top of page
Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


How did you spend your weekend? As we transition into the workweek, let's dive into some fresh AI insights.


A recent report from MIT Technology Review Insights and Snowflake discusses how generative AI is moving from hype to strategic implementation. Businesses are now challenged to harness AI for true innovation and competitive edge. 📈


Additionally, check out OpenAI’s new framework that enables AI agents to collaborate on complex tasks. And don’t miss Adobe's latest expansion of the Firefly family, the first public video model designed for commercial safety.


Let’s kick off the week with a focus on innovation! 🚀


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • A report on generative AI and data strategies

  • OpenAI debuts experimental ‘Swarm’ framework

  • Adobe introduces Firefly video model and enhances creative tools

  • Some AI tools to try out


 

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Turning AI Potential into Results with Data


Image Credit: MIT Technology Review Insights, in partnership with Snowflake (edited by Wowza)

Image Credit: MIT Technology Review Insights, in partnership with Snowflake (edited by Wowza)


How are businesses turning AI potential into tangible results?


As generative AI becomes more widespread, businesses are looking for ways to translate its potential into real, measurable outcomes. A recent report from MIT Technology Review Insights, in collaboration with Snowflake, takes a closer look at how organizations are building effective data strategies to unlock the value of AI. While many companies are still using AI to streamline routine tasks, a growing number are starting to leverage it for deeper innovation and competitive advantage.


The paper highlights a crucial point: as AI adoption accelerates, businesses without robust data strategies risk falling behind. It's not just about having AI; it's about having the right data to fuel it effectively.


Here’s what you can expect to learn from the report:

  • Generative AI is enhancing efficiency and productivity while also creating opportunities for innovation.

  • Many organizations are tapping into unstructured data with the potential to reshape their business models.

  • There’s a growing emphasis on internal AI tools designed to minimize mundane tasks, allowing teams to focus on more creative or customer-centric work.


Source: MIT Technology Review Insights | Data strategies for AI leaders
Source: MIT Technology Review Insights | Data strategies for AI leaders

Consider these key points:

  • 72% of executives believe generative AI can significantly increase efficiency and productivity.

  • 55% think that AI will help them maintain a competitive edge in the market.

  • 47% prioritize innovation through better products and services.

  • Industries like pharmaceuticals are making substantial investments in AI-driven innovation, aiming to drastically shorten development timelines.

Source: MIT Technology Review Insights poll, 2024

The report shows that generative AI’s potential goes far beyond simple automation—it’s enabling companies to innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable. By integrating AI into their workflows, businesses are not only increasing productivity but also gaining a competitive edge through faster, more innovative product development. AI is transforming processes in areas like marketing and customer service, where creativity and efficiency can thrive side by side.


However, the path forward is not without challenges. As businesses scale their AI efforts, they must consider how to balance efficiency gains with innovation. AI has the power to change industries, but only if organizations build robust data strategies to support its growth. The report emphasizes that success will depend on how well companies can harness their data and use AI to drive meaningful change. It’s not just about adopting the technology—it’s about creating an ecosystem where AI can thrive and add real value.


For companies looking to capitalize on the promise of AI, this is a pivotal moment. Those who can align their data strategies with AI’s potential will not only stay competitive but could also lead the next wave of innovation in their industries.


Read more here.

Download the full report here.

 

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


OpenAI Debuts Experimental ‘Swarm’ Framework

/Michael Nuñez on VentureBeat


OpenAI recently introduced "Swarm," an experimental framework enabling AI agents to work collaboratively on complex tasks. While not an official product, this framework sparked debates about the future of AI in business automation. Swarm’s multi-agent systems can revolutionize corporate operations by automating tasks across departments, though it raises ethical concerns about job displacement and security risks. Early adopters are already experimenting with Swarm, showing its potential in AI collaboration and decision-making.



Read more here.

 

Adobe Introduces Firefly Video Model and Enhances Creative Tools

/Adobe


Adobe has launched the Firefly Video Model, the first publicly available video model designed for commercial safety, expanding its generative AI offerings. Announced at Adobe MAX 2024, this model enhances existing Firefly capabilities, allowing for faster image generation and new features in applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Firefly has already generated over 13 billion images since its beta release, showcasing rapid adoption among creative professionals. New features include Generative Extend for seamless video edits and Text to Video capabilities, enabling creators to generate video content from text prompts.


Read more here.


 

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Gene - An AI assistant that helps you understand webpage content directly in your browser.

  • CalcGen AI - Instantly create interactive visualizations from your data.

  • Anon - A no-login AI assistant with unlimited prompts and zero tracking.

Source: Anon
Source: Anon
 

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.





Updated: Sep 19, 2024

Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Now that the first workday of the week is behind us, it’s the perfect time to relax with some intriguing AI news.


Tonight, we’re featuring Microsoft’s unveiling of its “Copilot Wave 2” updates, which integrate advanced AI features into Microsoft 365 applications like Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.


Also, discover how OpenAI has resolved the issue of ChatGPT messaging users unprompted and delve into the ongoing concerns of college students regarding AI policies.


Have a relaxing evening with these intriguing updates!


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • New AI features in Microsoft 365 you should know about

  • ChatGPT’s glitch fixed after unsolicited messages

  • Survey finds ambiguity in college AI policies

  • Some AI tools to try out


 

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Copilot’s AI Boost in Microsoft 365


Image Credit: Microsoft

Image Credit: Microsoft


How are companies like Microsoft transforming workplace productivity with AI, and what does that mean for the future of work?


In his article for Yahoo Finance, Technology Editor Daniel Howley explores Microsoft’s ongoing push to embed AI into its Microsoft 365 suite through its latest “Copilot Wave 2” rollout. These updates bring AI-powered features to well-known tools like PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, designed to enhance productivity and ease routine tasks. The advancements reflect Microsoft’s larger strategy to stay ahead in the AI space, competing with major players like Google and Salesforce, while helping businesses work smarter with the power of AI.


Let's break down the key developments:


  • Microsoft has expanded AI functionality in its 365 apps, adding tools like PowerPoint Copilot for drafting presentations and email management features in Outlook.

  • The introduction of Copilot Pages allows teams to collaboratively manage and edit data in real time, improving efficiency.

  • The agent builder in Copilot Studio lets users create custom AI assistants tailored to their organization’s specific needs, without needing extensive technical expertise.

  • Copilot’s user base continues to grow, with companies like Vodafone reporting significant time savings for employees who use the software regularly.

  • Microsoft’s broader goal is to integrate AI across all its business products, helping companies improve workflows and increase productivity.


Microsoft’s newest tools represent a shift in how we approach productivity—no longer about just getting tasks done, but about doing them better and more efficiently. These updates aren’t revolutionary on their own, but together they offer teams the opportunity to streamline workflows and collaborate more seamlessly. As businesses continue to adapt to new ways of working, tools like these will play a key role in helping professionals stay focused on what really matters.


Looking ahead, it's clear that the nature of work is evolving rapidly. While new technologies offer powerful capabilities, they also bring challenges and questions. How will we maintain the human touch in an increasingly digital workplace? What new skills will become essential?


As we embrace these changes, it's important to approach them with both optimism and critical thinking. After all, the goal isn't just to work faster, but to work better – in ways that are fulfilling, sustainable, and beneficial for all.



Read the full article here.

 

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


ChatGPT’s glitch fixed after unsolicited messages

/Victor Tangermann on Futurism


A Reddit post raised concerns when ChatGPT appeared to initiate messages on its own, asking users about their personal experiences without being prompted. OpenAI has clarified that this was due to a glitch in the chatbot’s system, which has now been resolved. The company reassured users that the issue was unintentional and related to errors in message delivery.


Read more here.

 

Survey finds ambiguity in college AI policies

/Ashley Mowreader on Inside Higher Ed


A recent survey indicates that many college students are confused about when and how to use AI tools in their coursework. With a large number of institutions yet to establish clear AI policies, students often depend on individual faculty guidance. Education experts emphasize the need for transparent, institution-wide AI usage guidelines and enhanced faculty training.


Read more here.


 

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • AFFiNE AI - assists with writing, drawing, and creating presentations

  • Infography - turns blog posts into interactive infographics

  • Solvr - provides answers from screenshots, PDFs, or highlighted text without switching tabs

 

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 Monday night settles in, we hope you had a fantastic Labor Day holiday.


Now that the long weekend is behind us, unwind with some interesting AI reads.


Tonight, we’re exploring the latest buzz about Amazon’s partnership with Anthropic to boost Alexa’s capabilities, along with some other fresh AI news.


Enjoy your evening and these engaging updates!


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • Amazon's Alexa gets a major AI upgrade

  • How AI is transforming antibiotic discovery

  • Copyright conflicts in AI development

  • Some AI tools to try out


 

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Amazon's Alexa gets a boost from Anthropic


Source: ASAE TV Daily Recap: Day 1 from the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition


What if your virtual assistant could do more than just set timers and play music?


Amazon is taking Alexa to the next level by integrating advanced AI technology from Anthropic, known as Claude. In an effort to make Alexa more conversational and capable of handling complex requests, Amazon has partnered with Anthropic to enhance its voice assistant's capabilities. Greg Bensinger from Reuters takes a closer look at why Amazon made this move and what it means for the future of Alexa.


What’s Happening?

  • Alexa's Transformation: Amazon is launching an enhanced version of Alexa in October, powered by Anthropic's Claude AI to deliver a more intelligent experience.

  • Paid Subscription: The new "Remarkable" Alexa will cost between $5 to $10 per month, while the existing "Classic" Alexa remains free to use.

  • Why Claude? Amazon turned to Anthropic because their own AI was falling short, leading to slower responses and less reliable performance.

  • Enhanced Abilities: This upgraded Alexa will offer personalized shopping advice, manage your smart home more efficiently, and handle more complex tasks.

  • The Bigger Picture: With this upgrade, Amazon hopes to make Alexa a profitable service, banking on the new features to draw in paying customers.

Amazon's ambitious plan to revamp Alexa is creating quite a buzz in the tech world. By partnering with Anthropic, they're not just giving their virtual assistant a facelift – they're potentially redefining how we interact with AI in our homes. It's a clever move, showing that even tech giants recognize when to bring in fresh talent to stay competitive.


But here's the million-dollar question: will people open their wallets for features they've been enjoying for free?


Amazon's betting that users will see the value in a smarter, more capable Alexa. They'll need to make a compelling case, addressing privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny along the way. Plus, they've got to ensure that all this new tech doesn't turn Alexa into a complex gadget that requires a user manual.


Come October, all eyes will be on Amazon. If they can stick the landing, we might be looking at a real game-changer in the AI assistant arena. It's not just about making Alexa smarter – it's about raising the bar for what these digital helpers can do in our daily lives. One thing's certain: the race to build the ultimate AI assistant is heating up, and Amazon's jumping in with both feet.



Read the full article here.

 

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


How AI is transforming antibiotic discovery

/Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker

AI is transforming drug discovery, particularly in the search for new antibiotics. By analyzing vast datasets, AI models like those at MIT have uncovered novel compounds, such as the promising antibiotic "Halicin," which could be critical in combating resistant bacteria. The potential of AI to revolutionize medicine by identifying drugs that traditional methods might overlook is emphasized.


Read more here.

 

Copyright conflicts in AI development


/George Hammond, Financial Times


Legal challenges are mounting as AI companies push the limits of available data. Lawsuits against firms like Anthropic for alleged copyright infringement highlight the tension between technological advancement and intellectual property rights. The industry is now navigating a complex landscape where securing data through legal means or partnerships is becoming increasingly essential.


Read more here.


 

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • SpeakHints - real-time speech assistant that offers AI-generated suggestions on what to say next

  • Fellow - automatically records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings, integrating seamlessly with your workflow and tools

  • CheatSheet AI - generate visual cheat sheets on any subject effortlessly

 

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


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉


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
bottom of page