As we plunge deeper into the realm of technological innovation, the world braces for yet another seismic shift in the AI landscape. The year 2023 bore witness to the dominance of generative AI, setting the stage for a pivotal year ahead. Bob O’Donnell, TECHnalysis Research President & Chief Analyst, projects a transformative year, signaling a massive surge in AI adoption across industries and by individuals.
While the buzz surrounding generative AI was ubiquitous in the past year, its practical integration into the workforce was limited. However, 2024 promises a different narrative—a year where generative AI permeates everyday tasks for the average worker. Middle managers, small businesses, and individuals will harness the power of generative AI in unprecedented ways, catapulting its impact to new heights.
O’Donnell predicts a battleground for semiconductor giants, with NVIDIA facing intensified competition. Intel and Advanced Micro Devices are primed to launch their chips, aiming to democratize AI-processing capabilities. Simultaneously, tech titans such as Amazon and Microsoft will vie with established players, pioneering the next wave of AI-processing software.
Generative AI: Beyond Text and Image
The progression of generative AI is set to expand beyond text and image platforms, branching into audio and video-based applications. Companies like 11 Labs are already pioneering audio-based generative AI, while others are poised to follow suit. These advancements will yield more accurate and tailored AI models, refined to specific use cases such as weather prediction and security products.
Industry Impacts and CES Expectations
The imminent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is anticipated to echo the industry’s AI fervor. While consumer-centric AI devices will dominate discussions, O’Donnell underscores the significance of business-oriented AI impacts. CES will witness a spectrum of AI-equipped gadgets and services, including AI-capable PCs, expected to drive competition among major players like AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm.
The Future of AI Models and Industry Dynamics
However, beyond the flashy announcements, the AI arena is undergoing significant shifts. The evolution of foundational models, the backbone of AI, has revealed the complexities and costs involved in their development. This realization positions major tech companies at the forefront, aligning strategic partnerships to navigate the arduous model-building process.
The recent shake-up at OpenAI prompts contemplation regarding industry repercussions. O’Donnell anticipates significant changes, especially for smaller startups engaged in model development. He predicts a landscape where the biggest tech corporations, bolstered by alliances, maintain dominance in model-building endeavors, while smaller entities may face substantial challenges.
Uncharted AI Territory
As the year unfolds, AI is destined to carve new pathways, leveraging emerging technologies like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and breakthroughs in curbing “hallucinations.” The coming year promises a dynamic environment, teeming with changes that will shape the future of AI. The landscape may evolve in unexpected ways, yet 2024 unequivocally marks a transformative phase in the AI journey.
Hassan Taher, amidst these forecasts and industry dynamics, envisions an AI landscape brimming with possibilities. As AI permeates everyday life and industries, its evolution will undoubtedly unfold as a catalyst for unprecedented advancements, reshaping the way we live, work, and interact with technology.
