Generative artificial intelligence has become a go-to word this year, capturing the public's imagination and sparking a race between Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet to launch products with technology they believe will change the nature of business across the world.
What is Generative AI?
Like other forms of AI, generative AI learns how to construct new information from previous data, and creates entirely new content, be it text, image, or even code, based on this training rather than just categorizing or identifying data like regular AI.
One of the most popular applications of generating artificial intelligence is ChatGPT, a chatbot launched by OpenAI late last year and supported by Microsoft.
The artificial intelligence that supports this technology is known as the large language model because it takes a text command, and from it writes in response to this command with texts written in a human-like style.
GPT-4 is the latest version of the generative AI applications announced by OpenAI this week, which is unique in this version as "multimedia" as it can accommodate text and images as well.
What is the benefit of generative AI?
Regardless of objections to the uses of AI, companies are actually investing in it, especially generative AI.
This technique is useful in creating a first draft of a marketing copy, for example, although it may require revision, and one example of this was in CarMax, which used a version of OpenAI to sort out thousands of customers and help shoppers decide which car to buy.
Generative AI can also take notes during a virtual meeting, craft emails, and create presentations, features featured in Microsoft and Google products announced this week.
Generative AI sparked a race between Microsoft and Google's Alphabet (Shutterstock)
Fears of Reliance on Artificial Intelligence
Schools and universities have been concerned that students are using AI to complete their research and homework, undermining the effort they are required to make.
Cybersecurity researchers have also expressed concern that generative AI could encourage the production of disinformation and falsification of facts.
In addition to Microsoft and Google, other tech companies such as Salesforce and Adept AI Labs are either creating their own competing AI technology, or using technology produced by other companies to give users new features through their software.