#75- Learning from Actions

"Actions speak louder than words," particularly in AI. This week, Rabbit, a tech startup, revealed a small, orange, walkie-talkie-like device that performs tasks for users. It's not just another voice assistant; it's a 'doer' adept at handling a wide range of apps and interfaces efficiently.

The Rabbit's concept is to move beyond screen and app-based systems, opening a new world through natural language interaction. But the real innovation isn't the eye-catching device itself (which feels like a gimmick that won't get real traction), but rather the new AI model, LAM (Large Action Model) it's built on.

What makes LAM revolutionary is its approach: learning by observing how we interact with technology, from everyday apps to complex systems. This means it's not just hearing our requests but actually understanding the how-to of our digital actions.

The Rabbit r1 is just the start, signaling an AI future that's as much about action as it is about talk.

IN FOCUS

The Reuters Institute released Nic Newman’s annual Journalism, media, and technology trends and predictions 2024. As always, it's one of the most comprehensive snapshots of where the news landscape is moving. Some of this year’s main findings:

• Just 47% of media leaders are optimistic about journalism's future
• 63% worry about decreasing social media traffic
• 77% look to prioritize direct channels and explore new strategies.
• Publishers plan more videos, newsletters, and podcasts
• 80% of publishers see subscriptions and memberships as key revenue sources.
• The top AI uses for publishers are news automation (56%), improved recommendations (37%), and commercial applications (28%)

AI

OpenAI has launched their GPT Store aiming to expand access to large language models for creators and businesses.

TikTok parent ByteDance showcases a new text-to-video AI model. It clearly does not want to depend on generative AI foundation models created by other companies

AI-powered misinformation is the biggest threat facing the world in the next two years, warns the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024.

More Ai updates

• OpenAI In talks with CNN, Fox and Time to license content. Link
• Amazon announced new generative AI capabilities for Alexa at CES. Link
• Fox Corp has publicly debuted a new blockchain platform called Verify to help media companies track how their content is being used online. Link
• BMW and Amazon fuse generative AI and Alexa for new automotive voice assistant. Link
• Volkswagen integrates ChatGPT into its vehicles. Link

VIDEO

If you wonder how the battle for the living room will play out between smart tv providers than check out the excellent series of Marion Ranchet. She provides a comprehensive analysis of the CTV OS market, examining the strategies and innovations behind each player's approach to capturing a slice of this lucrative market.

About one-quarter of U.S. subscribers to major streaming services—a group that includes Apple TV+, Discovery+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock and Starz—have canceled at least three of them over the past two years, according to new data from subscription-analytics provider Antenna.

AUDIO

Will.i.am and Mercedes-Benz have unveiled a “mysterious” in-car feature, dubbed Sound Drive, that complements driving with auto-generated musical responses in real time. A suite of sensors and advanced software” is expected to respond to acceleration, steering, braking, and more, converting these “driving dynamics…into musical expressions.

Hyperradio lookes back at 2023 and shares its key trends and insights for audio in 2024. Very good analysis (in French).

NEWS

Media executives at the INMA board are wondering whether the industry had become too focused on a single goal: subscription growth. Could this lead to blind spots concerning the business and mission of journalism and keep media in general from having the impact it could?

Almost two-thirds (65%) of UK adults follow local news in their area – and social media is the most common way they do so, according to new data from Ofcom. Full report (PDF)

The International Journalism festival received over a 1,000 English-language proposals for inclusion in the #ijf24 programme. I am truly grateful that I can join the festival once again. This time with a deep dive into media trends.

QUICK HITS

• Microsoft overtook Apple as the world's most valuable company.
• Leading tech journalist Casey Newton quits Substack over platform’s Nazi newsletters.
• YouTube finally supports RSS for podcasts.
• Google lays off thousands of people.
• Discord has announced job cuts affecting 17% of its workforce.
• Amazon is laying off hundreds of employees at its studio division.
• Twitch is cutting more than 500 jobs, reportedly accounting for around 35 percent of its staff.

TRENDS

30 creative directors, designers + strategists share their tips, tools, tricks in the 2024 Recess Playbook. Link

Damian Radcliff names three trends that will shape media strategy in 2024: revenu diversification, AI and audience development. Link

READ

The Verge looks at how Google is shaping everything online: site designs, organization, and even the subheadings on specific pages are nowdays crafted with Google in mind.

?A new book “Filterworld” investigates how we moved to a world where algorithmic equations have become inescapable, influencing the vast majority of what we consume online — and thus what kinds of culture we consume.

Gen Z and the art of self-actualization. A good Wired article on how Gen Z thinks they can really be true to themselves.

That's it for this week - as always feel free to share with friends and colleagues!

Ezra