Sleighing the AI Scene: Gemini Rising and Sora Soars

This week’s AI landscape is buzzing with major updates that could reshape how marketers approach their craft. Google Gemini has taken the spotlight with its deep research capabilities and multimodal magic, pushing boundaries for conversational AI and predictive insights. Meanwhile, Apple’s latest foray into AI with iOS 18.2 features feels more lukewarm than revolutionary, raising questions about the tech giant’s next steps.

On the creative front, OpenAI’s Sora has made waves as a powerful video generation tool, giving marketers an intuitive way to craft high-impact visual content with ease. However, its massive popularity has also caused a snag—Sora is currently unavailable due to overwhelming demand. These innovations, alongside ChatGPT’s continued integration into marketing workflows, highlight a week of both promise and challenge for AI adopters. Ready to explore what’s new and noteworthy? Let’s dive in!

🔥 This Week's Hot Takes: AI Marketing Edition

1. Google Gemini’s Big Splash (source) Google DeepMind’s Gemini update promises to redefine conversational AI and multimodal capabilities, boasting enhanced research applications. Could this be the ChatGPT competitor marketers have been waiting for?

2. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): A New Acronym for SEO Junkies (source) GEO is emerging as the next frontier for digital marketers, combining AI-generated content with precision optimization. If SEO was your old friend, GEO is the cool new kid on the block.

3. Agentic AI: The Customer Experience Game-Changer (source) From chatbots to full-blown customer agents, Agentic AI is the buzzword of the week. Ad Age highlights how this tech could revolutionize real-time customer engagement and personalization.

4. Shopping with AI Agents: Friend or Foe? (source) AI shopping agents promise efficiency, but will consumers trust them enough to hand over the reins? This article dives into the trust-versus-convenience debate for marketers.

5. Reframing AI Adoption: It’s About Outcomes, Not Tools (source) Martech urges marketers to focus on what AI can achieve, rather than obsessing over shiny new tech. A critical mindset shift for anyone aiming to maximize ROI.

6. Sora: OpenAI’s Answer to AI Video Creation (source) OpenAI's new video generator, Sora, lets marketers craft professional-grade video content with minimal effort. It’s Canva for videos—but smarter.

🛠️ Lisa’s AI Playground: Tools I've Been Tinkering With

1. Google Gemini’s Deep Research (link): Your new best friend for multimodal AI research and insights. Imagine brainstorming, content creation, and predictive analytics in one place. Pricing: TBD—start saving those pennies.

2. Sora (link): A video creation tool that’s all about ease and impact. Think stunning visuals in minutes, perfect for social ads or YouTube. Pricing: Free trial available, with tiered subscriptions starting at $29/month.

3. Napkin (link): Idea management on steroids. Turn scribbles into structured workflows for creative campaigns. Pricing: Free basic plan; $15/month for premium. (Thanks to Lisa Oda for sharing this great tool!)

4. GetPickle (link): The analytics whisperer. This tool dives deep into customer insights, making segmentation a breeze. Pricing: Starts at $49/month.

💼 Industry Moves & Grooves

1. Apple Intelligence: The “Meh” Factor (source) Apple’s latest AI features leave testers unimpressed. Is Cupertino playing it safe, or are they just late to the AI party?

2. Big Tech’s AI Showdown (source) Google, Meta, and Apple—all vying for AI dominance. This piece dissects the latest product launches and what they mean for marketers navigating an increasingly crowded AI landscape.

🤖 AI Whispers (That You'll Want to Shout About)

The rise of Agentic AI is a game-changer, but its success hinges on trust and transparency. As AI becomes a “co-decision maker” for consumers, marketers must ensure these tools align with brand values. Imagine an AI recommending products based on outdated stereotypes—the PR nightmare! Marketers, double-check your AI’s programming and intent.

📊 The Number That Made Me Spill My Green Tea

60% of consumers say they’d use AI shopping agents if trust could be guaranteed. (source) This underscores the critical role of ethical AI in shaping purchasing decisions.

🔗 Your Weekend AI Marketing Read

"How Marketers Can Succeed with Generative Engine Optimization" (source): A must-read for marketers looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of SEO/GEO. It’s practical, insightful, and packed with tips to optimize your generative content strategy.

That’s a wrap on this week’s AI marketing adventures! Remember, in the world of AI and marketing, we’re all students and innovators. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!

Curated with love (and a little help from my AI friends) by Lisa Peyton | AI Strategist, Marketer, and Professor

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