Welcome to the AI Ecosystem Report, featuring practitioner analyst and entrepreneur Toni Witt. This series is intended to deliver the timely intelligence about artificial intelligence (AI) you need to get up to speed for an upcoming client engagement or board meeting.
Highlights
Innovation (00:36)
The gaming industry continues to evolve around GenAI, as gaming companies are increasingly using the technology. Activision sold the first AI-generated in-game cosmetic within “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” and didn’t put any indication within the game that it was AI-generated. This cosmetic sold for $15 per unit. This sparks the debate around the ethics of selling AI-generated assets and whether users should be notified. This also makes it clear that large development studios are using GenAI in their workflows.
Earlier this year, Keyword Studios, a game development studio, tried to create a game with only GenAI. The studio didn’t see any success with this. While GenAI is useful in many aspects of game development, it can’t replace talent in game development.
Funding (05:09)
Pearl, the leading dental AI company, raised $58 million in Series B funding. The company helps dentists make clinical decisions and communicate with patients using AI. Its revenue grew nearly 500% in 2023. Now, Pearl is being used in over 500,000 dental practices. The product suite includes a few key elements:
- Predictive Analytics: This helps dentists apply data to predict and forewarn patients about possible upcoming problems with their teeth.
- Imaging Analytics: AI analyzes radiologic images to aid with diagnoses. This component also makes it easier for patients to understand.
- Pre-Check: This uses natural language processing to streamline the insurance verification process for dentist offices.
Solution of the Week (07:20)
With AI-powered internet search booming, OpenAI announced the testing of its new AI-powered search experience, SearchGPT. It’s being piloted with test users and test publishers. SearchGPT will use natural language to respond to search queries in a more conversational way.
Major search engines, including OpenAI and Google, have faced more heat from publishers and content creators lately, with some filing lawsuits claiming IP infringement. Additionally, with features like Google’s AI Overview, AI search tools are pulling viewers away from visiting publishing sites. This poses another problem for publishers who rely on views for advertising and revenue. With this in mind, it will be interesting to see how AI search plays out.
The AI Ecosystem Q2 2024 Report compiles the innovations, funding, and products highlighted in AI Ecosystem Reports from the second quarter of 2024. Download now for perspectives on the companies, innovations, and solutions shaping the future of AI.
