Google's Gemini Live, Flux AI Challenge, Antitrust Ruling, Vendor Empowerment, AI Advancements

[00:00:02] [SPEAKER_00]: It's Thursday, August 15th, 2024, and I'm Dave Sobel. Three things to know today.

[00:00:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Gemini Live debuts on Google One with Advanced Voice Chat while Flux challenges mid-journey.

[00:00:14] [SPEAKER_00]: Google also loses a landmark antitrust case facing potential breakup over the search monopoly.

[00:00:20] [SPEAKER_00]: And fewer vendor relationships empower partners as AI matures beyond the hype.

[00:00:26] [SPEAKER_00]: This is the Business of Tech.

[00:00:30] [SPEAKER_00]: Google has launched Gemini Live, a voice chat feature for its generative AI chatbot.

[00:00:36] [SPEAKER_00]: It allows users to engage in natural conversations with enhanced speech capabilities.

[00:00:41] [SPEAKER_00]: It offers hands-free functionality, a variety of voices, and the ability to interrupt for

[00:00:46] [SPEAKER_00]: follow-up questions.

[00:00:47] [SPEAKER_00]: While it currently lacks multimodal input, which will be added later, Gemini Live is

[00:00:52] [SPEAKER_00]: available exclusively through the Google One AI Premium plan for $20 a month.

[00:00:58] [SPEAKER_00]: Additional features and integrations with Google services are also on the way.

[00:01:02] [SPEAKER_00]: And Flux, developed by Black Forest Labs, is a new open-source AI image generation model

[00:01:08] [SPEAKER_00]: that has quickly gained popularity, outperforming mid-journey in certain areas like rendering people.

[00:01:15] [SPEAKER_00]: It offers three versions, Pro, Dev, and Schnell, with the Pro version used commercially.

[00:01:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Users can download and run Flux locally or access it through platforms like Night Cafe and Poe.

[00:01:27] [SPEAKER_00]: The company is also working on a text-to-video model.

[00:01:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Why do we care?

[00:01:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Well, these are very tactical, but I just want to highlight the iterative advancement here.

[00:01:38] [SPEAKER_00]: I didn't spend time on the pixel announcements and instead wanted to focus on the assistant technology.

[00:01:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Finally, some interesting advancements in the application of voice.

[00:01:46] [SPEAKER_00]: And note how quickly models can be usurped here.

[00:01:50] [SPEAKER_00]: Mid-journey was the lead and now not so much.

[00:01:53] [SPEAKER_00]: In a few months, we may see another round of changes.

[00:01:57] [SPEAKER_00]: The insight is the speed of progress.

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[00:02:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Listeners can get 25% off.

[00:02:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Visit movebot.io.msb.radio to learn more.

[00:02:40] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm catching up on this one for sure, but it is important.

[00:02:44] [SPEAKER_00]: Google lost a significant answer trust case.

[00:02:47] [SPEAKER_00]: A judge ruled that it illegally maintained a monopoly in search

[00:02:51] [SPEAKER_00]: and text advertising, violating the Sherman Act.

[00:02:55] [SPEAKER_00]: The court found that Google actively blocked competitors

[00:02:57] [SPEAKER_00]: and reinforced its dominance through substantial payments,

[00:03:01] [SPEAKER_00]: such as $20 billion to be Apple's preferred search engine.

[00:03:05] [SPEAKER_00]: The ruling is seen as a historic win for the American people

[00:03:08] [SPEAKER_00]: with potential remedies, including the breakup of Alphabet.

[00:03:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Google plans to appeal the decision while emphasizing the quality of its search engine.

[00:03:17] [SPEAKER_00]: And I considered this discussion from Big Tech on Trial for the Big Ideas section,

[00:03:21] [SPEAKER_00]: and instead will highlight the article here.

[00:03:24] [SPEAKER_00]: The ruling highlights the significant impact of exclusive contracts on market dynamics,

[00:03:29] [SPEAKER_00]: and sets the stage for a remedy phase to address Google's anti-competitive practices.

[00:03:34] [SPEAKER_00]: The decision is poised to reshape monopolization law

[00:03:37] [SPEAKER_00]: and could lead to broader implications for the internet and business practices in the U.S.

[00:03:42] [SPEAKER_00]: If you want a longer explainer, this is the piece.

[00:03:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Now why do we care?

[00:03:48] [SPEAKER_00]: The next stage is the remedy phase, during which hearings will determine what will happen as a

[00:03:52] [SPEAKER_00]: resolution, plus the appeals will be in the system for years.

[00:03:56] [SPEAKER_00]: That's where we'll find out how much we really care.

[00:04:00] [SPEAKER_00]: That said, it's the contracts that were designed to keep others from implementing

[00:04:04] [SPEAKER_00]: search that appear most likely to fall.

[00:04:06] [SPEAKER_00]: If we compare against the Microsoft anti-trust actions of the 90s,

[00:04:11] [SPEAKER_00]: there was a significant shift in the landscape after.

[00:04:14] [SPEAKER_00]: There may be another to come.

[00:04:19] [SPEAKER_00]: Let's get some alternative perspectives with weekend Big Ideas.

[00:04:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Channel Halleck looked at how partners in the Tech Channel are increasingly favouring

[00:04:27] [SPEAKER_00]: fewer vendor relationships due to the decline of resale, the rise of marketplaces,

[00:04:32] [SPEAKER_00]: and the support from distributors.

[00:04:35] [SPEAKER_00]: This shift is empowering partners who now seek vendors that can help them

[00:04:38] [SPEAKER_00]: achieve business outcomes rather than just product sales.

[00:04:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Additionally, advancements in AI such as the Terra's Copilot 2

[00:04:45] [SPEAKER_00]: enhance operational efficiency for providers.

[00:04:49] [SPEAKER_00]: As a side note, I was a guest on Rich Freeman's MSP Chat podcast,

[00:04:53] [SPEAKER_00]: which should be released this week.

[00:04:55] [SPEAKER_00]: One useful thing examined the rapid advancements in AI over the past 21 months

[00:05:00] [SPEAKER_00]: since the launch of ChatGPT, highlighting improvements in image generation and language

[00:05:05] [SPEAKER_00]: models.

[00:05:06] [SPEAKER_00]: The article discusses the impact of the Plaza Accord on Japan's economy,

[00:05:10] [SPEAKER_00]: the evolution of AI technologies, and the swift adoption of AI tools among individuals,

[00:05:15] [SPEAKER_00]: educators, and knowledge workers.

[00:05:17] [SPEAKER_00]: The author emphasizes the uncertainty of AI's future,

[00:05:21] [SPEAKER_00]: while acknowledging the significant changes already observed.

[00:05:24] [SPEAKER_00]: And the article, The AI Hangover is Here, The End of the Beginning,

[00:05:29] [SPEAKER_00]: discusses the current state of AI following a period of excitement,

[00:05:33] [SPEAKER_00]: highlighting a market correction and the challenges of generative AI,

[00:05:36] [SPEAKER_00]: including its non-deterministic nature and high costs.

[00:05:40] [SPEAKER_00]: Despite these issues, AI is expected to remain relevant as companies like Apple and Google

[00:05:44] [SPEAKER_00]: developed user-friendly applications.

[00:05:47] [SPEAKER_00]: Integrating AI in the enterprise workflows presents challenges,

[00:05:51] [SPEAKER_00]: particularly cyber security, where new tools must be carefully managed to mitigate risks.

[00:05:56] [SPEAKER_00]: Opportunities for AI and identity and access management are emerging,

[00:06:01] [SPEAKER_00]: but organizations must remain vigilant about security implications as the technology evolves.

[00:06:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Finally, four mega-trends MSPs should track to stay relevant.

[00:06:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Business executives are increasingly concerned about four mega-trends,

[00:06:16] [SPEAKER_00]: climate issues, workforce changes, IT risks, and supply chain disruptions.

[00:06:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Many recognize the need for greater resiliency in the face of climate-related risks and IT

[00:06:27] [SPEAKER_00]: outages with many investing in cybersecurity and workforce re-skilling.

[00:06:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Providers can engage executives by addressing these risks and demonstrating their ability to

[00:06:36] [SPEAKER_00]: help navigate global disruptions and enhance supply chain management.

[00:06:40] [SPEAKER_00]: Now, why do we care?

[00:06:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Can you focus your business on fewer vendors and be more efficient?

[00:06:46] [SPEAKER_00]: It's a great question to explore.

[00:06:49] [SPEAKER_00]: An AI needs to deliver on business outcomes,

[00:06:51] [SPEAKER_00]: and we're entering that stage of the technology development.

[00:06:54] [SPEAKER_00]: It's an exciting time, and one where those who discipline not to fall for hype

[00:06:59] [SPEAKER_00]: will do very well.

[00:07:00] [SPEAKER_00]: But more importantly, consider those four mega-trends.

[00:07:04] [SPEAKER_00]: None of them are pure technology.

[00:07:08] [SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for listening.

[00:07:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Today is National Relaxation Day.

[00:07:11] [SPEAKER_00]: It's also Check the Chip Day, so check your pets to be chipped.

[00:07:15] [SPEAKER_00]: There'll be no bonus episode this weekend.

[00:07:17] [SPEAKER_00]: If you've got a question you want answered, we take lists for questions.

[00:07:20] [SPEAKER_00]: Send them in at question at mspradier.com.

[00:07:23] [SPEAKER_00]: It'll be a live show on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern.

[00:07:26] [SPEAKER_00]: And if you enjoyed the show, make sure to share it with a friend,

[00:07:29] [SPEAKER_00]: tell a colleague, and make sure you're following on your favorite platform.

[00:07:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Have a great weekend.

[00:07:35] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll talk to you on Monday.

[00:07:59] [SPEAKER_00]: Patreon.com.

[00:08:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Or, buy our Why Do We Care merch at businessof.tech.

[00:08:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Finally, if you're interested in advertising on this show, visit mspradier.com.

[00:08:14] [SPEAKER_00]: Once again, thanks for listening to me, and I'll talk to you again

[00:08:18] [SPEAKER_00]: on our next episode of The Business of Tech.