This Week in AI: From Meta’s Ads to Apple’s Mobile Makeover, Big Tech Bets Big on AI

Industry giants are going all-in on artificial intelligence (AI), with Meta, Apple and Nvidia leading the charge. As the FTC ramps up oversight and ethical concerns loom, these companies are racing to integrate AI into everything from advertising and mobile commerce to humanoid robots, promising transformed user experiences and lucrative new revenue streams. But as AI’s influence expands, so do questions about its impact on privacy, jobs and society at large.

Meta’s AI Gambit: Beyond the Balance Sheet

Meta’s Q2 earnings call took an unexpected turn, sidelining impressive financial results for a deep dive into AI strategy. While the numbers were stellar — EPS of $5.16 on $39.07 billion revenue, up significantly from last year — CEO Mark Zuckerberg was keener to outline his AI vision.

Zuckerberg mapped out three key areas: AI integration in existing products, open-source AI development, and AI’s role in advancing the metaverse. The standout? A bold prediction for AI-driven advertising. Zuckerberg envisions a future where advertisers simply state objectives and budgets, leaving Meta’s AI to handle the rest — including personalized ad creation.

FTC Flexes Muscle in AI Oversight

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) isn’t playing around regarding artificial intelligence. In a recent statement to the FCC, the agency declared it is using “all the tools at its disposal” to keep tabs on emerging AI tech. The FTC is tackling potential risks to consumers and businesses, taking action against deceptive AI practices and unfair usage. It’s also investigating Big Tech’s AI ventures, including Amazon and Microsoft, and combating AI voice cloning scams. Remember the $5.8M Ring settlement? That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

AI: The New Cash Cow for Tech Giants

From Google’s AI-powered search to Microsoft’s $30-a-month Copilot, artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the golden goose of the tech world. It’s reshaping everything from productivity tools to freelance marketplaces, promising enhanced user experiences and lucrative new revenue streams. But as AI reshapes business models and consumer interactions, it’s also stirring up debates about the future of work and the implications of widespread AI deployment.

Nvidia’s Robot Revolution

Nvidia is charging into the humanoid robot arena with a new suite of development tools. The tech giant’s offerings aim to speed up the creation of advanced robots, potentially transforming industries from manufacturing to customer service. These AI-powered humanoids could tackle complex tasks that stump traditional robots, promising increased efficiency and productivity. As Erik Nieves of Plus One Robotics notes, they’re set to “take over repetitive, strenuous physical tasks … freeing up human workers for higher-level roles.”

Apple’s AI Leap: Reshaping Mobile Commerce

Apple has launched its first wave of AI-enhanced software betas, signaling a major push into AI-driven mobile commerce. The release includes iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing Apple Intelligence capabilities that could transform how millions interact with their devices. Key features include advanced writing tools, natural language photo search, and improved Siri functionality. These upgrades aim to streamline shopping processes through enhanced voice search and personalized experiences. Bob Rogers of Oii.ai notes, “Apple’s been a bit behind in the AI race,” but these updates could level the playing field. Steven Athwal of The Big Phone Store highlights the potential for faster, more intuitive product searches.

AI Ethics: Navigating the Moral Maze of Machine Intelligence

Welcome to the brave new world of AI ethics, where machines wield unprecedented power over our lives. As artificial intelligence reshapes society, this emerging field tackles the moral minefield of our automated future. From healthcare decisions to job prospects, AI’s influence is expanding rapidly. But great power comes great responsibility — and a host of ethical dilemmas. Privacy concerns, racial bias, job displacement and even existential risks are all on the table.

For all PYMNTS AI coverage, subscribe to the daily AI Newsletter.