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Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter


Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


After the first workday of September, post-Labor Day, we’ve got some intriguing AI content to help you wind down.


Ever wondered why so many AI projects fall short of their promises? Some experts are sharing their insights on what might be missing. Plus, get the latest on Canva’s price increase and check out a new book that tackles AI hype and how to sidestep it.


Settle in and enjoy your evening read!


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • Engineered Intelligence: the missing link in AI's success story

  • Canva’s AI rollout drives major price hike

  • A new book exposes AI hype and how to avoid it

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: The missing piece in AI implementation


WOWZA: A tech-themed image showcasing the concept of 'Engineered Intelligence' with AI and engineering symbols blending together. The background features a futuristic cityscape, symbolizing real-world applications. The image should be sleek, modern, and convey a sense of innovation and practicality.

Image Credit: Wowza (made with Ideogram 2.0)



Ever wondered why brilliant AI ideas often struggle to make it in the real world?


AI experts Brian Evergreen and Kence Anderson, might have cracked the code.


In their recent article on VentureBeat, they introduce a fresh perspective on why so many AI projects fail to deliver. They argue that AI has been missing a critical component: a dedicated discipline for applying AI research to real-world challenges, much like how other scientific breakthroughs are handed off to engineers for practical use. This new field, which they call "engineered intelligence," aims to fill that gap by blending scientific advancements with engineering principles to create tangible value.


Here's what stood out:

  • AI Winter Warning: There's a growing concern that AI isn't delivering the returns many hoped for. We could be heading for another "AI winter" unless something changes.

  • The Engineer-Shaped Hole: Unlike other scientific fields, AI lacks a clear path from research to real-world application. This gap might explain why a whopping 87% of AI projects aren't meeting expectations.

  • Enter "Engineered Intelligence": This new approach aims to bridge the gap between AI theory and practice. It's about creating real-world solutions without relying solely on data scientists.

  • A Practical Roadmap: The authors outline a five-step process to bring engineered intelligence into organizations. It starts with identifying valuable areas of expertise rather than just looking at available data.

  • AI's Next Chapter: By adopting this engineering-focused approach, companies might finally unlock AI's true potential. There's also hope that this could create new jobs and economic opportunities as the field grows.

What's compelling about this perspective is how it grounds AI in practical, real-world needs. Instead of chasing the next big AI breakthrough, it focuses on making the most of existing technology and scaling human expertise through intelligent systems.


While it's too soon to say if engineered intelligence is the silver bullet for AI's challenges, it's certainly a fresh take worth considering.


In a field that's often dominated by hype and grand promises, this grounded, expertise-focused approach feels like a breath of fresh air. It'll be interesting to see how these ideas evolve and potentially reshape the AI landscape in the coming years.



Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Canva’s AI rollout drives major price hike

/Jess Weatherbed, News Writer, The Verge

Canva is raising subscription prices for some users by over 300% due to the introduction of new AI features. The price increase primarily affects Canva Teams subscribers, with some users in the U.S. seeing costs rise from $120 to $500 per year, though a temporary discount reduces it to $300. These changes have sparked backlash among customers, who are considering alternatives like Adobe. Canva justifies the hike by pointing to the enhanced value of its AI tools, which have expanded the platform's offerings.


Read more here.


A new book exposes AI hype and how to avoid it


/Elizabeth Quill, Executive Editor, Science News


Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor’s book AI Snake Oil critiques the overhyped claims of AI, highlighting its limitations and potential harms. They explore AI tools that claim to predict future events, arguing that most fail to deliver on their promises. The book also delves into the ethical issues surrounding AI, including privacy, misinformation, and social inequities. The authors stress that society must scrutinize and regulate AI more effectively, focusing on how people use it rather than fearing the technology itself.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • Collato - instantly turn meetings into documents with customizable templates

  • ClickUp Brain - connects tasks, docs, and team knowledge with AI

  • Jamboss - create personalized songs for friends and family using AI


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.

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.

Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter


Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


After a full week, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the weekend ahead. Whether you’re kicking back after a hectic day or gearing up for some well-deserved downtime, we’ve got some interesting updates to share with you!


Fresh from the bustling ASAE 2024 Annual Meeting, Ray van Hilst from Yoko Consulting shares key AI insights. Missed the event? Don’t worry—we’ve summarized all the key points for you!


Also, don’t miss Applied AI’s upcoming event on Gen AI and a new update from Google's Gemini.


Have a fantastic Labor Day weekend and enjoy the read! 🎉


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • AI’s Impact on Associations: Key Learnings from ASAE’s 2024 Meeting

  • Applied AI’s First Thursdays Event: Practical Uses of Generative AI

  • Gmail Q&A: Gemini AI expands to mobile devices

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Strategic AI for Associations from ASAE 2024


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

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



How can associations navigate the complexities of AI while staying true to their mission and values?


At the recent ASAE 2024 Annual Meeting, AI took center stage, sparking both excitement and concern among association leaders. Ray van Hilst, Director of Client Results at Yoko Consulting, offers a comprehensive look at the AI landscape for associations, balancing the promise of innovation with the need for responsible implementation.


Key insights from the conference:

  • AI Integration: Like it or not, AI is becoming an integral part of daily operations. From content creation to data analysis, it's already embedded in many tools associations use. The challenge? Leveraging AI to do more with less without losing the human touch.

  • Strategic Alignment: Don't fall for the "shiny object syndrome." AI adoption should be tied to your association's strategic objectives. Whether it's increasing content production or optimizing member services, AI should serve your mission, not dictate it.

  • Transparency: Be upfront about your AI use. If you're using AI to draft content or summarize meetings, let your members know. Transparency isn't just ethical – it's a trust-builder.

  • Ethical Considerations: Associations face unique ethical challenges with AI, including potential misinformation, bias, copyright issues, and data privacy concerns. Staying vigilant and establishing clear guidelines is crucial.

  • Evolving Policies: Your AI policies shouldn't collect dust. They need regular updates to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and changing terms of service. Make them accessible, understandable, and reinforced through ongoing training.

  • Managing Shadow IT: Unmanaged AI tool usage can lead to security vulnerabilities and data inconsistencies. Clear policies and oversight are essential to prevent these risks.

  • Data and Knowledge Governance: For AI to function effectively, it needs accurate, up-to-date information. Prioritize data and knowledge governance to ensure your AI tools are working with the best possible inputs.

The path forward for associations in the AI era is one of balanced innovation. It's about harnessing the power of AI to enhance operations, improve member services, and drive mission fulfillment, while simultaneously navigating the ethical, legal, and practical challenges it presents.


As AI continues to evolve, associations must stay informed and adaptable. This means investing in ongoing education for staff and leadership, regularly reassessing AI tools and practices, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to ethical AI use. By approaching AI with a mix of enthusiasm and thoughtful consideration, associations can position themselves at the forefront of innovation while staying true to their core values and member-centric missions. The key lies in viewing AI not as a replacement for human expertise and connection, but as a powerful tool to augment and enhance the valuable work associations do. With careful planning, clear policies, and a focus on ethical implementation, associations can leverage AI to better serve their members, advance their missions, and navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital world.


Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Applied AI’s First Thursdays Event: Practical Uses of Generative AI

/Applied AI

Join Nate Tower from Perrill at the upcoming Applied AI First Thursdays event as he shares how his team overcame initial AI implementation challenges. Discover the strategies he used to build excitement and commitment to AI across his organization. Ideal for those looking to create a culture of AI enthusiasm at work.


Date and Time: Thursday, September 5th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT

Location: Lab651 | Custom Software Development & Process

(550 Vandalia St 231 Saint Paul, MN 55114)


Read more here.


Gmail Q&A: Gemini AI expands to mobile devices


/Jay Peters, The Verge


Google’s Gemini AI chatbot is now expanding to mobile, allowing users to interact with Gmail Q&A features. This update lets you ask questions about your inbox, find specific emails, and summarize content. Initially available on Android with iOS coming soon, it requires a Google One AI Premium subscription or certain Google Workspace plans. Keep in mind to verify the accuracy of responses, as AI can sometimes generate incorrect information.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • Podcraftr - effortlessly convert written content into engaging podcasts

  • Swatle - all-in-one team collaboration hub with AI-powered project management, instant chat, and task automation

  • Clockwise Prism - intelligent calendar that streamlines scheduling by interacting directly with your requests, optimizing your schedule automatically


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
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