2024 was like a HUGE change for AI! It’s like they went from just dreaming about being smart to actually being smart. They got so much better at things, it’s like they broke all the old records in such a short span of time. And now, these super smart AI are showing up in things we use every day! Here’s a list of 2024 recap of all the Global AI advancements.
AI Recap 2024 – Trends, Announcements and Updates
2024 AI Recap
- OpenAI Introduces GPT-4 Turbo with Vision: OpenAI released its enhanced GPT-4 Turbo model with vision capabilities, featuring larger input windows, speed improvements, and JSON code generation for connected apps.
- Google and Reddit Partner for AI Training Data: Google secured a deal with Reddit for access to its data for AI training and to enhance Reddit’s search functions, valued at $60 million annually.
- Google Releases Gemini AI for Android Studio: Google launched Gemini in Android Studio, offering code completion, debugging assistance, resource discovery, and documentation assistance for app developers.
- Microsoft Launches AutoDev: Microsoft released AutoDev, an AI-driven software development framework capable of complex code editing, testing, and version control operations.
- JetBrains Enhances IDEs with Local AI: JetBrains introduced local AI-powered code autocompletion in its IDEs, processing suggestions offline to improve privacy and reduce latency.
- OpenAI and The Financial Times Enter Licensing Partnership: OpenAI partnered with The Financial Times to use FT content for AI model training, aiming to improve AI accuracy and address the problem of generating misleading information.
- OpenAI’s Sora: AI Film Making: OpenAI’s Sora was revealed to be a realistic video generation tool, although it still required human intervention and post-production.
- Elon Musk’s xAI Raises $6 Billion: Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, raised $6 billion for expansion and integration with his other companies.
- Python Dominates AI Development in Snowflake: Snowflake reported a significant surge in Python usage for AI and machine learning applications within its Snowpark libraries.
- ElevenLabs previews music-generating AI model: Voice AI startup ElevenLabs introduced a new AI model that converts prompts into song lyrics.
- OpenAI Introduces GPT-4o: OpenAI unveiled GPT-4o, offering enhanced speed and capabilities in text, voice, and vision, and expanding access for free users.
- Stack Overflow Partners with OpenAI: Stack Overflow partnered with OpenAI, integrating its database with OpenAI’s models, raising questions about its community-driven nature.
- Reddit implements new public content policy: Reddit introduced a “Public Content Policy” requiring commercial entities to sign a contract to access its data.
- Microsoft Invests €4 Billion in France: Microsoft announced a €4 billion investment in France to boost AI and cloud infrastructure.
- Apple’s Potential Deal with OpenAI: Apple was reportedly close to finalizing a deal with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into iOS 18.
- OpenAI and News Corp ink AI training deal: OpenAI signed a multi-year agreement with News Corp to train its AI models using content from their publications.
- OpenAI Removes ChatGPT Voice Amid Scarlett Johansson Controversy: OpenAI paused the “Sky” voice for ChatGPT after concerns arose over its similarity to Scarlett Johansson’s voice.
- Google Launches New AI Updates: Google introduced Gemini 1.5 Flash and advancements in Project Astra for AI-driven experiences.
- FCC Proposes AI Disclosure Rule for Political Ads: The Federal Communications Commission proposed a rule requiring political ads to disclose any AI-generated content.
- AI Pin maker Humane seeks a buyer: Humane, the company behind the $700 AI Pin, is looking for a buyer amid poor sales and negative reviews.
- Google AI Overview Under Fire for Misinformation: Google’s AI Overview feature in search faced criticism for generating incorrect and misleading information.
- Global AI Safety Network Formed: Governments and AI industry leaders agreed to implement AI safety measures and establish an international research network.
- TikTok Unveils AI Suite: TikTok launched “TikTok Symphony,” a new generative AI suite to enhance its advertising capabilities.
- Human Native AI Bridges AI Training Data Gap: Human Native AI created a marketplace for licensing agreements between AI developers and content rights holders.
- Apple Unveils “Apple Intelligence”: Apple introduced its AI suite, “Apple Intelligence,” with features for the iPhone, Mac, and more including a more conversational Siri, AI-generated “Genmoji,” and GPT-4o integration.
- Claude 3 Model Family Now Supports Tool Use: Anthropic’s Claude 3 model family began supporting tool use for interaction with external tools and APIs.
- Vox Media and OpenAI Announce Strategic Partnership: Vox Media and OpenAI partnered to enhance ChatGPT’s content and develop innovative products.
- Microsoft Introduces Copilot Bot for Telegram: Microsoft launched Copilot for Telegram, an AI chatbot, in beta.
- Elon Musk Plans Massive GPU Data Center for xAI: Elon Musk announced plans to deploy a 100,000 H100 GPU data center for xAI.
- Microsoft Scales Back Recall Feature: Microsoft revised its AI-enabled Recall feature to be opt-in due to security concerns.
- DeepMind, Google’s AI lab, introduces V2A: DeepMind announced V2A (video-to-audio), an AI technology to create synchronized audio for AI-generated videos.
- Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet: Anthropic unveiled Claude 3.5 Sonnet with improvements in text, image analysis, speed and code generation.
- ElevenLabs unveils text-to-sound effects tool: Generative AI startup ElevenLabs launched a new tool that converts text prompts into sound effects.
- Apple Delays AI Feature Launch in Europe: Apple delayed the European launch of AI features due to EU rules.
- OpenAI Co-Founder Ilya Sutskever Launches AI Safety Startup: Ilya Sutskever launched Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI), an AI company focused on safety.
- AI-Powered Voice to Deliver Paris 2024 Olympics Recaps: AI was announced to be used for recaps of the Paris 2024 Olympics with a synthesized voice.
- Google’s Gemini AI Integrated into Gmail: Google integrated its Gemini AI into the side panel of Gmail.
- Claude.ai Projects Launched: Anthropic introduced ‘Projects’ for Pro and Team users of Claude.ai to streamline workflows.
- ElevenLabs introduces the Reader App: ElevenLabs launched the ElevenLabs Reader App to listen to any text content using high-quality voices.
- Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro: Expanded capabilities: Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro got updated to include a 2 million token context window, code execution and Gemma 2 in Google AI studio.
- Figma UI3 Redesign: Figma released its UI3 redesign with an improved interface.
- EU AI Act officially enters into force: The European Union’s AI Act, the first comprehensive regulation for artificial intelligence, came into force.
- YouTuber Files Class Action Against OpenAI: A YouTuber filed a class action against OpenAI over video transcript scraping.
- OpenAI Launches SearchGPT: OpenAI began testing SearchGPT, a new search engine drawing from web sources.
- OpenAI Collaborates With U.S. AI Safety Institute: OpenAI collaborated with the U.S. AI Safety Institute for safety testing of its next model.
- Meta Launches Llama 3.1: Meta released Llama 3.1 405B, the first frontier-level open source AI model.
- Meta Announces SAM 2: Meta introduced SAM 2, an advanced object segmentation model.
- ElevenLabs multilingual Reader App goes global: ElevenLabs Reader app added support for 32 languages.
- X Launches Grok-2 AI: X launched Grok-2 AI with image generation and other new features.
- Google introduces Gemini AI as an evolution of its digital assistant: Google’s Gemini AI is now a fully featured digital assistant for mobile.
- Meta to boost AI infrastructure for Llama 4: Meta announced increased investment in infrastructure for Llama 4, with a target 2025 launch.
- ChatGPT co-creator John Schulman leaves OpenAI: John Schulman left OpenAI to join rival AI startup Anthropic.
- Google restores Gemini’s image generation: Google re-enabled its Gemini chatbot’s image generation abilities, with new safeguards.
- Ideogram: A GenAI tool the finally gets words right: Ideogram AI launched Ideogram 2.0, with improvements in text rendering.
- California’s AI bill SB 1047 passes: California’s AI bill SB 1047 passed the senate and moved to the Governor’s office for approval.
- Luma Labs Debuts Dream Machine: Luma Labs unveiled Dream Machine, an AI model generating videos from text descriptions.
- Microsoft Delays Recall AI Feature for Windows: Microsoft delayed the release of its Recall AI feature for Windows testers until October.
- OpenAI launches o1 series: OpenAI introduced its new o1 series, designed for complex problem-solving.
- Microsoft Launches Copilot Pages: Microsoft launched Copilot Pages for real-time AI collaboration.
- Slack Bets on AI Features: Slack introduced new AI features for its platform.
- Anthropic Unveils Claude Enterprise Plan: Anthropic launched the Claude Enterprise plan for secure AI integration into workflows.
- Greenlite secures funding: Greenlite raised $28.5M to streamline construction permitting.
- AI model simulates Doom in real-time: Google and Tel Aviv University created an AI-driven game engine that could simulate the classic game Doom.
- Google to flag AI-generated images: Google announced that AI-generated images will be flagged in search results.
- LinkedIn faces backlash over AI data usage update: LinkedIn updated its data policy to use content for AI training, causing user backlash.
- YouTube creators gain new AI tools for video creation: YouTube rolled out Dream Screen to allow creators to generate custom backgrounds with AI.
- OpenAI plans restructuring: OpenAI announced plans to transition from a non-profit to a for-profit model, with CEO Sam Altman receiving equity.
- ChatGPT tipped to get a price hike: OpenAI announced that ChatGPT subscriptions are to increase in price over the next 5 years.
- AI Startup 11x.ai Raises Funding: 11x.ai, an AI startup focused on sales development representatives, raised a $50 million series B.
- OpenAI introduces canvas: OpenAI rolled out a new interface called Canvas for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, to use for writing and coding projects.
- OpenAI to launch AI agents: OpenAI announced its plan to launch AI agents in 2025, capable of performing tasks without direct human input.
- Nvidia Releases Open-Source AI Model: Nvidia unveiled its NVLM 1.0 family of open-source AI models.
- Tesla unveils Robotaxi and Robovan: Tesla revealed its Cybercab robotaxi and Robovan.
- Google upgrades Lens: Google Lens was updated with AI-powered video search and shopping features.
- Adobe unveils AI-powered video generation: Adobe introduced AI-powered video generation in its Firefly platform.
- OpenAI’s next model, “Orion,” hinted at: OpenAI prepared to launch its next advanced model, codenamed “Orion,” by December.
- Anthropic unveils Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Claude 3.5 Haiku: Anthropic released two new versions of Claude models, with enhanced coding, speed and a new “Computer Use” feature.
- Apple Intelligence Arrives in the EU: Apple’s AI suite, Apple Intelligence, was set to reach EU users in April 2025.
- Notion unveils Notion Mail: Notion is expanding its suite by launching Notion Mail for a better user experience.
- ChatGPT Debuts as a Windows App: OpenAI released a preview of its dedicated ChatGPT app for Windows.
- OpenAI rolls out new ChatGPT features: OpenAI expands ChatGPT’s functionality with SearchGPT and advanced voice capabilities on desktop.
- Anthropic’s Claude now available for desktop: Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude, was made available as a desktop application for both Windows and macOS.
- Google expands AI-powered search overviews: Google announced the expansion of AI-powered “Search Overviews,” to 100 countries.
- Apple launches AI-powered hardware updates: Apple rolled out an array of new devices, each bolstered by proprietary AI-driven enhancements.
- Meta releases NotebookLlama: Meta launched NotebookLlama, an open-source alternative to Google’s podcast generation AI.
- Meta plans for an AI-powered search engine: Meta is working on an AI-powered search engine to compete directly with Google and Microsoft.
- Recraft launches design-focused AI model: Recraft has introduced a new model designed specifically for generating structured, professional visual guidelines.
- OpenAI Faces Backlash Over Deleted Evidence: OpenAI reportedly deleted key data that could have served as evidence in the NY Times lawsuit.
- Anthropic Expands Claude’s Capabilities: Anthropic announced a price increase for its Claude 3.5 Haiku model, alongside new multimodal capabilities.
- What Trump’s Victory Could Mean for AI Regulation: Trump’s victory could drastically shift U.S. AI policy.
- Tech Leaders Partner With U.S. Government: Tech leaders partnered with the government to integrate cutting-edge expertise into public operations.
- Amazon Prime Video Introduces AI-Powered Recap Feature: Amazon Prime Video introduced a new AI-driven recap feature.
- AI-Generated Painting of Alan Turing sold for $1 Million: An AI-generated portrait of Alan Turing sold for $1 million at auction.
- Pickle’s Digital Avatars Will Help You Sit Through Boring Meetings: AI-powered digital avatars were introduced to attend web conferences in place of users.
- OpenAI’s Sora Video Generator Faces EU Launch Delay: OpenAI’s Sora video generator faced a delay in EU launch due to regulatory issues.
- OpenAI Launches $200 ChatGPT Pro Subscription Tier: OpenAI introduced a $200 per month ChatGPT Pro tier for advanced users.
- Hugging Face CEO Voices Concerns Over Chinese Open-Source AI Models: Hugging Face CEO raised concerns over cultural biases in Chinese AI models.
- Meta Unveils Llama 3.3: Meta introduced Llama 3.3, a more efficient open-source model.
- ElevenLabs Launches GenFM: ElevenLabs launched GenFM for personalized AI podcasts.
- OpenAI explores advertising model for ChatGPT: OpenAI considered the integration of advertisements into ChatGPT as a means of addressing costs.
- NVIDIA Releases Fugatto: NVIDIA released Fugatto for generative AI audio creation.
- OpenAI’s 12 Days of AI: OpenAI unveiled a series of groundbreaking updates over a 12-day period.
- Google Introduces Android XR: Google unveiled Android XR, a new operating system for extended reality (XR) devices.
- Gemini Introduces Deep Research: Gemini introduced Deep Research to streamline research tasks, alongside an experimental 2.0 Flash model.
- GitHub Makes Copilot Free for Casual Users: GitHub announced a free version of its AI-powered code assistant, Copilot.
- Grammarly Acquires Coda: Grammarly acquired Coda to build an AI productivity platform.
- Google enhances Gemini Code Assist: Google enhanced Gemini Code Assist with third-party tools.
- YouTube introduces creator controls for AI model training: YouTube launched a new feature allowing creators to control how third parties use their content to train AI models.
Conclusion – What’s Next in AI?
2025 will mark a pivotal shift in AI adoption as enterprises move from experimentation to strategic implementation. Multimodal AI and autonomous agents will become mainstream, with 25% of enterprises deploying AI agents to handle complex tasks.
Companies will focus on proven use cases rather than broad implementation, recognizing AI as a copilot rather than a replacement.
The rise of physical AI, including humanoid robots, will transform workplaces, while local AI processing will become standard in devices, with GenAI-enabled smartphones reaching 30% of total shipments.
This evolution will fundamentally reshape how businesses operate, compete, and innovate across industries.
