AI in Business | December 13, 2024

Welcome to Edition 41 of our AI in Business newsletter. There's a lot to cover this week, from ChatGPT gaining vision and voice to the game-changing release of Google's Gemini 2.0. We’ll also be looking at some surprising small business AI adoption data, and exploring how to use AI as a thought partner, as well as a great new research tool. Ready to see what's new in the world of AI? Let's jump in!

Top AI in Business News Stories

ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode Gains Vision Capabilities

OpenAI has rolled out a major update to ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode, adding video and live screen-sharing capabilities. Users can now share real-time video content or their screens during conversations, making ChatGPT even more interactive and versatile. Whether it’s troubleshooting, learning a new skill like brewing pour-over coffee, or collaborating on tasks like responding to emails, these upgrades expand the practical applications of AI in daily workflows. Additionally, OpenAI has introduced a festive "Talk to Santa" feature, allowing users (and their kids!) to interact with Santa Claus through ChatGPT’s voice mode for holiday-themed fun and stories.

Implications for Average Businesses

The ability to use video and screen-sharing with ChatGPT transforms how teams collaborate, troubleshoot issues, or even train staff remotely. For example, customer support teams can walk clients through complex processes with visual aids, while creative teams can brainstorm ideas or review designs in real-time. The Talk to Santa feature, while lighthearted, showcases how AI can create engaging, personalized experiences—something SMBs can replicate for customer interactions during holidays or special events.

These features also highlight the growing role of multimodal AI in enhancing business efficiency. By integrating video and screen-sharing, ChatGPT becomes a more robust tool for communication, learning, and problem-solving, ensuring businesses can stay agile and innovative.

Google Unveils Gemini 2.0 and New AI Model: Big Wins for Accessibility and Innovation

This week, Google DeepMind introduced two major updates to its AI ecosystem: the launch of Gemini 2.0 and the debut of the gemini-exp-1206 model. Gemini 2.0 takes multimodal AI to the next level with seamless integration of text, image, and video inputs, making interactions more intuitive and natural. Meanwhile, the gemini-exp-1206 model has reclaimed the top spot on the Chatbot Arena leaderboard, outperforming competitors like ChatGPT and Claude on multiple benchmarks.?

Notably, this new model features an impressive 2-million-token context window, enabling it to process over an hour of video content. Both advancements are available through Google AI Studio and the Gemini API, with gemini-exp-1206 offered entirely for free—an approach that stands in stark contrast to OpenAI's recent price increases.?

To toggle between the different models, simply visit Google AI Studio, click "Create Prompt," and use the menu on the right to switch between models. Each model includes a description of its best use cases to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Implications for Average Businesses

These updates unlock a range of practical applications. Gemini 2.0 can help companies create multimedia content faster, from crafting visually engaging marketing campaigns to generating training videos for employees. The gemini-exp-1206 model’s ability to process video makes it a powerful tool for industries like education, healthcare, and e-commerce, where analyzing and summarizing long-form video content can save time and improve efficiency.

Google’s addition of the Deep Research feature, available in Gemini Advanced, allows businesses to explore complex topics and generate detailed reports—perfect for market research, competitor analysis, or strategic planning. We’ll be exploring this feature further in our AI Tool of the Week section below.

By offering cutting-edge tools at no cost, Google is making AI more accessible for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to enhance customer engagement or a small team aiming to streamline operations, these advancements offer tangible benefits without breaking the bank.

U.S. Census Bureau: Is AI Use Increasing Among Small Businesses?

A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that fewer than 4% of small businesses are using AI tools, highlighting that adoption is still in its infancy. Among those experimenting with AI, most are not using it strategically or integrating it into their broader business goals. The report underscores a significant gap between the perception and reality of AI use in the small business community, presenting a major opportunity for those ready to embrace these technologies thoughtfully and purposefully.

Implications for Average Businesses

These findings align with what we’ve observed in our work training thousands of professionals nationwide on practical AI tools. Many businesses feel like they’re behind, but the reality is, the race hasn’t even started for most. Even among the few experimenting with AI, it’s rarely tied to a larger strategy.

The opportunity is massive, and now is the time to start using AI in your business. AI is accessible, practical, and transformative for businesses of any size—if implemented thoughtfully.

AI in Business 101 - Using AI as a Thought Partner

We often get asked, “What can generative AI do beyond content production?” Our first answer: use it as a thought partner. AI isn’t just for writing—it’s a powerful collaborator that can help you tackle challenges, brainstorm ideas, and refine your strategy. Even if you don’t have a fully-formed idea, AI can guide you by asking questions and providing feedback to bring clarity and focus.

This approach is especially valuable for small and medium-sized businesses, where lean teams and limited time make brainstorming difficult. AI can act like an extra team member, helping you explore possibilities and uncover solutions more efficiently.

How to Use AI as a Thought Partner in 3 Steps:

1. Frame the Right Question: Start with a specific challenge or topic, but don’t worry if it’s not fully clear yet. AI can guide you. For example, ask, “What should I consider when launching a subscription service?” Then, let AI probe deeper with follow-up questions like, “What’s your target audience?” or “What’s your unique value proposition?”
2. Iterate and Refine: Treat the interaction like a brainstorming session. Respond to AI’s suggestions, ask for clarification, and test ideas. For example, if AI proposes three strategies, request pros and cons or deeper examples. This back-and-forth process hones your thinking and builds confidence in your direction.
3. Validate and Act: Once you’ve clarified your ideas, compare the AI-generated insights with your expertise and adapt them to your unique situation. Remember, AI isn’t a replacement for human experience—it’s an enhancer that helps you make better decisions.

Why This Approach Works for SMBs:

• Efficiency: AI can provide the brainstorming support you’d get from an additional team member, saving time and effort.
• Focus: By probing your challenges, AI brings clarity and structure to your thought process.
• Cost-Effective: Unlock big ideas without needing to expand your team.

Practical Applications:

• Strategic Planning: Use AI to develop new business strategies or refine existing ones.
• Product Development: Brainstorm features, pricing, or launch plans with AI.
• Problem-Solving: Tackle operational challenges by framing them for AI to explore solutions.

Final Thoughts:

AI as a thought partner empowers SMBs to think strategically and make informed decisions, even with limited resources. Whether you’re brainstorming your next product launch or refining your long-term goals, this approach can help you unlock clarity and uncover solutions faster.

Featured AI Tool of the Week - Deep Research by Google Gemini

The Deep Research feature in Google Gemini Advanced acts as a comprehensive AI-powered research assistant, designed to tackle complex topics and generate in-depth, multi-page reports in minutes. Here’s a closer look at its capabilities:

Key Features:

1. Multi-Point Research Plans: Deep Research transforms your initial prompt into a structured research plan. For example, a prompt like “What are the benefits of AI for small businesses?” could result in a report covering cost savings, productivity gains, specific AI tools, and potential challenges.
2. Automatic Web Browsing: The tool automatically scans hundreds of relevant and credible websites, gathering real-time information to ensure your report is up-to-date.
3. Comprehensive Report Generation: After collecting data, Deep Research compiles a detailed report with multiple sections, providing richer insights and actionable recommendations tailored to your prompt.
4. Advanced Reasoning: Using cutting-edge multimodal AI technology, Deep Research can analyze and synthesize information from diverse sources, offering nuanced perspectives and deeper context.
5. Time Efficiency: Traditional research tasks that take hours or even days can be completed in minutes, freeing up time for higher-level decision-making or creative tasks.
6. Customizable Outputs: While the AI generates the initial report, users can edit, refine, and adapt it to fit specific needs or brand guidelines.

How It Works:

• Input a Prompt: Begin with a broad or specific topic, such as “What are the top e-commerce strategies for 2024?”
• Automated Research: The AI browses sources online, identifies key data points, and organizes them into an intuitive structure.
• Report Compilation: Receive a multi-page document with detailed insights, actionable steps, and relevant supporting data.

Applications for Businesses:

• Market Research: Explore industry trends, consumer behavior, and emerging opportunities.
• Competitor Analysis: Dive deep into what your competitors are doing successfully and where they might be vulnerable.
• Content Development: Inform blogs, whitepapers, or social media campaigns with research-backed data.
• Strategic Planning: Use reports to shape business strategies, investment decisions, or operational improvements.
• Training Materials: Equip teams with detailed, research-driven insights for better decision-making and skills development.

Cost:?

You can try Gemini Advanced, including the Deep Research feature, for one month at no charge. After the trial period, the subscription costs $20 per month, offering businesses an affordable way to access advanced research capabilities and comprehensive reports.

Conclusion:

Deep Research offers SMBs the ability to access high-quality, real-time insights without the need for a dedicated research team. It levels the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete with larger companies by providing actionable data and strategic guidance. By acting as a research assistant, this tool empowers users to work smarter and stay ahead in their industries.

Stay Tuned and in Touch

That wraps up this week's edition of AI in Business! This week, we've seen how AI can streamline processes and unlock strategic insights. The low adoption rates among small businesses also reveal a major opportunity for those ready to embrace these technologies. We hope you're feeling inspired to explore the possibilities and leverage AI to achieve your goals. Stay tuned for more AI insights and updates next week.