Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past two weeks (in no particular order):
Anthropic overtakes OpenAI in enterprise AI market share. Anthropic now leads the enterprise large language model market with 32% usage, surpassing OpenAI, which formerly had a 50% share. Enterprises favor Anthropic's Claude models for reliability, safety, and performance, especially in coding tasks where it holds 42% share. Increased enterprise AI budgets and Anthropic's focus on compliance and specialized solutions contributed to its rise. Importance for marketers: This shift highlights evolving preferences for safer, enterprise-friendly AI tools, influencing marketing technology decisions and signaling potential partnerships with emerging AI providers like Anthropic.
Meta AI shows signs of self-improvement, raising safety concerns. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claims Meta AI is independently improving, sparking worries about unchecked AI advancements. While touted as progress toward "personal superintelligence," experts warn of insufficient safeguards and risks tied to big tech's handling of self-learning models. The development fuels debate on data access, regulation, and AI's rapid evolution. Importance for marketers: Potentially self-improving AI could reshape automation capabilities in marketing, but it also heightens ethical and safety scrutiny marketers must consider when adopting advanced AI systems.
US plans to use all federal data for AI models, with strict chip controls. The Trump administration's AI policy will ingest all federal data into US-built AI models to secure citizen services. Export controls will restrict high-end semiconductor sales to adversaries like China. Officials stress maintaining a dominant US technology stack while allowing global access to American AI products. Importance for marketers: National policy decisions can influence AI model availability, cross-border data usage, and tech infrastructure stability, potentially impacting marketing technology reliant on US AI solutions.
Microsoft tests Copilot smart mode ahead of GPT-5 launch. Microsoft is testing a new smart mode in Copilot that automatically selects the best AI model for tasks. References to GPT-5 were found in the Copilot web app, suggesting integration upon release. The mode aims to simplify user experience by offering "magic unified intelligence" without manual model selection. Importance for marketers: Smarter Copilot features could enhance marketing automation and content generation, improving efficiency and strategic planning as GPT-5 rolls out.
Microsoft study identifies jobs most and least affected by AI chatbots. Analyzing 200,000 Copilot conversations, Microsoft researchers found roles involving information communication, such as translators and writers, are most impacted by AI. Physical labor roles like dredge operators are less affected. The study shows AI supports tasks but doesn't fully replace entire occupations. Importance for marketers: Insights help marketing teams anticipate AI-driven workflow changes, informing workforce planning, training, and technology adoption strategies.
Adobe adds AI image-editing upgrades to Photoshop. Adobe introduces Generative Upscale, Harmonize, and improved object-removal tools powered by Firefly models in Photoshop. These features enhance image resolution, seamlessly blend added objects, and improve background fills after removals. The updates aim to reduce workflow friction for designers and content creators. Importance for marketers: Enhanced AI editing tools can speed up creative production for campaigns, improving asset quality and reducing manual design work.
Google Search AI Mode updated for visual homework help. Google expands AI Mode to allow image uploads on desktop, enabling students to get AI explanations of visual content like math problems. Real-time camera sharing and PDF uploads will follow. Canvas integration will create study guides and interactive workspaces for refining projects. Importance for marketers: Enhanced AI search capabilities can shape user behavior and SEO strategies, influencing how educational content and brand resources are discovered.
AI tools help neurodivergent users improve communication and confidence. Neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD, are using AI chatbots like ChatGPT to better navigate social interactions. Tools such as NeuroTranslator assist in clarifying communication and preventing misunderstandings. Experts warn overreliance may hinder independent functioning, though many users view AI as essential for daily life. Importance for marketers: Highlights AI's role in accessibility and inclusivity, offering opportunities for brands to design supportive, user-friendly experiences.
Pope Leo XIV urges AI development to protect human dignity. During Mass for Catholic social media influencers, Pope Leo XIV called for AI to be used ethically, safeguarding human dignity online. He emphasized fostering connection and rejecting divisive individualism. The Pope, the first US pontiff, has repeatedly linked AI's rise to the Church's mission of justice and human rights. Importance for marketers: Ethical guidance from global religious leaders may influence public sentiment toward AI adoption, impacting brand trust and responsible marketing narratives.
China proposes global AI cooperation organization. At the World AI Conference, China's Premier Li Qiang proposed creating an international body to coordinate AI governance. He warned against AI becoming an "exclusive game" for few nations and stressed open sharing of AI development, particularly with the Global South. An AI governance action plan was released. Importance for marketers: International AI policy shifts can affect global tech collaboration and regulatory frameworks impacting multinational marketing operations.
Chinese AI firms form alliances to build domestic tech ecosystem. In response to US chip export restrictions, Chinese AI companies launched two alliances connecting model developers and chipmakers. New products include Huawei's CloudMatrix 384 AI system, Tencent's 3D world model, Baidu's virtual livestreaming tech, and Alibaba's AI glasses. Importance for marketers: Strengthened domestic AI ecosystems in China could shift technology sourcing and innovation patterns, influencing regional marketing tech strategies.
China's Zhipu releases open-source GLM-4.5 model for AI agents. Chinese startup Zhipu unveiled its GLM-4.5 model designed for intelligent agents, adding to China's growing list of large language models. As of July, China has released 1,509 LLMs, leading global output. The move highlights escalating competition in AI innovation and government-supported development. Importance for marketers: More open-source models expand AI tool options globally, potentially reducing reliance on Western providers for marketing technologies.
OpenAI CEO likens GPT-5 development to Manhattan Project. Sam Altman expressed fear during GPT-5 testing, warning of unchecked AI advancement and lack of governance. While technical details remain scarce, GPT-5 is expected to surpass GPT-4's capabilities significantly. Altman's remarks underscore concerns about power concentration and safety in next-gen AI deployment. Importance for marketers: A more advanced GPT-5 could revolutionize marketing automation but also introduces regulatory and ethical challenges requiring careful planning.
Microsoft Edge launches Copilot Mode, transforming it into AI browser. Microsoft introduced Copilot Mode to Edge, integrating AI for assisted browsing. Features include contextual help, recipe adaptation, appointment booking, and research support. Future updates will enable task resumption prompts. Privacy controls limit AI's access to user browsing data. Importance for marketers: AI-enhanced browsers may reshape web navigation and user interactions, affecting search marketing and website optimization strategies.
Google's NotebookLM adds narrated slideshows and new Studio features. Google's NotebookLM now creates narrated slideshows with AI-generated visuals and introduces a refreshed Studio tab for generating multimedia outputs. Users can create multiple overview types from a single notebook. The update aims to make complex information easier to understand. Importance for marketers: Enhanced multimedia tools support content creation, training, and presentation capabilities for marketing teams using AI-powered research assistants.
Google to sign EU AI code of practice despite concerns. Google will sign the EU's voluntary AI code of practice to help firms comply with the AI Act. While supporting secure AI access, Google warned that deviations from copyright law and approval delays could harm competitiveness. Microsoft may also sign; Meta declined. Importance for marketers: Compliance standards for AI in Europe will influence how marketing teams deploy AI tools and manage content sourcing under evolving regulations.
Google's NotebookLM introduces Video Overviews for visual learning. NotebookLM now transforms dense notes and documents into AI-generated visual presentations with images, diagrams, and quotes. Users can customize topics and goals. Studio panel enhancements enable multitasking and quick access to other tools like Mind Maps and Reports. Importance for marketers: Visual AI content tools can enhance research and campaign ideation, improving how marketing teams digest and present complex information.
OpenAI launches Study Mode in ChatGPT to foster critical thinking. OpenAI introduced Study Mode, prompting students with questions and withholding direct answers to encourage deeper engagement. Rolling out to most ChatGPT plans, it's designed to improve educational use of AI while acknowledging students can bypass it. Similar to Anthropic's Learning Mode, it reflects growing focus on responsible AI in education. Importance for marketers: Signals broader AI evolution toward guided learning experiences, shaping future edtech and training solutions for marketing professionals.
You can find the previous issue of AI Update here.
Editor's note: GPT-4o was used to help compile this issue of AI Update.
