Express News Service
If there was any doubt, the launch of GPT-4, ChatGPT’s successor, has established, once and for all, that 2023 will be the definitive year for generative AI. Though the distinction between OpenAI’s GPT-4 and its predecessor GPT-3.5 is subtle, and the improvement more iterative, GPT-4 surpasses ChatGPT in its advanced reasoning capabilities.
Last month, both Microsoft and Google announced an evolution of search experiences. Google has Bard, an AI-powered chatbot that can answer queries in a conversational way, and Microsoft announced the next-generation of Bing and Edge powered by GPT-4. Bing is currently available in a limited preview.
Transcending enterprise applications, GPT-4 and other AI systems—Google will offer developers access to one of its most advanced AI language models, PaLM—will now push for more consumer apps and services that offer content creation, low-code solutions for office workers, as well as knowledge and information processing solutions for businesses.
OpenAI will also partner with a number of companies to integrate GPT-4 into their products, including Duolingo and Khan Academy. Some early case studies include payment platform Stripe leveraging GPT-4 to streamline user experience and combat fraud, and Morgan Stanley wealth management deploying it to organise its vast knowledge base.
Later this year, Google will offer a bunch of generative AI features for its various Workspace apps, including Google Docs, Gmail, Sheets and Slides. The features will include new ways to generate, summarise and brainstorm text in Google Docs and the ability to produce AI imagery, audio and video to illustrate presentations in Slides. Microsoft too is building similar features into its Microsoft 365 suite, including Word, Teams and Outlook. The company is also looking to bundle its AI-powered search experience into the Windows 11 operating system.
Games People Play
While the metaverse ambitions in enterprises look like a distant dream, the gaming community may soon get to indulge in unprecedented virtual and mixed-reality experiences. From a niche audience of early adopters and technology enthusiasts, immersive and portable gaming will become mainstream. One of the reasons would be Apple’s VR incursion this year—the company’s first foray into virtual reality will not only raise the stakes among the competition, but also drive large-scale adoption in a way that only Apple can enable. Sony’s long-awaited PlayStation VR 2 promises a more immersive experience, thanks to its much-improved tracking and new sensory features. The brand has confirmed over 20 games at launch, offering a mix of first-party and third-party games. Mark Zuckerberg has also confirmed that the Meta Quest 3 will launch later this year, and will get an enhanced mixed reality feature—Meta Reality. The third-generation VR headset could be the best to hit the shelves by retaining the affordable price point of its predecessor.
Bring into the Fold
Even though innovation in smartphones is reaching a plateau, the brands are stretching the camera prowess to achieve incredible results. But what’s really making news this year are the foldable phones. A 2022 report from Counterpoint Research predicted that the global foldable phones market is expected to grow to 26 million units this year. While Pixel foldable is the most-anticipated, OPPO too has thrown its hat in the ring with Find N2 Flip. Also, expect the Samsung foldables later this year to shake things up significantly. The brand recently launched its Galaxy S23 series—the most accessible and marquee flagship smartphone. It’s an iterative update, but could end up being the best-selling Android phone in the market. The likes of Xiaomi and Vivo too are pushing the envelope with Xiaomi 13 Pro and the Vivo X90 Pro, as they aim to up the ante in the photography department with their partnership with Leica and ZEISS, respectively. The smartphone market in India is already moving from being volume-driven to value-driven. While Redmi, Xiaomi’s sub-brand, and Realme will continue to fight it out in the affordable segment, everyone from Xiaomi, Vivo, iQOO, OPPO, OnePlus to Google and Samsung will put out delightful devices in the broad range from Rs 30,000 to six-figure price-stickers.With Apple’s greater focus on Indian market, iPhone 14 could emerge as the top-selling model, considering iPhone 15 will be launched later this year.
Health Watch
Gone are the days of tracking water intake, calories, and steps via wearables. People are now looking for customised fitness solutions akin to a personal trainer. The health ecosystem will also evolve as doctors and medical practitioners warm up to data from wearables (sleep cycles, heart rate monitoring etc.) and medical-grade thingamajigs (like the one used for a sleep study) to aid diagnosis and keep a tab on patients with chronic conditions. Online platforms offering mental health services, including therapy, and sexual wellness consultations are set to thrive, with platforms such as Allo Health, Kindly and Man Matters already offering full-stack solutions in India.
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