don't talk about it be about it (1.12.23)

CES 2024 commenced this week with a plethora of innovations that were both exciting and enlightening, reinvigorating the tech landscape. Next week, you can anticipate Dentsu's recap, while we are gearing up to unveil iProspect’s Tech Trends of 2024 (let's schedule your presentation now!).

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Pre-CES and most definitely post, there has been a surge in press coverage highlighting trends and showcasing devices ranging from the awe-inspiring to the unconventional. You don’t have to be a betting person to know that most of these tech-related headlines featured (and will feature) 'AI' prominently in their headlines.

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I'm going to make a somewhat bold statement and suggest that we cease discussing AI - as a trend, as a buzzword, just stop.

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Why?

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In November 2022, OpenAI introduced the first version of the chatbot ChatGPT, triggering what has rapidly become an AI arms race. The consequence? AI emerged as the common thread weaving through almost every facet of the show floor, integrated into every demo and pitch, and discussed on nearly every stage and in every conversation. The manifestations of AI at CES ranged from ChatGPT-like conversational features to the capability to locally process complex demands and computing without relying on the cloud, evident in various devices from pet collars to smarter cars.

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My aspiration is that this year marks the end of the incessant talk about AI. The more widespread and integrated it becomes, the hope is that true AI (not buzzword bingo ‘AI’) becomes an ordinary and invisible component, akin to a baseline assumption that consumers leverage it every time they engage with a media platform, communication device, brand connection point, or participate in activities like shopping. Comparable to how we no longer dwell on past CES buzzwords like 'Internet' or 'connected home,' let's move beyond talking about AI and double down on establishing the necessary guardrails and investment strategy it needs, integrating it judiciously and wisely into our work, and how we cater to our consumers.

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Let's not just talk about it; let's actively embrace and implement it.

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And if we must persist, instead of fixating on 'generative AI,' can we shift our focus to 'practical AI'? Let's highlight specific, applied usage to address precise tensions and needs.

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Who's with me??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

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