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Hello Code-breakers,

Welcome to another edition of Culture+Code+Commerce.

Let’s dive in…

Google’s 2024 Window into Consumer Minds

This year’s Google Search trends reveal what captivated people most in 2024. From "deinfluencing" to DIY AI, curiosity went deep.

• Search behaviors show growing interest in authenticity and user-driven tech.

• Cultural moments like AI-powered hobbies and sustainability spiked globally.

"Search is where we see the pulse of the world." – Google Insights Team. Read more

What this means to you: Use these search trends as a mirror for understanding what your customers care about. Create content, products, or campaigns that align with these emerging interests to build relevance and trust.

What to watch for: More integrated insights from Google’s tools about these trends in 2025.

Meta Tackles AI Misuse with Video Watermarking

Meta just launched a tool to watermark AI-generated videos. This helps tackle AI forgery risks in an increasingly synthetic media landscape.

• The tool integrates directly with Meta's platforms, promising smoother adoption.

• Transparency is key as AI-generated videos become more commonplace.

"The trust layer for AI-generated content starts here." – Meta’s AI Research Team. Read more

What this means to you: For brands experimenting with AI media, transparency will be critical. Highlight your AI use openly to build credibility with increasingly skeptical audiences.

What to watch for: Competitors like Google and Microsoft are likely to launch similar watermarking tools soon.

ChatGPT Can Now Take Your Call

OpenAI’s ChatGPT now supports phone conversations, moving beyond text and images into human-like voice chats.

• The voice system can answer questions, book appointments, or hold basic conversations.

• It's designed to make AI interaction more natural for users on the go.

"This is AI that feels like a trusted assistant in your pocket." – OpenAI. Read more

What this means to you: Consider how voice AI could streamline customer service or add value to your product experience. Start brainstorming voice-friendly customer touchpoints.

What to watch for: Competitors enhancing their voice AI tools to match or outperform OpenAI’s innovation.

Yelp’s AI Features Drive Local Discovery

Yelp’s new AI tools simplify finding local businesses tailored to your needs, offering smarter recommendations and visual discovery options.

• These updates aim to keep Yelp competitive against Google Maps.

• AI is enhancing its ability to personalize search results dynamically.

"We’re redefining what ‘local search’ means." – Yelp. Read more

What this means to you: Optimize your business listings with detailed, AI-readable data to benefit from smarter search results. Think photos, menus, and reviews.

What to watch for: How Yelp’s AI updates influence consumer behavior for service-based industries.

YouTube Protects Creators Against AI Likeness Abuse

YouTube now uses AI to detect and remove content where creators' voices or faces are replicated without consent.

• This is part of a broader effort to ensure ethical AI use on the platform.

• Tools empower creators to flag suspicious videos faster.

"AI-created content must respect creators' rights." – YouTube. Read more

What this means to you: If you produce content, monitor where and how your likeness or brand assets are being used. Copyright violations could escalate as AI misuse grows.

What to watch for: Other platforms adopting similar protections to support creators.

Until next time.

G. Kofi Annan

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