AI Strategies, Creativity in Education, and Apple's Healthcare Innovations

[00:00:02] [SPEAKER_00]: It's Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, and I'm Dave Sobel.

[00:00:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Four things to know today.

[00:00:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Gartner recommends tailored AI adoption strategies.

[00:00:11] [SPEAKER_00]: AI's ROI hinges on focused use cases, why tailored solutions are outperforming broad

[00:00:17] [SPEAKER_00]: tools.

[00:00:19] [SPEAKER_00]: A Canva study highlights creativity as a key to future success, and

[00:00:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple enters the healthcare market with FDA-approved AirPods Pro 2 hearing aids.

[00:00:29] [SPEAKER_00]: This is the Business of Tech.

[00:00:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Gartner identifies six key technologies that will transform digital governance in the next

[00:00:38] [SPEAKER_00]: five years.

[00:00:39] [SPEAKER_00]: Digital Employee Experience, AI Code Assistance, Generative AI, Generative Design AI, Predictive

[00:00:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Analytics and Work-Style Analytics.

[00:00:49] [SPEAKER_00]: These technologies aim to enhance employee outcomes, improve software development efficiency,

[00:00:54] [SPEAKER_00]: optimize design processes, inform public policy, and align digital investments with organizational

[00:01:00] [SPEAKER_00]: goals.

[00:01:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Also from Gartner, by 2027, 40% of generative AI solutions are expected to be multimodal,

[00:01:08] [SPEAKER_00]: significantly increasing from 1% last year, enhancing human-AI interaction and application

[00:01:15] [SPEAKER_00]: scalability.

[00:01:16] [SPEAKER_00]: Key technologies include multimodal generative AI, open source large language models,

[00:01:21] [SPEAKER_00]: domain-specific models, autonomous agents, each offering unique advantages for enterprises.

[00:01:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Multimodal generative AI will transform applications by integrating various data types while open

[00:01:34] [SPEAKER_00]: source LLMs promote innovation and customization.

[00:01:37] [SPEAKER_00]: Domain-specific models improve accuracy and reduce risks, and autonomous agents

[00:01:42] [SPEAKER_00]: enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences.

[00:01:46] [SPEAKER_00]: And in an event in Australia, Gartner advised IT leaders to adopt AI at their own pace,

[00:01:52] [SPEAKER_00]: choosing between a steady or accelerated approach based on their goals.

[00:01:57] [SPEAKER_00]: Steady adopters focus on productivity with fewer initiatives, while accelerated adopters

[00:02:02] [SPEAKER_00]: aim for broader benefits like revenue and customer experience.

[00:02:06] [SPEAKER_00]: Trust in AI is crucial, requiring different governance strategies for each approach.

[00:02:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Organizations should also consider the emotional impact of AI on employees and avoid the pitfalls

[00:02:16] [SPEAKER_00]: of disillusionment by focusing on business value.

[00:02:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:02:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Take to heart Gartner's advice to move at your own pace and advise your customers

[00:02:26] [SPEAKER_00]: to do the same.

[00:02:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Not every organization will benefit from rushing into AI, especially if the infrastructure,

[00:02:33] [SPEAKER_00]: governance or trust isn't in place.

[00:02:35] [SPEAKER_00]: Providers need to help clients assess their readiness for AI based on specific business

[00:02:41] [SPEAKER_00]: needs and goals.

[00:02:43] [SPEAKER_00]: A steady approach may be better suited for companies focused on productivity and internal

[00:02:47] [SPEAKER_00]: efficiency, while that accelerated approach works for those aiming for high-reward initiatives

[00:02:53] [SPEAKER_00]: like improving customer experience or gaining new revenue streams.

[00:02:57] [SPEAKER_00]: We'll get to ROI here in a moment.

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[00:03:41] [SPEAKER_00]: So let's talk about ROI on AI.

[00:03:44] [SPEAKER_00]: The information is reporting that Microsoft's AI assistant, 365 Copilot, has faced challenges

[00:03:49] [SPEAKER_00]: in adoption due to performance issues and high costs, with only 0.1% to 1% of Microsoft

[00:03:56] [SPEAKER_00]: 365 users currently paying for it.

[00:03:59] [SPEAKER_00]: While some businesses report mixed results, there's optimism for future improvements.

[00:04:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Budget constraints and competition from free alternatives also hinder broader adoption.

[00:04:11] [SPEAKER_00]: And speaking of it, Microsoft is expanding its Copilot Plus AI features to include

[00:04:15] [SPEAKER_00]: PCs powered by the latest AMD and Intel chips, enhancing performance, battery life,

[00:04:21] [SPEAKER_00]: security and connectivity.

[00:04:22] [SPEAKER_00]: New AI experiences will be available starting in November, including Windows Studio effects

[00:04:27] [SPEAKER_00]: and AI image editing tools.

[00:04:30] [SPEAKER_00]: And compare it to today's J's newsletter, which I featured before, which focused on

[00:04:35] [SPEAKER_00]: specific case studies.

[00:04:36] [SPEAKER_00]: Generative AI is delivering tangible ROI across various sectors, including customer support,

[00:04:41] [SPEAKER_00]: software engineering, customer experience, sales and operational processes.

[00:04:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Companies like Klarna and Salesforce report significant improvements in efficiency and

[00:04:51] [SPEAKER_00]: customer satisfaction, while Amazon's AI assistant has saved thousands of developer

[00:04:56] [SPEAKER_00]: years.

[00:04:56] [SPEAKER_00]: eBay and Taco Bell are enhancing customer experiences through AI-driven solutions, and

[00:05:01] [SPEAKER_00]: firms like Rocket Mortgage and Walmart are automating processes and improving data accuracy.

[00:05:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Overall, while many AI initiatives are still experimental, clear value is emerging as

[00:05:12] [SPEAKER_00]: companies refine their applications of the technology.

[00:05:16] [SPEAKER_00]: Research from Slack's Workforce Lab reveals that one in three workers use AI multiple

[00:05:21] [SPEAKER_00]: with a 23% increase in usage since January 2024.

[00:05:27] [SPEAKER_00]: While 81% of AI users report increased productivity, there are distinct personas among

[00:05:33] [SPEAKER_00]: workers.

[00:05:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Maximalists at 30% actively advocate for AI,

[00:05:38] [SPEAKER_00]: Underground at 20% use it discreetly,

[00:05:41] [SPEAKER_00]: Rebels at 19% reject it,

[00:05:44] [SPEAKER_00]: Superfans at 16% admire it but don't use it much,

[00:05:48] [SPEAKER_00]: and Observers at 16% are indifferent.

[00:05:51] [SPEAKER_00]: The study highlights the importance of AI training, as trained employees are significantly

[00:05:56] [SPEAKER_00]: more likely to trust and benefit from AI tools, emphasizing the need for companies

[00:06:01] [SPEAKER_00]: to invest in AI training to avoid leaving behind less engaged workers.

[00:06:06] [SPEAKER_00]: Salesforce is launching an AI use case library with over 100 capabilities tailored

[00:06:11] [SPEAKER_00]: for 15 industries, including healthcare and automotive, for general availability

[00:06:16] [SPEAKER_00]: between October 2024 and February 2025.

[00:06:20] [SPEAKER_00]: The focus is on customized AI solutions to address sector-specific challenges,

[00:06:25] [SPEAKER_00]: as generic tools may not suffice.

[00:06:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Salesforce's offerings will include features like generative AI-powered complaints,

[00:06:32] [SPEAKER_00]: summaries, and inventory checks, with pricing varying by implementation.

[00:06:37] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:06:39] [SPEAKER_00]: What's fascinating here is that specific areas that are seeing success are those

[00:06:43] [SPEAKER_00]: with a higher focus.

[00:06:44] [SPEAKER_00]: Focused personas with focused outcomes, where an industry in need and an improvement

[00:06:49] [SPEAKER_00]: are identified.

[00:06:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Broad We Can Help With AI, like Copilot, is showing slower success, if any.

[00:06:57] [SPEAKER_00]: AI projects with defined use cases, such as Salesforce's sector-specific ones

[00:07:01] [SPEAKER_00]: or Amazon's developer efficiency gains, are delivering real value.

[00:07:06] [SPEAKER_00]: These initiatives focus on concrete business outcomes, like streamlining

[00:07:10] [SPEAKER_00]: customer service or automating processes, which allows companies to measure

[00:07:14] [SPEAKER_00]: ROI far more directly.

[00:07:16] [SPEAKER_00]: For IT service providers, this is a critical insight.

[00:07:19] [SPEAKER_00]: AI solutions must be tailored to specific business needs rather than offering

[00:07:23] [SPEAKER_00]: broad generic capabilities.

[00:07:25] [SPEAKER_00]: Clients will see greater ROI when AI is applied to clear, focused problems.

[00:07:32] [SPEAKER_00]: I have a couple of education-related stories for you too.

[00:07:36] [SPEAKER_00]: A study by Canva highlights the importance of creativity in education,

[00:07:40] [SPEAKER_00]: emphasizing it's crucial for career success as AI automates routine tasks.

[00:07:45] [SPEAKER_00]: While 80% of recent graduates credit their success to creativity, there's a gap

[00:07:50] [SPEAKER_00]: in educational preparedness, with many educators citing a lack of resources

[00:07:54] [SPEAKER_00]: and time to foster creative skills.

[00:07:57] [SPEAKER_00]: The report suggests that teaching methods like project-based learning can

[00:08:01] [SPEAKER_00]: enhance creativity, and 85% of hiring managers believe AI's rise will promote

[00:08:06] [SPEAKER_00]: creative thinking, indicating a need for educational institutions to prioritize

[00:08:11] [SPEAKER_00]: creativity alongside technical skills.

[00:08:15] [SPEAKER_00]: And the UK government plans to invest £4 million in AI tools to assist

[00:08:19] [SPEAKER_00]: teachers with lesson planning and homework marketing, utilizing government

[00:08:23] [SPEAKER_00]: documents for content generation.

[00:08:26] [SPEAKER_00]: While the initiative aims to alleviate teacher workload, educational

[00:08:29] [SPEAKER_00]: organizations have raised concerns about AI's limitations and ethical

[00:08:33] [SPEAKER_00]: implications.

[00:08:34] [SPEAKER_00]: The project is still in early stages, with assurances that pupil data will be

[00:08:39] [SPEAKER_00]: anonymized and participation will be opt-in.

[00:08:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:08:44] [SPEAKER_00]: As AI increasingly automates routine tasks, creativity becomes a

[00:08:48] [SPEAKER_00]: differentiator in the workforce.

[00:08:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Both the Canva study and the UK's AI Initiative emphasize that AI should

[00:08:55] [SPEAKER_00]: be used to enhance human creativity and teaching capacities, not replace

[00:09:01] [SPEAKER_00]: them.

[00:09:01] [SPEAKER_00]: This reflects a broader trend across industries.

[00:09:05] [SPEAKER_00]: AI is most effective when it complements human skills, whether it's

[00:09:08] [SPEAKER_00]: creative problem-solving for students or easing administrative burdens

[00:09:12] [SPEAKER_00]: for teachers.

[00:09:14] [SPEAKER_00]: IT providers can play a crucial role in advising educational institutions

[00:09:18] [SPEAKER_00]: and customers on how to strike the right balance, ensuring that AI tools

[00:09:22] [SPEAKER_00]: enhance both learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness.

[00:09:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple had its big event yesterday.

[00:09:30] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple launched the iPhone 16, featuring significant AI enhancements,

[00:09:35] [SPEAKER_00]: including a new A18 chip optimized for generative AI, a customizable

[00:09:39] [SPEAKER_00]: action button and advanced camera controls.

[00:09:42] [SPEAKER_00]: The event also introduced Apple Intelligence, that personal AI system

[00:09:46] [SPEAKER_00]: for various devices initially shown, this summer at WWDC.

[00:09:51] [SPEAKER_00]: The Apple Watch Series 10 was also unveiled, capable of detecting

[00:09:55] [SPEAKER_00]: sleep apnea.

[00:09:56] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple Intelligence will launch in October for iPhones, iPads and

[00:10:00] [SPEAKER_00]: Macs with updates to iOS 18.1, iPad OS 18.1 and Mac OS Sequoia 15.1.

[00:10:07] [SPEAKER_00]: iOS 18, iPad OS 18 and Mac OS Sequoia will all launch on

[00:10:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Monday, September 16th.

[00:10:14] [SPEAKER_00]: But here's the most significant announcement.

[00:10:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple announced that the AirPods Pro 2 will soon function as

[00:10:21] [SPEAKER_00]: FDA approved hearing aids, improving access to hearing treatment.

[00:10:25] [SPEAKER_00]: Users can take a hearing test via the Apple Health app to adjust sound levels.

[00:10:31] [SPEAKER_00]: This move aims to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss,

[00:10:35] [SPEAKER_00]: potentially increasing early access to hearing assistance.

[00:10:38] [SPEAKER_00]: The AirPods Pro 2 will be available for $249 and include features

[00:10:43] [SPEAKER_00]: like loud noise reduction for concerts.

[00:10:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:10:48] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple now makes FDA approved health care devices, pending approval.

[00:10:52] [SPEAKER_00]: Apple is now a health care provider in the direct sense.

[00:10:57] [SPEAKER_00]: With AirPods Pro being both widely distributed, significantly less expensive

[00:11:01] [SPEAKER_00]: than competitive hearing aids and available over the counter,

[00:11:05] [SPEAKER_00]: this is a significant development.

[00:11:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Keep an eye on the health care intentions and we'll watch for that FDA approval.

[00:11:14] [SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for listening.

[00:11:15] [SPEAKER_00]: Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

[00:11:18] [SPEAKER_00]: Every 40 seconds someone takes their own life, according to the World Health Organization.

[00:11:23] [SPEAKER_00]: It's the 10th leading cause of death in the US.

[00:11:26] [SPEAKER_00]: So I'm making you aware.

[00:11:27] [SPEAKER_00]: And if you're struggling, please reach out for help.

[00:11:30] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll be speaking at Pulseway Nexus September 11 and 12.

[00:11:34] [SPEAKER_00]: So make sure to sign up and register to join me.

[00:11:37] [SPEAKER_00]: Link in the show notes and description.

[00:11:39] [SPEAKER_00]: You got a question you want answered?

[00:11:40] [SPEAKER_00]: I take those questions.

[00:11:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Send them in at question at MSPRadio.com.

[00:11:45] [SPEAKER_00]: And if you got a thought or a story you want to share with me,

[00:11:48] [SPEAKER_00]: put it in the comments if you're on YouTube or reach out on LinkedIn.

[00:11:51] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're listening to the podcast.

[00:11:52] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

[00:12:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care merch at businessof.tech.

[00:12:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Finally, if you're interested in advertising on this show,

[00:12:29] [SPEAKER_00]: visit MSPRadio.com slash engage.

[00:12:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Once again, thanks for listening to me.

[00:12:35] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll talk to you again on our next episode of the Business of Tech.

[00:12:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Part of the MSP Radio Network.