While the year 2023 was marked by the spectacular surge of artificial intelligence, the outlook for 2024 seems to be more reserved. What are the trends we can anticipate in the technological field for 2024?
The previous year was certainly one in which generative artificial intelligence became ubiquitous. From generating computer code to creating artwork and essays, generative artificial intelligence systems have become essential tools in various industries and professions, marking a major presence in the technology landscape, according to the BBC.
One of the significant moves of the year was the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI at the end of 2022, quickly followed by the involvement of rivals in this technological competition. A major move by Alphabet, Google's parent company, was the unveiling of Gemini — an artificial intelligence built into Google's products, including its chatbot and search engine. Alphabet claims that Gemini outperforms the current version of ChatGPT, but the latter's creators, OpenAI, promise an improved version of their software next year.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a bold statement in November at a software developer conference, suggesting that what they've released so far will look outdated compared to what they're about to create in the future.
Investors are increasingly interested in investing significant sums in this industry, hoping to support future market leaders. According to PitchBook, worldwide venture capital firms invested $21.4 billion in generative AI start-ups by the end of September, a significant increase from just $5.1 billion invested from the whole year 2022.
However, there are voices warning that the current exuberance could be tempered in the year 2024. Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, suggests that generative artificial intelligence may face more difficulties in the near future. He points out that the development and management of such systems are extremely expensive, requiring considerable computing power and expensive computer chips, which are also limited in availability.
Wood anticipates that to reduce these costs, some of the processing could be moved locally to devices such as laptops or mobile phones. In addition, he warns that regulations and legal disputes could temper enthusiasm for generative artificial intelligence, with companies potentially having to withdraw services to comply with new legislative requirements.
Against the background of the remarkable progress of the past, it is essential to look with optimism to the future and anticipate challenges and changes as opportunities for growth and innovation in the field of technology and artificial intelligence in the year 2024. A proactive and confident approach will guide us to creative solutions and positive developments, opening new horizons towards a digitized future full of innovations brought by artificial intelligence, improving people's lives and positively transforming the way we interact with technology.