Meta’s AI Updates for Social Media and Messaging Platforms
On December 6, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) announced a range of AI-focused updates for its social media and messaging platforms. The company is testing over 20 new ways to enhance user experiences on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp through generative AI. Additionally, Meta AI, the chatbot and virtual assistant, will be upgraded to provide more helpful responses and accurate search result summaries.
Improved AI Integration in Meta’s Images and Reels
Meta has also integrated AI into its Images and Reels platforms. Reels recommendations will now be showcased in Meta AI chats to offer visual information. The company has also launched a standalone AI image generator website called “Imagine with Meta AI,” which uses a model trained on 1.1 billion publicly visible Facebook and Instagram images to generate novel images based on written prompts. Furthermore, AI will be utilized in Facebook’s content creation and sharing processes, as well as in Marketplace to assist buyers and sellers.
Invisible Watermarking for Transparency
Meta plans to implement invisible watermarking on images created with AI to increase transparency and traceability. Although the watermarks won’t be visible to users, Meta’s AI model can identify them. However, the announcement lacks specific details about how the company collects and uses user data.
Concerns Over User Protection
The Thai government recently threatened to ban Facebook due to its failure to protect users from scams proliferating on the platform.
Google Introduces Advanced AI Model Gemini
On the same day, Google launched its highly anticipated AI model called Gemini. Google claims that Gemini surpasses its competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT by offering advanced capabilities in handling text, images, audio, and video. Gemini comes in three versions tailored for various usage scenarios and markets. It will be integrated into Google’s AI assistant, Bard, and will be available on its flagship smartphone. Furthermore, Gemini will be deployed across Google’s products and services, including Chrome, Ads, and Search in the coming year.
Hot Take: The Race for AI Advancements Continues
Both Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google are making significant strides in advancing their AI capabilities. Meta’s updates aim to enhance user experiences across its platforms with generative AI and improved chatbot functionalities. On the other hand, Google’s Gemini model stands out for its multimodal capabilities, surpassing its competitors in handling various types of content. As these tech giants continue to push the boundaries of AI technology, it raises concerns about data privacy and user protection. Striking a balance between technological advancements and ensuring transparency remains a challenge in the evolving landscape of AI.