AI Drama 2024: Famous Releases of the Year (How the Industry Has Changed)

As we approach the final quarter of 2024, it signifies that we’ve already experienced most of this year’s releases, observed intense scandals, and tracked the clashes between major companies heavily investing in AI.

This issue of the Newsletter is dedicated to releases I couldn’t ignore. 

Today, you will learn about projects like:

• Docling.
• Operator' AI.
• Synthesia.
• Google Gemini та Apple Intelligence.
• Rabbit R1 also Human AI Pin.
• Suno

Details, highlights, opportunities, and everything that might interest you. Plus, as a bonus, my subjective forecast for the next year.

The Trend That Is Becoming the Norm

Previous McKinsey surveys show a shift in corporate attitudes towards artificial intelligence. In 2023, AI was seen as an experimental field, but by 2024, over 65% of respondents claim their organizations are using AI for everyday tasks.

While some companies (72%) are using at least one AI product, the market is already trending towards a full transition to artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI.

This is because AI is gaining more capabilities, and this year’s releases (both well-known and lesser-known) only confirm its potential.

Projects That Are Already Transforming Industries

Yes, the new ChatGPT, expansions of other LLMs, and startup presentations are interesting, but they’re not as exciting as actual releases. So today, let’s focus on things that can already be “touched” and tested by anyone interested.

A quick note: the list includes both serious tools and simply interesting solutions that can find application even in daily operations.

Docling

You’ve probably found yourself in situations where you need to convert documents from one file format to another, right? Remember the hours spent adjusting formatting and manually copying information? Forget about that; it’s all in the past.

The new AI-based tool Docling allows you to quickly and accurately convert all popular document types, extract text data from them, export to separate files, or save them in JSON format. Not impressive? How about processing PDFs or images? Looks better, doesn’t it?

Moreover, the tool is being developed in collaboration with IBM, which means much better optimization and integration with various systems, including ERP, etc.

'Operator' AI

Yes, this tool isn’t officially released yet, but it’s already receiving positive feedback from closed beta testers. Moreover, while OpenAI is only announcing a release in January, some third-party developers are already publishing their own versions.

This tool is designed to optimize work, routine tasks, and daily operations. It is positioned as an automator for scheduling and managing operations, including task lists, production processes, etc.

In practice, this system will help everyone: from ordinary users to top executives of large corporations. So, we’re looking forward to the release and are simultaneously checking out available alternatives.

Synthesia

Have you ever dreamed of making your own video? Yes, literally, write a script, and end up with a ready-made video? And all of this in only a few minutes? Well, now you have the chance to make that dream come true.

Synthesia offers an AI-based toolkit that lets you generate short videos. All you need to get started is an idea and a clear prompt.

Of course, there are other video generators that work well, but none quite compare to this tool. So, what are you waiting for? Create an account and start making magic with Synthesia!

Google Gemini та Apple Intelligence

Two competitors, two fundamentally different AI systems, significant progress for UX on both Android and iOS devices. Well, almost.

Apple Intelligence was unveiled at WWDC 2024 during the presentation of the new iPhone 16 series. The company highlighted the capabilities of its new AI, updated Siri, and the total integration of digital intelligence into virtually every system element.

What’s the reality? With iOS 18.1, we finally got a small part of what was promised, mostly working in the U.S. and only on devices from the 15th and 16th generations. Of course, no localization.

In contrast, Google Gemini provides a much more favorable experience. Not only does the lineup of devices that support AI “out of the box” is much wider, but this intelligent bot is also available in most countries worldwide. While it doesn’t yet do all that was promised by developers, it still makes tasks involving text, photos, and general smartphone UX easier.

Rabbit R1 also Humane AI Pin

Why two in one? It’s simple – these devices serve the same purpose. Specifically, they allow you to access information without interacting with smartphones or other similar devices.

In short, Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin are AI-based devices with voice control. In other words, they’re the old reliable assistants, now in a modern package with enhanced capabilities.

For example, they can provide you with information about places, events, translate text, and even offer voice assistance — all in real-time.

Suno

Was video included in the collection? Okay, how about music? That's exactly what Suno is designed for — music generation. Always dreamed of being a songwriter, but can’t carry a tune? No problem.

You can create both fully instrumental compositions and vocal ones. What’s more, you can compose for choirs, orchestras, and explore any genre. The result depends on your imagination and ability to work with AI.

Yes, all you need is your skill in crafting prompts and your idea. Suno will handle the rest based on your inputs. Once the composition is complete, you’re free to use it as you see fit.

How This Could Change the Industry

We’ve already witnessed artists’ confrontations with engineers teaching their LLMs (large language models) using works from well-known performers, artists, and so on. We’ve also seen the formation of new laws meant to regulate the use of AI.

These are indicators that we’re entering a time when, hypothetically, AI could diminish the value of some professions. I’ll repeat, hypothetically.

In practice, content creators are currently not at risk of being replaced from the market, nor are developers, writers, and other professionals. Perhaps things will change over time, but not in the short term.

Step Toward Reality

What could really change, though, is the ubiquity of artificial intelligence in all sectors — from autonomous smart home systems to efficient assistants in factories.

Robots that perform the toughest and most dangerous tasks, drones with automatic navigation, entire complexes that autonomously cover full production cycles. Sounds like a utopia? Well, no, that’s more of a reality we might see within the next decade.

Will Skynet rebel? Will AI become uncontrollable and decide to destroy humanity? I don’t know, but we’ll handle that ourselves sooner rather than later.

What about you — what actual releases did you enjoy? Share your impressions and thoughts in the comments!