The age of AI has arrived?

https://qz.com/google-workspace-poll-ai-workplace-gen-z-millennials-1851707141

A Google poll says pretty much all of Gen Z is using AI for work

Some 82% of young adults in leadership positions at work said they leverage AI in their work, according to a Google Workspace survey released Monday. With that, 93% Gen Z and 79% of millennials surveyed said they use two or more tools on a weekly basis.

… Most respondents said they use AI to start a task that feels overwhelming, improve their writing, and take notes, allowing them to join meetings on the go, Google Workspace said. A majority (86%) believe that AI can help leaders become better managers.

(Related)

https://www.bespacific.com/act-fast-to-snuff-out-employee-curiosity-over-free-ai-apps/

Act fast to snuff out employee curiosity over ‘free’ AI apps

CSO – “The word “free” has always tempted employees who are looking for an app or template to make their work easier. These days, combine “free” with “AI” and the lure is almost irresistible. Since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022, free AI-themed apps have exploded. Unfortunately, some are created by threat actors. One of the latest examples, reported this week by Malwarebyes, claims to be an AI video editor, but really installs the Lumma Stealer malware. Victims were lured by promises like “Create breathtaking videos in minutes,” “No special skills required – anyone can do it,” and “On September 1 we’re giving away 50 lifetime licenses to our AI editor!” According to a report released last month by Slack, AI use in the enterprise is growing. Among those employees who are using AI applications, 81% said it has improved their productivity. That’s why some may be curious – or eager – to try a free AI app. However, that same report notes that nearly 40% of respondents said their company has no AI usage guidelines. One result: Shadow AI, defined as the unapproved use of artificial intelligence-based applications. CISOs need a strategy to cope. It starts with management deciding if it wants to allow the use of AI in the workplace at all…”

Creepy?

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3608973/ai-agents-are-unlike-any-technology-ever.html

AI agents are unlike any technology ever

Until now, software was used by a user. With AI agents, the software is the user.

The agents are coming, and they represent a fundamental shift in the role artificial intelligence plays in businesses, governments, and our lives.

The biggest news in agentic AI happened this month when we learned that OpenAI’s agent, Operator, is expected to launch in January.

OpenAI Operator will function as a personal assistant that can take multi-step actions on its own. We can expect Operator to be put to work writing code, booking travel, and managing daily schedules. It will do all this by using the applications already installed on your PC and by using cloud services. 

It joins Anthropic, which recently unveiled a feature for its AI models called “Computer Use.” This allows Claude 3.5 Sonnet to perform complex tasks on computers autonomously. The AI can now move the mouse, click on specific areas, and type commands to complete intricate tasks without constant human intervention.

Perspetive.

https://www.ben-evans.com/presentations

AI eats the world

Every year, I produce a big presentation exploring macro and strategic trends in the tech industry.