Google made strides in real-time AI interactions by testing a Live for AI Mode feature. This tool lets users communicate with AI through voice and camera inputs, similar to talking to a human assistant. Features like screen sharing and transcripts could help marketers create immersive shopping experiences.

Microsoft is democratizing AI access with new $799 Surface devices powered by Snapdragon X Plus chips. These laptops bring Copilot+ AI tools—previously exclusive to premium models—to younger audiences, signaling a shift toward AI-first productivity for future professionals.

Meta’s bold move to automate ad creative work and targeting threatens traditional marketing roles. CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions businesses simply setting budgets while AI handles everything from ad design to performance tracking. Meta also plans to monetize its Llama-based AI app through subscriptions and sponsored content, creating a new ad space within conversational interfaces.

OpenAI faced scrutiny over its governance structure, deciding to let its nonprofit arm remain the primary shareholder. This decision aims to balance commercial growth with ethical oversight as CEO Sam Altman seeks trillions in funding for advanced AI research.

In academia, the Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Marketing (USA) explored cutting-edge uses like dynamic pricing and sentiment analysis. Experts emphasized how agentic AI can personalize customer journeys at scale, though ethical concerns persist.

Industry stats underscore the boom: the AI agent market is growing at 35.9% annually, with Netflix earning $1 billion yearly from AI recommendations. Nearly half of businesses now use AI to analyze consumer data, and 38% of medical providers employ AI diagnostics—showcasing cross-industry adoption.