Canva's AI Power Play: What It Means for You

PLUS: Is AI-Generated Content Losing Its Luster?

July 31, 2024

In partnership with

Forget crystal balls and tarot cards - if you want a glimpse into our cyber-powered future, just peek at this week's tech headlines. We're serving up a smorgasbord of AI antics that'll make your circuits sizzle and your synapses spark!

From Canva's artistic acquisition to Meta's chatbot clones, the silicon valley bigwigs are playing AI chess while the rest of us are still learning to count our bits and bytes. But don't worry, we've got the 411 on all the digital drama, served with a side of snark and a generous sprinkle of side-eye.

So boot up your brain-computers and prepare for a neural network news nugget or two. We promise it's more entertaining than watching paint dry... even if that paint was mixed by an AI color expert.

😇 What NOT to worry

  • Your favorite content creators going full Robocop (they're keeping it mostly human... for now)

  • Canva accidentally birthing Skynet (they're just trying to out-magic Adobe's Firefly)

😢 What TO worry

  • Your marketing masterpiece getting the scarlet letter of "Made with AI" (talk about a digital faux pas)

  • AMD and Nvidia's chip war leaving your gaming rig in the digital dust (pour one out for the PC gamers)

Now, let's dive into this week's tech gumbo, shall we? Just remember, no matter how smart these algorithms get, they still can't appreciate a well-timed eye roll. That's our superpower, folks!

AI

Canva Flexes AI Muscles with Leonardo.ai Acquisition

Canva just gave its generative AI game a power-up by scooping up Aussie startup Leonardo.ai. The deal brings Leonardo's slick text-to-image and video tech into Canva's creative sandbox.

While Leonardo.ai will keep doing its own thing, its secret sauce will also spice up Canva's Magic Studio AI tools. It's a savvy move as Canva squares up against Adobe's Firefly in the battle for creators' hearts (and subscriptions).

But Canva better tread carefully. Adobe recently got burned by backlash over how it trains AI models. To win the creator crowd, Canva needs to keep its AI practices squeaky clean and transparent.

AI arms race, engage!

New AI LeadGen Tool Identifies Email Address of Your Visitors

  • Capture emails for 40% of your anonymous traffic.

  • Email irresistible offers to prospects browsing your site.

  • Send more abandoned-cart emails when they don't purchase.

Videos

AI-Generated Videos? Not So Fast, Say Creators

While generative AI offers a tempting shortcut for churning out YouTube and TikTok content, many creators are wary of going all-in on the tech. Some cite audience opposition to AI-heavy videos, while others want to maintain a human touch.

That's not to say AI is completely off the table - creators are selectively incorporating it into their workflows. But you likely won't see your favorite YouTuber fully outsourcing their channel to ChatGPT anytime soon.

As creator Hank Green puts it, relying too heavily on AI-scripted content "is a failure of the policy." Looks like the human element is here to stay in the creator economy, even amid the AI revolution.

AI

Client Quandaries as AI Hype Peaks

Generative AI was supposed to be a marketing miracle, but it's hitting some snags. One agency exec dishes on how Meta's "Made with AI" labels are making clients nervous about perceived credibility.

Turns out, they don't want their carefully crafted ads and images tagged as AI-enhanced, even if tweaks are minor. It's throwing a wrench in the promise of AI efficiency.

For now, the exec says the solution is setting clear boundaries on AI use and easing clients into the brave new world of machine-assisted marketing. But with AI seeping into everything, it may be easier said than done.

Trending

AI Tools of the Week

AI

Meta Gives AI Chatbots a Personal Touch

Want your own AI clone to chat with fans? Meta's new AI Studio will let you create custom chatbots based on your personality - or anyone else's (well, almost). 

These digital doppelgangers can even slide into your DMs for some friendly banter. Meta hopes users will craft chatty AI buddies for entertainment, advice, or just to see what an AI version of themselves might say.

There are a few ground rules - no impersonating real people (unless it's you), religious figures, or anything too controversial. But otherwise, it's open season for getting creative with your AI alter ego.

Meta's betting personalized bots will be a hit where celeb-inspired attempts fell flat. Will the AI clone wars begin on Insta? Only one way to find out.

Tech

AMD's AI Chip Business is Booming, Rivaling Nvidia

AMD's latest earnings report reveals they're becoming an AI chip powerhouse, just like Nvidia. The star of the show? Their Instinct MI300 accelerator, which raked in a cool billion in sales in a single quarter.

With plans for yearly AI chip releases and supply struggling to meet demand, AMD is betting big on the AI gold rush. While still dwarfed by Nvidia's mind-boggling $22.6B quarter, AMD's rapid growth shows they're not content to stay in second place.

As for us regular folks, the AI arms race could mean faster chips trickling down to our humble PCs. But for now, it seems gamers may have to wait as AMD prioritizes their new cash cow.

Subscribe
Recommended Newsletter

And that's your scoop for the week in the world of creative automation!

Stay tuned for more breakthroughs and insights as we step into the future 👋

How do you feel about today's newsletter?

Take a second to let us know by clicking your answer below.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Not a subscriber? Sign up for free below.