Cover Photo Major News from Google, Snapchat, Snap, Mistral AI, ClickUp, Pipedrive, BlackRock and Microsoft

Google to Introduce AI Image Labeling in Search Results Later This Year

Google plans to implement changes to its Search platform, enabling users to identify AI-generated or AI-edited images more easily. The company will introduce this feature in the “About this image” window on Search, Google Lens, and Circle to Search on Android in the coming months. The labeling system will rely on C2PA metadata, a standard developed by a coalition of tech companies to track an image’s origin and editing history. However, the effectiveness of this approach may be limited due to the current low adoption rate of C2PA standards and the ease with which metadata can be removed or altered. Despite these challenges, Google’s initiative aims to address growing concerns about deepfakes and AI-generated content in online spaces.

Snapchat Unveils AI Video Creation Tool for Select Creators

Snapchat has announced a new AI video-generation tool for creators at its annual Snap Partner Summit. The tool, currently in beta, allows a small group of creators to generate videos from text prompts, with image prompt functionality coming soon. Powered by Snap’s own foundational video models, the tool prioritizes transparency by including watermarks and context cards to indicate AI-generated content. Snap emphasizes safety measures in place to prevent harmful content creation. This move positions Snapchat ahead of competitors like TikTok and Instagram in the AI video generation space, though it’s unclear how the tool will compare to offerings from companies like Runway, OpenAI, and Adobe. For now, Snap plans to limit access to creators only.

Snapchat Enhances My AI with Visual Recognition and Language Translation

Snapchat is expanding the capabilities of its My AI chatbot, introducing features reminiscent of Google Lens. Users can now send images to My AI for various tasks, including translating foreign language menus, identifying plants, and interpreting parking signs. These additions aim to make My AI a more practical tool within the app. Snapchat+ subscribers will also benefit from AI-powered edits in Memories, allowing for automatic enhancements of saved Snaps. The platform is introducing AI-generated group images and a future-self Lens. Other updates include improved HD video calls, Snap Mail for unanswered calls, and local time zone displays in chats. These developments showcase Snapchat’s efforts to integrate AI technology across its features, enhancing user experience and functionality.

Snap Introduces AI-Powered Lens Creation Tool for Snapchat

Snap has unveiled Easy Lens, a new AI-driven feature in its Lens Studio platform that allows creators to generate Snapchat Lenses using simple text descriptions. This tool leverages generative AI to interpret written prompts and automatically construct AR effects, objects, and characters. Snap is also introducing Body Morph for creating 3D characters and costumes, as well as an icon generator for Lenses. The company plans to add more AI capabilities to Lens Studio in the future, including custom animation generation and 3D object reconstruction from video uploads. These innovations are part of Snap’s broader strategy to leverage AI technology across its products, aiming to drive creator growth and enhance user experiences on the platform.

Mistral AI Introduces Free Tier and Reduces Prices to Attract Developers

Mistral AI has launched a free tier on its la Plateforme, allowing developers to experiment with and test its AI models at no cost. This move aims to compete with other major AI providers like OpenAI and Google, who offer similar free tiers. Mistral has also significantly reduced prices for API access to its models, with cuts ranging from 33% to over 50%. The company’s consumer AI chatbot, le Chat, now includes image processing capabilities through the new Pixtral 12B multimodal model. These updates reflect Mistral’s strategy to attract more developers to its platform and compete in the increasingly commoditized advanced large language model market, while also providing an easier alternative to self-hosting their open-source models.

ClickUp Launches AI-Powered Chat to Streamline Workplace Communication

ClickUp has introduced ClickUp Chat, a new communication tool integrated into its project management platform. This feature aims to unify team communication and task management, addressing inefficiencies caused by using multiple disconnected tools. ClickUp Chat incorporates AI-powered features from the start, including conversation summaries, task creation from messages, and intelligent insights. The tool connects conversations directly to projects, tasks, and documents, allowing for seamless workflow management. With features like FollowUps, AI CatchUp, and SyncUps, ClickUp aims to reduce distractions and improve productivity. The company’s goal is to provide an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for multiple workplace apps, potentially challenging established platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams.

Pipedrive Introduces AI-Powered Lead Management Tool for Sales CRM

Pipedrive has launched a beta version of Pipedrive Pulse, an AI-driven lead sorting and scoring tool for its sales CRM platform. This new feature automatically identifies high-potential leads, allowing sales professionals to focus on closing deals more efficiently. Pulse simplifies lead management with an intuitive interface, enabling users to take timely actions, including sending AI-generated emails. The tool prioritizes leads and deals in a progress-tracking queue, transforming Pipedrive from a system of record to a trusted advisor for sales teams. Developed using customer feedback and tailored AI technology, Pulse aims to streamline the sales process by helping users identify and act on the most valuable opportunities, potentially saving time and improving overall sales performance.

BlackRock, Microsoft, and Partners to Launch Massive AI Infrastructure Fund

BlackRock, in collaboration with Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-backed MGX, is reportedly planning to launch a substantial AI-focused fund exceeding $30 billion. This initiative, among Wall Street’s largest, aims to create data centers and fund energy infrastructure to support the growing demands of AI technologies. Nvidia is expected to contribute its expertise regarding the energy requirements of AI systems. The fund will be launched through BlackRock’s newly acquired infrastructure investment unit, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). This strategic move highlights the increasing focus on developing robust infrastructure to support the rapid advancement and energy-intensive nature of AI technologies.