that subtle, supportive AI features are more effective than disruptive overhauls.



Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Agree - Securely send and sign agreements with AI-driven workflows.

  • Particle - Simplifies news with summaries, explanations, and interactive Q&As.

  • Choppity  - Edit videos with ease by searching moments, editing like a text document, adding subtitles, censoring words, reframing, and tracking movement.


That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.





Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


After a long Tuesday, let’s explore how AI is changing the game! 🚀


In a world where technology is rapidly transforming business, sales teams still struggle to unlock their full potential. So, what’s missing? Industry experts, in a Harvard Business Review article, suggest that outdated practices and resistance to change could be holding sales teams back from fully embracing AI's game-changing capabilities.


Plus, a new MIT study sheds light on how AI is reshaping scientific research. And, in a fun experiment, Ethan Mollick challenged Claude, an AI language model, to create an immersive puzzle game with interactive challenges. 🧩


Here's another crazy day in AI:

  • Why sales teams struggle and how AI can help

  • Study shows AI can boost scientific breakthroughs and patents

  • Claude’s Attempt at Creating an Immersive Puzzle Game

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: How Generative AI is Changing Sales


Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram, idea sourced from HBR Staff/Radka Janouskovcova/Getty Images)


What's stopping sales teams from reaching their full potential? The answer might be simpler than you think.


Sales teams are often underperforming, not because they lack talent or drive, but because they’re held back by outdated systems and practices. Despite the surge in technology and AI advancements, many sales teams still rely on manual tasks and conventional strategies that limit their effectiveness. The truth is, the solution could be simpler than we think.


A Harvard Business Review article by Prabhakant Sinha, Arun Shastri, and Sally Lorimer dives into the gap between the vast potential of AI and its underutilization in sales processes. It suggests that the key to unlocking this potential lies in integrating generative AI to streamline workflows, enhance personalization, and provide better support for sales teams.


Screenshot by Wowza | Source: HBR
Screenshot by Wowza | Source: HBR

Here’s how Generative AI can help:

  • Automation of Routine Tasks: From managing emails to updating CRM entries, AI can handle many repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up salespeople to focus on more impactful work.

  • Enhanced Personalization: AI tools, like Microsoft’s Viva Sales or Salesforce’s Einstein GPT, can generate real-time, data-driven insights that help sales reps personalize their conversations with clients—leading to more meaningful engagements.

  • Support for Sales Managers: AI also benefits managers by offering suggestions for coaching, providing insights into team performance, and identifying areas for improvement.


The integration of AI into sales processes offers immense potential, but there’s more to it than just implementing a tool. To truly maximize its impact, companies need to carefully consider how they introduce AI into their operations. It’s not about replacing salespeople, but empowering them with the right tools to succeed. AI should be seen as a valuable complement, not a replacement, for human talent.


However, the biggest challenge remains not technology, but the adoption of these tools within teams that may be resistant to change or hesitant to adopt new technologies. Embracing AI requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to ongoing training. The goal should be to make AI work for the sales team, supporting their strengths and helping them overcome their limitations. Once teams begin to trust and effectively integrate AI, the results can be transformative, improving productivity and ultimately driving business growth.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Study Shows AI Can Boost Scientific Breakthroughs and Patents

/James Pethokoukis on AEIdeas


A recent study from MIT sheds light on the transformative power of AI in scientific research. Using an AI tool to assist in materials discovery, a U.S. R&D lab reported a 44% increase in materials discovered and 39% more patents filed. Notably, this AI-augmented approach spurred more novel innovations, challenging concerns that AI might limit creativity by focusing on known data. The findings underscore AI's potential to accelerate innovation in fields from healthcare to manufacturing by exploring new scientific territory.



Read more here.


Claude’s Attempt at Creating an Immersive Puzzle Game

/Ethan Mollick on LinkedIn


In an experiment, Ethan Mollick asked Claude, an AI language model, to create an immersive puzzle game with unique world-building and interactive challenges. While the puzzles required some adjustments for difficulty, Claude generated an impressive first draft of a story-driven game on demand. Mollick’s prompt explored AI's creative capabilities, hinting at the future potential of AI to generate games or interactive stories on the fly with personalized elements and puzzle-solving dynamics.



Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Theo - Tailor AI to your business strategy for outputs that reflect your unique model and goals.

  • DuckDuckGo - Privacy-focused search engine, Now featuring an AI chatbot.

  • AI Studios  - All-in-one platform for creating lifelike AI avatars, natural text-to-speech, and seamless video editing.


That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.





Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


As the first workday of the week draws to a close, let’s take a look at some insightful AI topics.


Google DeepMind’s engineers, Suraj Kothawade and Sherry Ben, have introduced a new AI model that enhances selfie transformation by applying artistic styles without losing facial recognition. 🤳🎨


Meanwhile, The Beatles’ song has made history as the first AI-assisted song to earn a Grammy nomination, competing in two prestigious categories. Also, if you’re looking to maximize your productivity, check out the latest list of ChatGPT prompts to help you ace tasks like SEO, content creation, and customer service in no time.


Enjoy the read! 🌙


Here's another crazy day in AI:

  • Google DeepMind introduces new model for personalized artistic portraits

  • First AI-enhanced song by The Beatles lands grammy nomination

  • Time-saving ChatGPT prompts for every professional task

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Google Unveils Zero-Shot Approach to Artistic Selfies


Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)


What if you could transform your selfies into stunning artistic masterpieces while perfectly preserving your unique features?


Google DeepMind recently introduced a fascinating new AI model that lets you transform your selfies into stunning artistic masterpieces while keeping your unique features intact. Developed by engineers Suraj Kothawade and Sherry Ben, this tool allows users to turn their selfies into a variety of artistic styles—whether it's a 3D cartoon, a watercolor portrait, or a classic pencil sketch—while still capturing the essence of their face. Unlike traditional image-to-image (I2I) models, which often struggle to maintain facial accuracy, this model is designed to retain personal likeness with remarkable detail.


Source: Google
Source: Google

How This Model Works

  • Personalized Realism: Preserves distinct facial features, ensuring each stylized portrait is easily recognizable.

  • Versatile Style Options: Lets users explore multiple art styles, including 3D cartoon, anime, and watercolor.

  • Detailed “Adapters”:

    • Image Adapter: Captures fine facial details for a closer likeness to the original.

    • Control Adapter: Keeps the facial pose and expression consistent for realistic transformations.

  • Accessible on Imagen: Available through Vertex AI, with resources for responsible usage.


Source: Google
Source: Google

Beyond its technical abilities, this model touches on an interesting intersection between AI and personal expression. By keeping your image authentic while allowing for stylization, the model offers users a creative avenue for reimagining their likeness in ways that were once limited to skilled artists. Whether it’s turning a simple selfie into an anime character or a classic painting, this technology makes these styles achievable with just a few inputs—no extensive editing or artistry required.


But perhaps more compelling is the model’s potential as a creative partner, not just a tool. It hints at a future where AI supports personal expression by blending artistic freedom with a personalized touch, making stylized portraiture more accessible than ever. As AI continues to advance, it’s possible we’ll see more of these tools that give people the freedom to explore their identity through a range of artistic lenses. This model exemplifies one of the many ways AI is reshaping how we express ourselves digitally, fostering a more personalized and creative approach to digital self-representation.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


First AI-Enhanced Song by The Beatles Lands Grammy Nomination

/Kristin Robinson on Billboard Pro


The Beatles’ “Now and Then” has become the first AI-assisted song to earn a Grammy nomination, competing in the Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance categories. The song, released in late 2023, used AI-powered “stem separation” technology to clean up a demo recorded by John Lennon in the 1960s. This nomination has ignited debate about AI's role in music production and its potential in remastering historical recordings, as AI continues to redefine the boundaries of music technology.



Read more here.


Time-Saving ChatGPT Prompts for Every Professional Task

/Abhishek (@HeyAbhishekk) on X


A new list of ChatGPT prompts can help users complete tasks in seconds, ranging from SEO and social media content to productivity hacks and customer service strategies. These prompts simplify everyday tasks like email marketing, blog writing, and even financial planning, giving users a quick way to enhance their workflows. For professionals looking to boost efficiency, these prompts offer practical solutions to common work challenges and productivity roadblocks.



Read more here.

Source: Abhishek (@HeyAbhishekk) on X
Source: Abhishek (@HeyAbhishekk) on X

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Voila - AI assistant for creating, writing, brainstorming, and researching, all in one platform.

  • PaperGen - Generate structured, referenced papers with original, human-like clarity.

  • FyxerAI  - Manages your inbox, crafts emails in your style, and produces meeting notes.



That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.





Copyright Wowza, inc 2025
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