Getting AI to ‘Just Work‘ in the real world
Episode Summary
In this episode of Marketers Talking AI, Jess and Pavel discuss the rebranding of Google's AI from Bard to Gemini, Microsoft's inspiring Super Bowl ad showcasing AI, spatial computing with Apple's VisionPro, whether AI will replace coding, and what it means to be an expert in AI.
Tools & Relevant Links
Episode Takeaways
The recent Microsoft Super Bowl commercial highlights the increasing mainstream adoption of AI. While tech giants like Google race to catch up, Microsoft’s aspirational ad makes AI feel tangible by showcasing practical use cases like designing, coding, and learning new skills.
AI Hype vs Reality
However, many AI products still fall short of their marketing claims. As Jess points out, an AI ad creation tool boasted fully automated ad generation but actually relied on human designers to “clean up” the final ads. This disconnect between hype and reality is all too common right now.
The Democratization of AI
Platforms like OpenAI aim to democratize AI by allowing anyone to develop custom AI models. But despite the initial hype, uptake of these DIY offerings remains low. Most people want ready-made AI solutions without getting bogged down in the complexity of building their own models. Still, no-code is unlocking new job functions like prompt engineering for those willing to specialize.
AI Assistants of the Future
As virtual and augmented reality mature, AI will likely power integrated assistants that understand user context and anticipate needs. This could simplify spatial computing interactions that don’t lend themselves easily to typing or voice commands. Apple is pursuing this vision of AI-powered experiences that “just work” without requiring technical expertise.
Closing the Accessibility Gap
Ubiquitous AI promises to close the accessibility gap for complex tools. Similar to how Facebook made advertising approachable for small businesses, AI can simplify overly technical interfaces. The companies that leverage AI to empower broader audiences will have an edge. But true democratization means designing experiences that require no specialized knowledge to use AI effectively.
So while pragmatists warn that AI often fails to live up to the hype, its steady evolution toward greater accessibility remains an exciting prospect. With thoughtful implementation, AI can open new possibilities to more people.
