AI Update, December 13, 2024: AI News and Views From the Past Week

Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order):

Harvard launches massive free AI dataset. Harvard University has unveiled a free dataset containing nearly 1 million public-domain books, created with support from OpenAI and Microsoft. The dataset is curated to offer high-quality training material for AI models, sourced from diverse genres, eras, and languages. Aimed at democratizing AI development, the initiative will expand to include newspaper archives in collaboration with Boston Public Library. Importance for marketers: This dataset provides startups and researchers with accessible training data, fostering innovation and enabling smaller companies to compete in AI-driven marketing and analytics.

Meta introduces AI tools for the Metaverse. Meta revealed Meta Motivo, an AI model that improves digital avatars' lifelike movements, alongside the Large Concept Model (LCM) for language reasoning. These tools aim to enhance Metaverse interactions and foster more immersive user experiences. Additionally, Video Seal ensures video authenticity with hidden watermarks. Importance for marketers: These innovations enable brands to create realistic and engaging experiences in virtual environments, enhancing customer interaction and storytelling within the Metaverse.