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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.

Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter


Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


Good evening! After a packed Tuesday, we’ve lined up some captivating AI content for you. Imagine cloning your voice and setting an AI version of yourself loose on the world—well, one journalist did just that, and it’s all in this thrilling podcast. Definitely one to check out!


And we’re also covering some exciting AI innovations that might soon change the way we work and communicate. Ready to dive in?


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • When your voice takes on a life of its own

  • Google Meet's new note-taking AI

  • Apple's first AI-driven iPhone set to debut

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: The Digital Doppelganger Experiment


Person holding a phone with a screen showing 'AI CHATBOT' at the top and 'WOWZA' in the middle.

Image Credit: Shell Game's logo + Canva stock photos and magic expand



Have you ever wondered what would happen if an AI version of yourself was set loose in the world?


In the first episode of the podcast Shell Game, journalist Evan Ratliff takes us on a wild ride through the world of AI voice cloning. He creates a digital copy of his own voice, hooks it up to an AI chatbot, and basically creates a virtual Evan. Then, he lets this AI version of himself loose to interact with everyone from customer service reps to scammers, and even his own family. It's like a bizarre social experiment meets tech adventure.


Listen to the Podcast via Apple Podcast



Key takeaways from Ratliff's journey:

  1. Voice cloning technology has made significant strides, producing synthetic voices that can often pass for human.

  2. AI-driven voice agents can now conduct independent phone conversations, raising questions about the future of communication.

  3. The technology presents complex ethical dilemmas surrounding identity, deception, and human-AI interaction.

  4. Voice cloning is poised for widespread adoption in customer service and sales, but also opens up new avenues for potential misuse.

  5. The rise of synthetic voices may reshape our trust in and perception of the voices we encounter daily.

  6. Despite impressive capabilities, current AI voice technology still has noticeable limitations.

Ratliff's journey through this new frontier serves as both a warning and a call to action. It challenges us to think critically about the role of AI in our lives and to actively shape the future we want to see. As we stand on the brink of this new era, "Shell Game" reminds us that the choices we make today about how we develop and use these technologies will have lasting implications for generations to come.


As this technology evolves, so too must our understanding of identity, communication, and what it truly means to be human in an increasingly digital world. The voice of our future is being synthesized today – it's up to us to decide what it will say.



Listen to the podcast here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Google Meet's new note-taking AI

/Joanna Nelius, The Verge

Google Workspace customers can now use Google Meet’s AI-powered note-taking feature, which summarizes meeting discussions and automatically saves notes in a Google Doc. While currently only supporting spoken English, this tool offers a handy way to catch up on missed meetings or stay focused without worrying about taking notes. However, concerns about its accuracy remain, given the mixed performance of Google Meet’s transcription tool.


Read more here.


Apple's first AI-driven iPhone set to debut


/Ramishah Maruf, CNN


Apple’s upcoming September event is expected to unveil the iPhone 16, which will be the first iPhone designed with generative AI at its core. While AI features like Genmoji and an enhanced Siri have already been teased, the new device could mark a significant shift in how AI is integrated into smartphones. Despite high expectations, analysts predict that the full rollout of these AI capabilities will be gradual, extending into 2025.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Mixpeek: extract key data from any file instantly


  • Theysaid: turn surveys into real-time, AI-driven conversations


  • Sider: interact with on-screen content using AI with just a double-tap on iOS



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.


It’s finally Friday, and we’re excited to share some AI insights with you! 🌟


Before you dive into your weekend plans, take a few minutes to catch up on what’s new in the world of AI. It’s a great way to start your Friday night. 🍃


Here's another crazy day in AI:


  • Imagen 3: Google’s response to AI image controversies

  • Microsoft adds smart keywords to Edge PDF reader

  • 16 expert AI predictions for content creation and business

  • Some AI tools to try out


TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Can Google’s Imagen 3 compete with Midjourney?


A person’s hand as they hold a small clay figurine of a bird in one hand and sculpt it with a modeling tool in the other. Their hands are covered in clay dust. The sculptor is wearing a gray fleece jacket and a brown and burgundy scarf.

Image Credit: Google ; prompt they used: "A view of a person's hand as they hold a little clay figurine of a bird in their hand and sculpt it with a modeling tool in their other hand. You can see the sculptor's scarf. Their hands are covered in clay dust. a macro DSLR image highlighting the texture and craftsmanship."



Is Google's latest AI image generator the answer to Midjourney, or just another tool with too many limitations?


Google has just opened up access to its Imagen 3 AI image generator for everyone in the U.S., positioning it as a potential game-changer in the world of AI-generated art. Originally launched in May 2024 at the Google I/O event, and first available only to a select group of users, Imagen 3 is now accessible to a wider audience.


In his article for TechRadar, freelance contributor Alex Blake delves into the features and limitations of this new tool, exploring how it stacks up against established competitors like Midjourney.


Here's what you need to know:

  • Widespread access: Imagen 3 is now available to all users in the United States, expanding its reach beyond the initial limited release.

  • Advanced capabilities: The AI generates high-quality images from text prompts, showcasing Google's latest advancements in image generation technology.

  • Mixed user feedback: Some users praise the image quality and word recognition, while others note increased content restrictions compared to previous versions.

  • Balancing act: Google seems to be prioritizing responsible AI use, potentially in response to recent controversies in the field.

  • User-friendly interface: Accessing Imagen 3 is straightforward through Google's AI Test Kitchen website.

  • Competitive landscape: Imagen 3 enters a market with established players and faces the challenge of distinguishing itself.

  • Ongoing development: As with most AI tools, expect continued refinement and adjustments based on user feedback and real-world performance.


Look, it's clear that Google's making waves with Imagen 3, but the jury's still out on whether it'll be a game-changer or just another player in the AI art scene.


Why not give it a spin yourself and see how it stacks up? Who knows, you might just create the next viral masterpiece – or at least have some fun trying. Either way, it's an exciting time for AI and creativity, and we're all along for the ride.



Read the article here.

Check it out here.

Dive deeper: Check out Google's research paper on Imagen 3 here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Microsoft adds smart keywords to Edge PDF reader

/Mayank Parmar on BleepingComputer

Microsoft is rolling out new Copilot AI features in its Edge browser that will make it easier to navigate and analyze PDFs. The upcoming update introduces "smart keywords," short phrases that the AI generates to highlight important content within a document. These keywords can be clicked to provide additional insights, making it simpler for users to find and understand key information. Currently being tested in Edge Canary, this feature reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into everyday tasks.


Read more here.


16 expert AI predictions for content creation and business


/Forbes Communications Council


As AI continues to advance, its influence on content creation and business operations is becoming more pronounced. Leaders from the Forbes Communications Council share their forecasts on how AI, particularly generative AI, will reshape the landscape. From enhancing the efficiency of content distribution to creating new job opportunities and pushing the boundaries of personalized marketing, these 16 expert predictions offer a glimpse into the future where AI plays a pivotal role in both creativity and business strategy.


Read more here.


SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:



  • Podcastle: web-based AI tool for recording, editing, and hosting professional quality podcasts and videos


  • Tome: world's first AI-driven law firm offering fast, transparent, and reliable legal advice


  • Neural Frame: generate AI-powered, audio-reactive music videos



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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