Artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning if you live outside the United States, is still growing at a rapid rate in terms of features and functionality. Don’t expect to see any predictions of AI achieving sentience or hitting that magical singularity – that’s not possible.
Machine learning is just that – a machine that has been programmed to react in specific ways. You won’t go to bed tonight and wake up Halle Berry or Chris Hemsworth tomorrow because it’s not possible – it defies reality.
With that out of the way, there are still some interesting trends that are shaping how we interact with this technology.
Here’s a look at the top AI trends of the year and why they matter.
- Reality Check for Generative AI
What’s Happening: After the initial hype, the focus is shifting towards more realistic applications of generative AI. Think of enhancements like co-pilot features in productivity software or creative tools, which are integrating AI to improve efficiency without replacing the core functions.
Why It Matters: This trend helps users understand the practical limits and capabilities of AI, ensuring technology enhances workflows without unrealistic expectations. The more educated and aware people are about AI, the easier it becomes to help technology advance.
- Rise of Multimodal AI
What’s Happening: AI models are now handling multiple types of data input—like text, image, and voice—all at once. This allows for more flexible and intuitive user interactions. For example, you can speak to an AI and receive a mix of text and graphical information in response. Currently, this is expensive, but it’s worth it, or sign up for AkzisAI and enjoy our holistic AI approach for almost any budget.
Why It Matters: Multimodal capabilities make AI much more accessible and powerful, providing richer, context-aware responses that significantly enhance user experience.
- Smaller, Smarter Models
What’s Happening: There’s a shift towards developing smaller AI models that consume less energy and resources but still deliver high-quality results. This could make AI more sustainable and accessible, which given its current energy demands, will be a big win for us all.
Why It Matters: By reducing the size and resource requirements, AI can run on more devices, including personal gadgets which reduces costs, and increases availability. It also forces the AI to be more focused which reduces hallucinations (tech-speak for errors).
- GPU and Cloud Cost Dynamics
What’s Happening: As AI models get smaller, the demand on hardware like GPUs and cloud services changes, possibly lowering costs which could allow more investment in AI infrastructures.
Why It Matters: This trend could make AI technologies cheaper to use and maintain, encouraging more widespread adoption.
- Model Optimization
What’s Happening: Techniques such as quantization and low-rank adaptation are being used to make AI models run faster and more efficiently.
Why It Matters: Optimizations mean quicker responses and less memory use, which are crucial for deploying AI in resource-constrained environments.
- Custom Local Models
What’s Happening: Organizations are developing bespoke AI models tailored to their specific needs, which can run locally without sending data to the cloud.
Why It Matters: This approach enhances privacy and security, making it suitable for sensitive or proprietary applications.
- Virtual Agents
What’s Happening: Beyond simple chatbots, virtual agents are now capable of performing tasks such as making reservations or managing schedules autonomously.
Why It Matters: These agents can automate routine tasks, boosting productivity and allowing human employees to focus on more complex issues.
- Regulatory Evolution
What’s Happening: With AI’s growth, governments are catching up with regulations to ensure safe, fair, and ethical use, especially around data usage and model training.
Why It Matters: Effective regulation will protect users and ensure that AI development aligns with societal norms and values.
- Shadow AI
What’s Happening: Unofficial use of AI tools within organizations is on the rise, leading to potential security and compliance risks. And governments around the globe are responding to what could open businesses up to hacks and economic espionage threats.
Why It Matters: This trend highlights the need for robust corporate policies on AI usage to prevent data breaches and other security issues. It also will hopefully force companies and agencies to place tighter controls on data and invest heavily in strong security and encryption platforms.
Well, that’s it for now. Staying informed about these trends will help individuals and organizations make the most of what AI has to offer in 2024 and beyond. We’ll keep this page updated as needed. When a new AI tech debuts, you’ll find out about it here.
