Google’s Gaffes

Google’s AI Overviews are making the tech giant look downright silly—and that’s putting it mildly.

With AI-generated answers suggesting we run with scissors and eat rocks, it’s no wonder social media is buzzing with these bizarre fails that are incorrect, misleading and even downright dangerous. Some other fails include suggesting a user add ⅛ cup of non-toxic glue to his cheese on his pizza to stop it from sliding off, and that a bath with a toaster is a “fun way to unwind and wash away stress”.

Despite a disclaimer that ‘Generative AI is experimental,’ these blunders are earning Google some well-deserved criticism. And, while Google claims these errors are rare, the reality of constant new queries means these issues are probably more common than Google cares to admit.

It’s a bit alarming that Google, a leader in the tech world, is tripping over its own AI. These errors erode trust and raise serious questions about Google’s commitment to quality and accuracy. Blaming ‘rare queries’ feels like a cop-out when users expect reliable information. If Google can’t get its AI right, it risks losing its loyal user base and driving searchers elsewhere. Time for Google to clean up its act and prove it’s still the go-to source for trustworthy information.

You can read more here.

Through The Looking Glass

You’ve probably heard the term coke bottle glasses – well Coca-Cola’s providing a fresh perspective with the launch of Coca-Cola lens.

Available at Coca-ColaLens.com, this is a new data and insights platform that serves up consumer behaviour and industry trends in an easy-to-digest format for food retailers and services. The platform dishes out real-time data from a mix of sources to help partners whip up informed business decisions. It’s a big step up from the old-school static reports, offering an interactive and tailored approach. Starting with 16 curated stories and quarterly updates, it covers everything from macro trends to diner psychology and digital trends. Developed with feedback from customer teams, it’s designed to be a go-to resource for retail partners.

We reckon this is a clever move by the beverage powerhouse. By leveraging its extensive network and deep understanding of the market, Coca-Cola Lens not only provides a wealth of information to partners and those in the food service industry, it also helps cement Coca-Cola’s position as an indispensable source of knowledge and influence in the industry. For food service providers, having access to a smorgasbord of real-time data and insights in a way that’s easy to navigate and apply, they can stay ahead of the curve, tailor their menus and services to evolving consumer tastes, and ultimately boost their growth. The collaborative development ensures it’s perfectly seasoned to meet the needs of its users, making it a really useful tool for mastering the ever-changing consumer landscape.

You can check out the article here.

Total Recall

How do you feel about AI with a photographic memory?

Microsoft’s new AI chatbot, Copilot has just been announced at the Build developer conference – and it boasts a virtual photographic memory, recalling every click and keystroke you make.

The feature is called Windows Recall and it promises to anticipate your moves before you do, promising unparalleled convenience while assuring us our privacy is protected. But how much are we willing to trust our machines? And the businesses that build them?

With Google and OpenAI also pushing the boundaries, Microsoft’s move signals a fierce new chapter in the AI race.

It does feel pretty bold, and a controversial leap. Do we really want technology tracking our every move? Is this a step forward or a step too far?

You can read the article here.

Faux ScarJo

Buckle Up! The AI rollercoaster continues…

In case you missed it, Scarlett Johannson is angry OpenAI’s ChatGPT may have used her voice, despite having turned down a request by the AI company to hire her to use her voice.

While OpenAi denies using her voice – or a likeness – the voice of “Sky” certainly sounds like her.

Sky’s voice has been a feature of OpenAI’s ChatGPT since its voice mode launch last September. However, the link to Scarlett Johansson wasn’t obvious until last week when OpenAI showcased an updated AI model that made the voice more expressive. This demo bore an uncanny resemblance to Johansson’s AI assistant in the movie “Her”.

OpenAI insists that the voice, named ‘Sky’, isn’t an imitation but rather belongs to another actress using her natural speaking voice. They explained in a blog post that they selected this voice from over 400 auditions, aiming for qualities that felt “timeless, approachable, and warm”.

OpenAI has since pressed pause on Sky, but once you open a can of worms, well, it can be very hard to put them back in…

From an ethical standpoint, this whole situation is a bit of a minefield. It highlights the need for crystal clear transparency and consent in AI development, especially when it starts to tread into personal identity territory. OpenAI’s choice to use a similar voice after Johansson said no definitely raises eyebrows. Where do we draw the line with people’s identities – their voices, likeness or other – and the potential for misuse?

While pushing boundaries is part of tech growth, this shouldn’t be done at the expense of ethical integrity or public trust. As we race towards the next ‘big thing’, can companies keep their moral compass in check?

You can read more here.

No Frills, All Thrills

No stranger to taking a “no-nonsense” approach to branding, The Ordinary’s latest campaign re-emphasises their ethos, shying away from celebrity glitz and glam to highlight what really matters—the clean, science-backed ingredients in their products. Their new global outdoor campaign by agency Uncommon takes the minimalist route with a focus on transparency, featuring monochromatic billboards that showcase the essentials inside each bottle alongside some very simple yet creative copy infused with plenty of humour.

This no-nonsense approach is refreshingly understated yet packs a punch, aligning perfectly with The Ordinary brand, and highlighting what makes them stand out.

It’s a reminder that authenticity and clarity can make a big impact. Dive into the full story and see how The Ordinary is shaking up the beauty industry here.

Keen To Dive In?

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