Welcome to The Week in Generative AI, a weekly roundup for marketers from Quad Insights that sums up the latest news surrounding this rapidly evolving technology.
Amazon’s AWS set to host companies’ custom generative AI models
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon’s cloud computing business, just announced the launch of Custom Model Import, a new feature that “lets organizations import and access their in-house generative AI models as fully managed APIs,” TechCrunch’s Kyle Wiggers reports. Once imported to Bedrock, AWS’s suite of generative AI services, a company’s custom model can leverage Bedrock’s infrastructure and implementation tools, Wiggers notes. “This Custom Model Import capability allows [companies] to bring their own proprietary models to Bedrock and see them right next to all of the other models that are already on Bedrock — and use them with all of the workflows that are also already on Bedrock, as well,” AWS VP of Generative AI Vasi Philomin told TechCrunch.
See also: “Microsoft’s AI lead puts Amazon cloud dominance on watch” (Reuters)
Microsoft launches lightweight AI model
Microsoft this week launched a lightweight AI model called Phi-3-mini, the first of three small language models (SLM) to be released by the tech giant, Reuters reports. Phi-3-mini, which is designed to handle simpler tasks than those processed by large language models, is meant to be a more accessible, cost-effective AI option. “Phi-3 is not slightly cheaper, it’s dramatically cheaper,” Microsoft Vice President of GenAI Research Sébastien Bubeck told Reuters.
See also: “Microsoft to invest $1.5 billion in Emirati AI company G42,” as we noted in last week’s edition of The Week in Generative AI.
Apple releases new AI models as details of an impending launch of AI features for its devices remain a mystery
On Wednesday, Apple released OpenELM, a series of four new AI models designed to perform “very efficiently on text-related tasks like email writing,” The Verge’s Emilia David reports. These small language models are open source and ready for developer use, David notes, adding that as consumers watch for the anticipated launch of new AI features built into the iPhone, Apple “has yet to share specifics on what its use of AI might look like.”
See also: “Apple in discussions with Google to power iPhone AI features,” as we noted in the March 22, 2024 edition of this column.
Coca-Cola and Microsoft announce five-year partnership for cloud and AI initiatives
Coca-Cola and Microsoft just announced a five-year strategic partnership “to align Coca-Cola’s core technology strategy systemwide; enable the adoption of leading-edge technology; and foster innovation and productivity globally,” per the announcement. Coca-Cola will commit $1.1 billion to Microsoft as part of the partnership and has shifted all applications to Microsoft Azure, allowing the two companies to experiment with Microsoft technologies, such as Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365. According to the announcement, partnership goals include helping Coca-Cola employees “improve customer experiences, streamline operations, foster innovation, gain a competitive advantage, boost efficiency and uncover new growth opportunities.”
See also: “Coke launches ‘AI-powered instrument’ to capture the sounds of cola,” from The Drum.
Further reading
AI tools and advancements:
- “JLL Rolls Out Virtual ‘Shopping Bestie’ in 13 Centers” (Retail Touch Points)
- “Nvidia-backed startup Synthesia unveils AI avatars that can convey human emotions” (CNBC)
- “A morning with the Rabbit R1: a fun, funky, unfinished AI gadget” (The Verge)
- “Oracle adds AI capabilities to its Fusion Cloud CX” (CIO)
AI acquisitions:
AI controversy:
AI strategy:
- “Meta Posts Solid Growth in Q1, Highlights Future Investment in AI” (Social Media Today)
