📣 In the news

👉 Google launches Imagen 3

Google has launched Imagen 3, its most advanced AI text-to-image generator, now available to US users. This version offers enhanced detail, improved lighting, and fewer artifacts compared to earlier models. Users can edit images by selecting areas and specifying desired changes, while certain content generation remains restricted.

👉 Mercedes-Benz partners with ByteDance for AI integration

Mercedes-Benz has formed a strategic partnership with ByteDance’s Volcano Engine to incorporate large language models and generative AI into its vehicles. The collaboration aims to enhance in-car virtual assistants, focusing on improving voice interaction, navigation, and entertainment systems. This partnership builds on previous integrations of ByteDance’s applications into Mercedes models, highlighting a commitment to advancing AI capabilities in the automotive industry. The move comes amid shifts in supply chains for Western tech firms in China.

👉 xAI's Grok image generator faces backlash for offensive content

xAI's Grok image generator has led to the creation of controversial and offensive images on the platform X, including politically charged content. Users have shared explicit and misleading images, raising concerns about the tool's potential for misinformation. Despite claims of having safety measures, the chaotic nature of Grok's output highlights ongoing challenges in generative AI governance. The situation intensifies scrutiny of AI technologies ahead of the upcoming US elections.

👉 ChatGPT's Voice Mode accidentally imitates user's voice

During testing, ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode unexpectedly mimicked a user’s voice without permission, raising privacy concerns. OpenAI acknowledged this rare incident while emphasizing existing safeguards against unauthorized voice generation. The model can synthesize voices from brief audio clips, which complicates the challenge of ensuring secure use. This event has drawn attention to the potential implications of voice imitation technology in AI applications.

👀 Creative picks

Angel Reese leads campaign for AI App supporting women athletes

Angel Reese stars in a new campaign promoting an AI app designed to combat online negativity faced by women athletes. Developed by BarkleyOKRP for The Net, a mental health initiative in partnership with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, the app uses AI to blur harmful comments on social media, allowing athletes to focus on positivity.

The app is currently in beta, specifically for Chicago Sky players, and aims to shield them from online harassment, which affects 87% of women in sports. The campaign's tagline, "Block the negativity, post up positivity," encapsulates its mission.

As part of its development, the app employs a trained algorithm to differentiate between positive and negative comments, enhancing its effectiveness. The tool went live on August 15, 2024, and aims to foster a healthier online environment for athletes, with plans to expand its capabilities beyond the Chicago Sky.

_{Credits: BarkleyOKRP / The Net}

Deutsch LA Hosts 8th Annual Little Deutschers Day

Deutsch LA celebrated its 8th Annual Little Deutschers Day, inviting kids aged 6-12 to explore the world of advertising. This event allowed young participants to engage with major brands like PetSmart, Nintendo, Adobe, and Walmart, fostering early interest in creative careers.

During the event, children rotated through various stations to learn new skills. Highlights included using AI to create imaginative descriptions of their "dream pets" with PetSmart, voice acting scenes from The Super Mario Bros. movie, and participating in a fun photo shoot with AI-generated Adobe backgrounds.

At the end of the day, each child received a resume showcasing their new skills and accomplishments, inspiring the next generation of advertising professionals.

_{Credits: Deutsch LA}