“[AI] really does raise the bar in terms of what people are going to expect from you,” our analyst Jeremy Goldman said on our recent “ChatGPT and Generative AI” panel. As AI matures, it will become more specialized, automating mundane tasks, ushering in personalization, and changing the way consumers, retailers, and marketers use the internet. Here are eight predictions for that not-so-distant future.

Gaming became a popular online activity during the pandemic. Growth may be slowing, but it’s not shrinking, meaning that the majority of those who picked up the hobby during the pandemic have become long-term users.

Even as suspicions surrounding ChatGPT and generative AI swirl, marketers know the new tech will turn search—and its ad dollars—on its head. As search shifts toward chatbots, the way brands advertise with Google and Microsoft will change completely, creating problems for publishers and agencies.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing can take share from Google, if social platforms can compete with Amazon on product search, and what to make of the idea that Apple might release its own search engine. "In Other News," we talk about what watching Peacock in the metaverse looks like and how people feel about all of their subscriptions. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Peter Newman and analyst Max Willens.

Generative AI comes to EHRs: Microsoft’s strong AI position could bring the company more healthcare cloud customers since its integrated AI tech with Epic can only be accessed on Azure.

Google, Musk, and OpenAI moves show corporate Darwinism in AI race: As tech gets closer to the holy grail of AGI, it’s getting harder for companies to apply the brakes.

With Bedrock, Amazon courts an array of AI startups: The platform offers a smorgasbord of generative AI tools for enterprise. But moves by Databricks and Meta could take model training in-house.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of Microsoft putting ads in its AI-powered Bing Chat platform, the biggest pitfalls of companies using generative AI, and publishers' concerns about AI chatbots cutting readership. "In Other News," we talk about how much retail media networks are actually boosting the US ad market and which car manufacturers are leading the US electric vehicle (EV) race. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Gadjo Sevilla and Max Willens.

The risks and benefits of generative AI in healthcare: The AI craze is triggering mixed feelings in healthcare communities as tech players continue to tout their tools for healthcare tasks.

A big cloud services drought could amount to involuntary AI slowdown: Cloud server chips and energy supplies buckle under the weight of generative AI demands, adding to monopoly likelihood.

Over the past month, we’ve seen ad updates from all the major players, from Meta’s generative AI ads to Google’s attempts to decrease clutter. Here’s what they mean for advertisers.

AGI would be like an ‘alien civilization’: A top AI researcher issues a dire warning about tech companies training advanced models. There’s a safer, more productive approach to AI.

Nearly three-quarters of US TikTok users will also use Instagram this year, making it the most popular alternative to the social video app, per our forecast. That’s good news for Instagram Reels, which is positioning itself as a viable successor in the event of a US TikTok ban.

Search advertising industry could be monetizing AI chats too soon: Much rides on Bing Chat ads—and how it impacts user experience.

Ad-supported video gains viewership, time spent on digital video surpasses TV, and streaming services pivot from audience growth to profitability.

As Bing makes inroads into Google’s lead, it experiments with AI ads: Disney and Roku layoffs and pivots by Twitter and ByteDance dominated headlines this past week.

OpenAI, Microsoft might ignore industry calls to halt AI advancement: As OpenAI continues to aim for a human-level AI with Microsoft’s blessing, industry players are calling foul. Regulation is necessary.

Billions of dollars are flowing to generative AI startups: High barriers to entry and a hard road to profitability mean a select few companies will eventually dominate a powerful market.

Bing's ChatGPT integration is boosting its usage, challenging Google in the AI-driven search market: Microsoft shares are up, and the incumbent’s ad revenues could be impacted.

Friction developing between Microsoft and OpenAI: The tech companies compete for AI customers under a profit-sharing model that could undermine Microsoft’s cloud growth. An acquisition attempt is likely.