AI and the Holidays
12 Days of OpenAI – Live updates from Day 6 including ChatGPT, Sora, o1 and more, Tech Radar, by Graham Barlow and John-Anthony Disotto, December 18, 2024
OpenAI has launched "12 Days of OpenAI," a holiday-themed event featuring daily updates, demos, and product announcements. Highlights include the release of the o1 reasoning model, a ChatGPT Pro business tier, and new features like video and screen sharing in Advanced Voice Mode, supporting over 50 languages. Users can now chat with a built-in Santa and get live AI guidance for tasks like brewing coffee or responding to messages. Despite some downtime issues, OpenAI continues to expand its software capabilities, with integration into Apple Intelligence and hints at future AI agents. The event runs through daily live streams and demos.
'Deus in machina': Swiss church installs AI Jesus to connect the digital and the divine, NBC News, by Brian Cheng, December 5, 2024
Switzerland’s St. Peter’s Chapel, the country’s oldest church, now hosts "Deus in machina," an AI Jesus avatar offering biblical advice in over 100 languages. Developed by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and theologian Marco Schmid, the project has engaged 900 visitors of various faiths, including Christians, atheists, agnostics, Muslims, and Buddhists. The avatar provides visitors with advice on various topics like love, the afterlife, suffering, and war. While some have praised the church for fostering serious spiritual dialogue, the avatar has also faced criticism, with some calling it blasphemous. Participants should avoid specific details, as the interactions focus on exploring biblical wisdom rather than replicating traditional confessions.
The First Fully AI-Enabled Holiday Shopping Season Is Here, Forbes, by Gary Drenik, December 10, 2024
This holiday season, some retailers are using AI to improve inventory management, personalizing experiences, and ensuring smoother shopping. Retailers say they are using AI-driven tools for predicting what customers will want to buy, making sure items don’t run out of stock, and ensuring last-minute shopping is more reliable. Nearly 70% of Gen-Z and Millennials embrace a “treat yourself” mindset, while 57% of adults prefer online shopping, with discounts and free shipping driving decisions. AI analyzes browsing behavior and local trends to offer tailored recommendations, creating a more engaging experience. By automating repetitive tasks, businesses streamline operations and focus on customer satisfaction. AI’s role extends beyond logistics, reshaping how brands connect with consumers and deliver value.
AI takes the reins: consumers embrace artificial intelligence for holiday shopping, Talkdesk 2024 Holiday Survey reveals, Businesswire, October 16, 2024
AI is transforming holiday shopping, with 90% of consumers using it this season, up from 88% in 2023. Both retailers and consumers are utilizing the offerings of AI. Retailers leverage it for personalized recommendations, chatbots, predictive analytics, and product customization. 62% of consumers plan to use AI-powered recommendations, reducing anxiety, a Talkdesk survey reveals. Consumers expect fewer returns (69%) and better savings (74%) from AI tools, with Baby Boomers showing the strongest support.
Coca Cola’s AI-Generated Ad Controversy, Explained, Forbes, Dani Di Placedo, November 16, 2024
Coca-Cola’s AI-generated Christmas ads have sparked backlash for their uncanny imagery and technical flaws. Created by three AI studios using models like Leonardo and Kling, the ads attempt to replicate the nostalgic charm of Coca-Cola’s 1995 “Holidays Are Coming” campaign. However, distorted visuals, rushed edits, and unnatural movements drew criticism online. Observers highlighted awkward details, such as nonsensical truck wheels and Santa’s absence, replaced by his rubbery hand clutching a Coke bottle. Critics argue the ads fail to justify AI’s inefficiencies, with some accusing companies of using generative AI to replace creative labor. The result feels less magical, more mechanical.
Party Pooper: Airbnb Taps AI to Block Unauthorized New Year's Eve Parties, AI Business, by Ben Wodecki and Deborah Yao, December 28, 2023
Airbnb deployed AI in the last 2023 holiday season to prevent unauthorized New Year’s Eve parties, targeting bookings in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and other countries. The system analyzed signals like trip duration, booking timing, and guest location to flag high-risk reservations. Last year, Airbnb blocked over 80,000 bookings globally. Guests violating rules risk suspension or removal. Alongside the AI system, hosts receive Minut noise sensors to combat disruptive behavior year-round. This marked Airbnb’s fourth year using anti-party measures, with the company emphasizing its commitment to balancing safety and community trust. These efforts aim to protect neighborhoods and ensure responsible hosting.
I tried this AI translation tool and now I can finally understand what's going on at my Italian partner's family dinner table this Christmas, Tech Radar, John-Anthony Disotto, December 4, 2024
Translated's AI translation system, Lara, offers both text and voice translation capabilities. The author of this article tested the tool to translate a conversation in Italian, and found that the system processed spoken dialogue, including proper names and recorded audio, better than existing translation tools. The system aims to facilitate real-time translation for both personal and professional applications. Potential future developments could include integration with wearable devices like earbuds or hearing aids to enable direct translation during conversations.
Is AI any good at choosing gifts?, BBC, Suzanne Bearne, December 5, 2024
AI tools are increasingly shaping holiday shopping, with platforms like ChatGPT and GiftList offering tailored gift suggestions. For example, AI recommended unique ideas like slacklines and survival kits for outdoor enthusiasts, saving users time compared to traditional internet searches. This trend reflects a broader shift, as a recent Accenture survey revealed that 95% of consumers believe generative AI enhances gift shopping, while 90% value its recommendations. AI-powered services are evolving to provide more conversational experiences, making them useful starting points for shoppers. Experts note that specific prompts yield better results, highlighting AI's potential to transform holiday shopping and online retail.
‘Tis The Season For Social Shopping: How Influencers And AI Are Shaping Holiday Spending, Forbes, Nandan Sheth, December 11, 2024
This holiday season, the retail landscape is being reshaped by influencers and advanced AI technologies. Influencers are emerging as pivotal guides for holiday shopping, driving purchase decisions at 10 times the rate of general social media. Their personalized recommendations and authentic connections, particularly through micro- and nano-influencers, are helping brands cut through holiday advertising clutter. Simultaneously, generative AI-powered chatbots are transforming online shopping, with a 100% traffic increase on retail sites. These chatbots deliver hyper-personalized gift recommendations in real-time, enhancing product discovery and customer experiences. Together, influencers and AI are redefining how consumers shop and interact with brands.
This Video is AI Generated! SORA Review, YouTube, Marques Brownlee, December 9, 2024
Marques Brownlee uploaded a recent review of OpenAI’s video generator, Sora. He provided a lot of information regarding its capabilities and shortcomings. He acknowledges Sora's innovative features, such as text-to-video generation and advanced editing tools. He also provides visual examples of turning pictures into videos, and also Sora’s strongest features. One of these clips include a Santa vs. Frosty generated video, clipped below:
Watch the full video here.
AI for Governance
Google CEO eyes AI ‘Manhattan Project’ after Trump inauguration, The Hill, Filip Timotija, December 13, 2024
Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai has proposed an AI research initiative similar to the Manhattan Project, aimed at accelerating AI progress in the U.S. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission suggests increased funding for AI to compete with China’s advancements. Pichai highlighted Google's advancements, including its Gemini 2.0 model, designed to create versatile AI agents. He emphasized collaboration with government leaders, including President-elect Trump, who recently appointed an AI and cryptocurrency czar. Pichai reaffirmed Google’s AI-first approach, focusing on cutting-edge research, infrastructure, and development to drive innovation and maintain U.S. technological leadership.
Watchdog says DOE needs to improve data analytics, take steps to adopt AI, FedScoop, Caroline Nihill, December 12, 2024
The Department of Energy (DOE) must enhance data analytics and accelerate AI adoption within its Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, according to two Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports. The OIG criticized DOE's fragmented risk assessment approach, which combines risks from different departments, leading to inefficiencies. A department-wide AI strategy could simplify processes, enhance risk management, and eliminate redundancies for the DOE. Additionally, DOE has fulfilled only one of 13 AI requirements under the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2023. Recommendations include expediting AI implementation, addressing funding and training needs, and reporting progress to Congress in order to meet obligations and enhance operations.
Atlanta city council approves Artificial Intelligence Commission to explore future integration, 11Alive, Tresia Bowles, December 3, 2024
The Atlanta City Council has established an Artificial Intelligence Commission to explore AI's potential in municipal operations. AI’s applications in traffic management, customer service, budgeting, cybersecurity, and public transit are highlighted by information technology experts, who have also expressed a need for human oversight in decisions requiring community considerations. While AI may automate some roles it has the potential to create jobs and improve services. Discussions have been made regarding broader uses like zoning, fraud detection, and disaster prediction. The commission’s findings will shape Atlanta’s approach to this transformative technology.
The Government AI 100, Apolitical
A new list celebrates global public servants driving AI adoption, regulation, and innovation in government. These leaders shape AI governance, strategy, implementation, and capacity-building, ensuring the technology delivers smarter public services while upholding ethical standards. The list inspires governments to integrate AI for better outcomes by highlighting their work. Burnes Center director Beth Simone Noveck, Chief AI Strategist for New Jersey and a Northeastern University professor, is a key figure on this list. Known for using AI to enhance participatory democracy, she has advised global governments and led the White House Open Government Initiative. Her work reimagines governance through AI and civic technology.
Agents for the few, queues for the many – or agents for all?, Reboot Democracy, Tiago Peixoto and Luke Jordan, December 16, 2024
Technology and AI worsen inequalities in public services, benefiting the affluent while leaving others behind. AI agents can transform bureaucratic tasks like tax filings and permit applications but risk deepening the divide without equitable implementation. Governments must ensure fair access by creating an "AI Opportunities Agency," establishing a digital "Agent Power of Attorney," and fostering a competitive ecosystem for AI tools. Policymakers can draw lessons from open banking to balance innovation and security, prevent exploitation, and distribute AI benefits democratically. Without action, society risks a future where "agents for the few" leave the majority stuck in outdated systems.
Governing AI
Trump combines AI and crypto in White House ‘czar’ role, Global Government Forum, Ian Hall, December 13, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed David Sacks as the first White House AI and Crypto leaderSacks, a former PayPal executive, will guide policy to promote innovation, safeguard free speech, and clarify crypto regulations. Trump also plans to repeal Biden’s AI Executive Order, favoring an approach rooted in free speech and innovation over restrictions. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk will co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with streamlining government operations from outside the federal structure.
Online Book Talk—The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
On December 18 from 2-3pm EST, The Ash Center is hosting an online book talk featuring Marietje Schaake, author of The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley, with Bruce Schneier and Danielle Allen. Schaake’s book explores how unregulated technology undermines democracy, addressing issues like surveillance, cryptocurrency risks, and corporate lobbying, while offering solutions to restore democratic control. The event will feature insights from Schaake, a Stanford fellow and former Member of European Parliament, Schneier, a renowned security technologist, and Allen, a Harvard professor and democracy advocate.
AI and Problem Solving
How AI, Security, Inclusion Redefined Government in 2024, Governing, Julia Edinger, December 13, 2024
In 2024, state and local governments prioritized AI, cybersecurity, digital equity, accessibility, and user experience to adapt to evolving technology. AI was integrated into daily operations, with hundreds of related bills introduced, though most governments still lack mature frameworks. Efforts to improve accessibility included hiring leaders to oversee accessibility and using assistive technologies. Governments also used AI tools like chatbots and mobile-friendly platforms to make services easier to use, while ensuring proper oversight and maintaining public trust.
