Hello Codebreakers,

Last week I joined the Pivoting to WEB3 podcast to share my insights on the value of brand identity in an increasingly noisy AI world and how AI tools like Search GPT are revolutionizing customer engagement.

Watch the interview and let me know your thoughts.

Now let’s dive into today’s edition…

AI Revives The Beatles for Grammy Gold

An AI-assisted Beatles track, Now and Then, is up for two Grammy awards… and stirring debate.It’s being celebrated and questioned.

• Created using machine learning and advanced audio restoration, this track is a milestone in AI’s role in creative industries.

• Critics argue that this opens Pandora’s box for “AI-authored” art in prestigious competitions.

"It’s a beautiful song... It’s also a complicated moment in music history." – Read more.

What this means to you: AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a collaborator. Whether you’re creating content, marketing, or products, think about how AI can breathe new life into your archives or elevate your storytelling.

What to watch for: Expect more industries grappling with AI’s role in awards, authenticity, and creativity.

AI Grandma Wastes Scammers’ Time

UK phone network O2 uses AI to impersonate a sweet, chatty grandma… and waste hours of scammers’ time.

• The AI mimics human responses, using natural language processing to stall scam callers.

• Thousands of hours of scam calls are diverted weekly, saving victims and costing scammers millions.

"It’s disarming and genius... the perfect antidote to a frustrating problem." – Read more.

What this means to you: AI can do more than automate—it can actively defend. Think about ways to apply AI in your business to safeguard customers, streamline security, or tackle persistent challenges creatively.

What to watch for: Expect more AI tools designed to protect businesses and customers from fraud, giving brands a stronger line of defense.

Amazon’s Temu Rival Falls Flat

Amazon’s AI-driven shopping platform, Haul, aims to rival Temu but is drawing mixed reviews. The platform uses AI to suggest bundles, but early adopters call it an "image wasteland" due to poorly curated product visuals.

• Temu excels at creating a polished shopping experience, while Haul’s AI struggles with aesthetics.

• Despite the rocky start, Haul could gain traction if Amazon fine-tunes the experience.

"It’s messy but promising... Will Amazon’s AI gamble pay off?" – Read more.

What this means to you: A polished customer experience beats speed and automation. Invest in refining your tech-driven solutions before launching them to customers.

What to watch for: Amazon doubling down on AI curation to close the gap with Temu.

X Users Exit in Droves

Since Musk’s takeover, X (formerly Twitter) has seen its largest user exodus yet. The platform’s active user base shrank by 30% in Q3, as ad revenue plummets and rival platforms surge.

• Key reasons include content moderation issues, alienated users, and dissatisfaction with new monetization strategies.

• Competitors like Threads and Bluesky are gaining traction among defectors.

"The numbers don’t lie... Musk’s gamble is costing X more than he predicted." – Read more.

What this means to you: As platforms evolve, so should your strategy. If your audience is migrating, follow them to maintain visibility and connection.

What to watch for: Watch Threads’ and Bluesky’s growth and consider testing ads or content there.

AI Shopping Assistants: The Future?

Perplexity AI is adding a shopping feature for its pro users to streamline purchases. The assistant integrates with retailers and uses conversational AI to help users compare products in real time.

• This feature is aimed at boosting efficiency for frequent online shoppers.

• It highlights how AI is becoming more personal and utility-driven.

"Shopping isn’t just faster—it’s smarter." – Read more.

What this means to you: Start exploring how conversational AI can guide customer decisions in your business. Integrations like these can drive convenience and boost loyalty.

What to watch for: A rise in AI-guided commerce that blurs the line between retailer and personal assistant.

ESPN’s AI Avatars Make a Play

ESPN is using generative AI to create avatars that deliver live sports updates. Fans can now watch these AI-powered commentators analyze games, stats, and predictions in real time.

• ESPN aims to capture younger audiences who crave personalized, interactive experiences.

• This marks a shift toward more AI-driven entertainment in sports media.

"It’s not about replacing humans—it’s about enhancing fan experience." – Read more.

What this means to you: Personalization is no longer optional. Find ways to incorporate AI into your customer engagement strategies to boost interaction.

What to watch for: More sports networks embracing generative AI to stay relevant.

Until next time.

G. Kofi Annan

Say hi 👋 on Linkedin

Hit reply any time! I love hearing from you.