In the news category, we keep you updated on the latest developments and trends within the AI and marketing world.

Here we share up-to-date information on important events, events, innovative developments, market shifts and more.

We go in depth and give you insights so that you always stay well informed and can make strategic decisions based on the latest information. After all, within marketing it is extremely important to keep up to date because developments are happening so fast.

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Claude introduces Artifacts: A new way to create interactive content

Anthropic, the company behind the popular AI chatbot Claude, has introduced a brand new feature: Artifacts. This addition allows users to create different types of interactive content through simple text prompts. The generated content then appears in a separate window next to the main chat, providing an uncluttered workflow. With Artifacts, users can not only quickly create content, but also easily edit, publish and share it via a Web page. If you do a lot of content creation, this gives you many advantages.

What are Artifacts?

Artifacts are essentially interactive content modules generated by Claude. With a simple text prompt, you can get complex output such as interactive presentations, websites, diagrams and even code snippets. This makes it a powerful tool not only for individual users, but also for teams working on different projects.

With Artifacts, Claude takes an important step in the development of their model, which is increasingly committed to interactivity and ease of use. Where advanced knowledge of code or web development was previously required, users can now create valuable different types of content with minimal effort and technical know-how.

What can you make with Artifacts?

Artifacts are flexible and suitable for various types of content. Here are some applications in which Artifacts can be used:

  1. Documents (in Markdown or plain text): For creating easy-to-read and edit text documents ideal for reports, notes or manuals.
  2. Websites (single HTML pages): Artifacts can generate simple HTML web pages. These contain all the necessary HTML, CSS, and even JavaScript in one file, making it easy to quickly publish a website without the need for extensive setup.
  3. Diagrams and flowcharts: Visual representations of processes and structures are valuable in many industries, such as project management and software development. With Artifacts, you can quickly generate and customize these diagrams.
  4. Interactive React Components: Want to add an interactive feature to a website, such as a quiz, a form or a mini-game? Artifacts can generate code snippets that can be easily integrated into React.
  5. Code snippets: Programmers can use Artifacts to quickly generate code that performs specific functions. This can range from small scripts to complex modules that fit into a larger project.
  6. Scalable vector graphics (SVG): For graphic designs, Artifacts offers the ability to create scalable vector graphics. These images are ideal for websites and apps because they can be scaled without loss of quality.

How do you create an Artifact?

Creating an Artifact is simple and quick. You begin by starting a conversation with Claude, in which you upload one or more files that serve as the basis for the content you want to create. Next, you instruct Claude to create a specific type of "content. This can be an interactive report, a mini-game or even a complete design.

Once Claude has enough information, usually more than fifteen lines of text, he gets to work generating the Artifact. What's special about Artifacts is that the content functions independently; you don't need context from the rest of the conversation to understand or use the Artifact. This makes it easy to reuse or modify later.

The result appears in a separate window on the right side of the main conversation. Here you can immediately view the visual output, analyze the code or make adjustments.

Examples of the use of Artifacts

Let's discuss some concrete applications of Artifacts:

  • Say you are working on a marketing campaign and you want to create an interactive presentation that guides customers through a product or service in a visual way. Instead of spending hours creating a PowerPoint presentation by hand, you can use Claude to input a few text prompts and have an interactive presentation generated.
  • Are you a developer who needs a quick prototype of a new Web page? Simply upload your wireframes or ideas to Claude, and he can create an interactive web page with React components and scalable SVG images.
  • Need complex diagrams for a presentation or report? Claude can create visual diagrams based on simple instructions that clearly depict processes and can be effortlessly modified.

How do you edit and use Artifacts?

One of the most impressive features of Artifacts is the ability to edit and extend content. You can easily ask Claude to make changes to a generated Artifact, such as adding an additional function to a React component or adding more detail to a diagram. These changes appear immediately in the Artifact window, making your workflow smoother.

In addition, there is the ability to store and manage multiple versions of an Artifact. This gives users the flexibility to go back to previous versions or compare multiple versions of the same Artifact.

Publishing and sharing Artifacts

Another useful feature of Artifacts is the ability to publish them. This is done through a unique Claude URL, which you can share with others. This makes collaboration and gathering feedback especially easy, as anyone with the URL can view it.

One minor limitation is that you cannot embed the Claude URL within your own Web site, which can be annoying for some users.

Remixing of Artifacts

When you share an Artifact, others can also copy and use it. This is done through the "Remix Artifact" button, which allows users to copy the content to their own Claude environment. Here they can make adjustments and reuse the content completely as they wish.

While this is a great way to collaborate and share knowledge, it can be a drawback for some users that this feature cannot be turned off. It means that your work can always be copied and then modified by others without your permission. This is especially something to consider with sensitive or copyrighted content.

The future of content creation with Artifacts

Artifacts offers unprecedented opportunities for creating, editing and sharing interactive content. Whether you work in marketing, software development or design, this tool can significantly speed up and simplify your workflow. By using AI, such as Claude, even users with no technical background can create complex content that looks professional and functions perfectly.

Want to discover for yourself how Artifacts works? Check out an example of an interactive page created with Artifacts based on a few simple prompts .

In addition, you can watch this video for a comprehensive introduction to Artifacts and all the features this new feature offers.

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Apple Event Sept. 9, 2024: All about the iPhone 16 and the future of AI

Today, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 is the day: Apple is hosting its highly anticipated Apple Event, where the world will learn about the iPhone 16 and other new Apple products. Every year, Apple manages to wow the tech world with the latest gadgets, and this edition promises to be no exception. What can we expect from the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch and AirPods? And what role will AI play in Apple's future?

iPhone 16: A revolution with the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 16 takes center stage at this event and brings with it some major innovations. One of the biggest upgrades is the introduction of the A18 chip, which will power all iPhone 16 models. This powerful chip is the backbone of Apple Intelligence, a new AI platform that brings advanced capabilities such as image and voice recognition to the iPhone.

The iPhone 16 Pro models get larger screens (6.3 inches and 6.9 inches) and come equipped with a 48MP ultrawide camera, making them ideally suited for photography enthusiasts and content creators. The base versions of the iPhone 16 also get a new design, with a vertical camera setup that is both stylish and functional.

The first steps in AI: Apple Intelligence

Apple has already hinted that the iPhone 16 will be the first major step in the use of AI, with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This platform integrates various AI features into the everyday use of the iPhone. For example, consider improved Siri, which will have a new level of personalization and interaction thanks to AI. Siri will feature a glow effect around the screen, which is not only a visual improvement, but also shows that the assistant can support you.

In addition, users can count on basic AI features such as image recognition, which will allow the iPhone to recognize objects and faces even better. AI-generated content and improved speech recognition are also among the possibilities, which will make the iPhone even more intuitive to use.

What the future holds: iOS 18.1 and further AI capabilities

While the launch of the iPhone 16 is impressive, the real power of Apple Intelligence will likely not be fully realized until the rollout of iOS 18.1 in October 2024. With this update, advanced AI features such as text rewriting, automatic recording of phone calls, and their transcription are expected. Furthermore, we will see improved image generation and advanced image analysis, which, for example, will allow you to automatically categorize or enhance photos.

Another exciting development is the even smarter and more personalized version of Siri in iOS 18.1, which continues to be developed in collaboration with OpenAI. This new Siri version promises to make interactions even smoother and will be able to support users in unique ways, such as by making suggestions based on your habits and preferences.

Apple Watch and AirPods: small but beautiful

In addition to the iPhone 16, there are also likely to be interesting updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods. The Apple Watch will get a slimmer design, with a possible option for a larger 49mm model. This new size will be of particular interest to users who prefer a larger and brighter screen, for example for reading notifications or using fitness apps.

The AirPods will have an improved design that is both stylish and ergonomic. There are rumors that the new AirPods will fit better and can make sound even clearer. The focus on user experience in particular seems to be central to this, with rumors of even better noise cancellation and sound quality.

Should you upgrade to the iPhone 16?

For many people, the question will be whether it is worth upgrading to the iPhone 16. This obviously depends on your current device and whether you need the latest features. If you use the camera a lot, the improvements in the Pro models will definitely be worth it. However, the combination of the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence's AI features also promise a lot in terms of productivity and ease of use.

It is important to note that Apple Intelligence will not be available in the European Union for the time being. Due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has suspended the introduction of certain AI features in the EU. This may affect your decision to switch immediately, especially if you are interested in the AI capabilities that will not become fully available until later.

How do you follow the Apple Event?

Don't want to miss anything about the launch of the iPhone 16 and other Apple products? The Apple Event on September 9, 2024 can be followed live from 7 p.m. Dutch time via Apple's official channels, such as their website and YouTube. Be ready to watch all the announcements live and be among the first to know the latest news.

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Cursor: The AI tool that makes coding accessible to everyone

An important new update for "coders" us or people who like to build apps or software. Cursor, a new tools makes it easier than ever to build your own software, even without deep technical knowledge. One AI tool that attracted a lot of attention this past week is Cursor. Designed specifically for coding, this new AI chatbot allows both experienced programmers and beginners to write functional code in a short amount of time.

What makes Cursor unique?

Cursor combines the power of a developer environment with the usability of an AI chatbot. Whereas tools such as ChatGPT are mainly focused on general word processing, Cursor is specifically designed to support programmers in writing code. This makes the tool ideal for people who want to build their own software or apps, but do not yet have the knowledge or experience to do so without help.

What makes Cursor truly unique is its integration with popular AI models such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet and GPT-4. These models help users turn ideas into functional code at lightning speed. Within minutes, a simple concept can turn into a working application, without the user having to understand all the details of coding themselves.

In addition, Cursor is based on the highly popular platform Microsoft Visual Studio Code, a code editor used by millions of programmers worldwide. This integration means users can quickly and easily make changes to their code and troubleshoot problems, all within the same environment.

Who is Cursor intended for?

What makes Cursor so powerful is that it makes coding accessible to everyone. Whether you are an experienced programmer who wants to work faster or someone just starting to code, Cursor helps you develop software efficiently.

A striking example is the story of an eight-year-old girl who developed her own app with the help of Cursor. This shows how user-friendly and powerful the tool is: even children can use it and bring their creative ideas to life.

Why do companies choose Cursor?

With more than 30,000 paying customers, including employees of companies such as Perplexity, Midjourney and OpenAI, Cursor has quickly proven itself as a reliable tool for software development. Companies choose Cursor because of the speed and simplicity with which ideas can be turned into working software. The AI support in Cursor allows complex projects to be completed with fewer errors and less effort, ultimately leading to a more efficient development cycle.

In addition, the seamless integration with the Visual Studio Code editor is a big advantage for programmers who are used to working with that environment. They can start coding right away without having to learn a new interface or drastically change their workflow.

The future of coding with AI

Tools like Cursor show that the future of software development is changing rapidly. Whereas coding used to be a skill mainly reserved for "technerds," it is now something anyone with a good idea can pick up. The combination of AI and user-friendly development environments such as Cursor ensures that the threshold for software development is becoming lower and lower.

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Google launches new Gemini versions, Gems and Imagen 3: What does this mean for the future of AI?

Google continues to develop new AI solutions and this week introduced multiple updates to their Gemini models, personalized assistants called Gems and improved image generation with Imagen 3. These new developments show how Google continues to expand the functionality of their AI systems, taking a step forward in a rapidly changing market.

New Gemini versions: Flexibility and performance

Google has announced three new versions of their Gemini AI models, each with unique features and applications.

Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B

A more compact model that is still powerful enough for multimodal applications and processing large amounts of information. This model can summarize long texts, which is useful for companies that want to get a quick overview of extensive documents or data.

Gemini 1.5 Pro

Is designed for more specialized tasks, such as coding and complex jobs. Companies that deal a lot with technical issues or custom solutions can benefit from the improved performance of this model.

Gemini 1.5 Flash

Gemini 1.5 Flash has shown major performance improvements on several internal benchmarks. This model can be especially valuable for organizations looking to use AI for fast and efficient problem-solving tasks.

All of these models are available through Google AI Studio and the Gemini API, allowing developers and companies to test and customize them for their specific needs. These updates are labeled with the date "0827" to avoid confusion with earlier versions. On Sept. 3, the older Gemini 1.5 Pro Exp 0801 model was automatically replaced with the new 0827 version.

Creating your own AI assistants with Gems

In addition to the new Gemini models, Google is also introducing Gems, a new tool that allows users to create their own AI assistants. These personalized AI experts can be tailored to specific tasks or topics, similar to the customization features in tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft's Co-pilot, and Claude. Gems makes it possible to create AI assistants specifically tailored to a user's workflow, which can significantly improve efficiency.

Google has also developed ready-to-use Gems, such as a brainstormer, a career advisor, a programming partner, and a writing editor. These preconfigured assistants can be used immediately for common tasks and are ideal for users who want to get started quickly.

We also tested our AI colleague Liza with Gems. Although easy to set up, the capabilities and results were disappointing for now. We will test this further and continue to monitor Gems developments.

Currently, Gems are only available to paying users of Gemini Advanced, Gemini Business, and Gemini Enterprise.

Image generation with Imagen 3

In addition to the Gemini updates and Gems, Google is also launching Imagen 3, a new version of their image generation model. Imagen 3 allows users to create images based on text prompts, allowing for a wide range of styles, such as photorealism, oil painting, and even clay animations.

This enhancement positions Google as a strong competitor to image generation platforms such as DALL-E 3, Midjourney, and Flux. Unfortunately, Imagen 3 is not currently available in the Netherlands, but this new functionality is expected to be rolled out worldwide soon.

What do these developments mean for businesses?

With the launch of these new AI applications, Google shows how committed they are to developing powerful tools that help organizations work faster and more efficiently. Whether it's improving word processing capabilities with Gemini, creating custom assistants with Gems, or generating high-quality images with Imagen 3, these innovations offer many opportunities for businesses.

Google's ongoing development of AI shows that we are only at the beginning of what is possible. The next step for organizations is to properly integrate these tools into their existing processes and train staff to use AI responsibly and effectively.

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OpenAI aims for big 'Strawberry' release this fall

The world of artificial intelligence is not standing still. While many companies are just starting to use AI, OpenAI already seems to be ready for the next big step. Rumors abound about what their next development will bring, and more and more eyes are on an upcoming release Strawberry.

According to a recent article by The Information, OpenAI is working on a new GPT version that builds on previous models, focusing on better problem-solving skills and better reasoning. If they succeed in this, it could give them another big lead in the race for the most advanced AI technology.

What can we expect from Strawberry?

Strawberry is seen as a big step forward from current AI models, such as GPT-4. In particular, it is said to be better at solving complex mathematical problems, providing assistance in strategic planning and even in tasks that require human logic, such as solving puzzles. These improvements focus on deeper and more accurate reasoning, which is essential for more challenging tasks.

When is Strawberry coming out?

Although the full release of Strawberry is probably not expected until 2025, a beta version will be available as early as this fall. This will give users and companies a chance to experiment with the model in advance, while OpenAI continues to work on refining the technology.

What makes Strawberry different from GPT-4?

One notable difference from earlier models is that OpenAI's Strawberry is given more time to arrive at answers. Whereas GPT-4 and other similar AIs provide quick answers, Strawberry is designed to think more deeply about complex problems. This means that the model will be able to provide more accurate and reasoned answers to complex questions.

OpenAI and responsible use of AI

In the quest for increasingly sophisticated AI models, OpenAI is also keeping an eye on safety and accountability. CEO Sam Altman recently announced a partnership with the US AI Safety Institute to ensure that new AI models, such as Strawberry, are thoroughly tested before widespread deployment. This demonstrates the importance of careful development and responsible use of AI.

What is the impact of this new generation of AI?

While it is not yet clear how big the impact of Strawberry will be, it is clear that new AI systems such as these will continue to change the way we work. They offer promising opportunities for innovation and efficiency, but they will also affect roles and tasks within organizations. It is therefore wise to keep a close eye on these developments and consider how your company can prepare for these changes.

Looking ahead to Orion

In addition to Strawberry, OpenAI is also developing a new AI model called Orion. This project should ensure that OpenAI is even further ahead. Interestingly, Strawberry is playing an important role in the development of Orion by generating the training data needed to improve this model.

The future of AI is brimming with possibilities, and with releases like Strawberry and Orion, OpenAI shows that they continue to innovate. For companies and users following this technology, this could mean another big step in how AI impacts our daily lives.

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Why the importance of AI policy and training is increasing

In recent years, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace has grown exponentially. According to the 2024 Annual Work Trend Index, 75% of employees now use AI at work. Interestingly, 46% of these users have only started using AI tools within the past six months. This means that a large proportion of workers had to get used to AI in a short period of time, without much experience or guidance.

Despite this rapid adoption of AI in business, the 2024 State of Marketing AI Report reveals that 75% of companies do not yet offer internal AI-focused education or training. Less than 40% of organizations have a clear AI policy in place. This means many employees are using AI without actually really knowing how to use it properly, which can lead to unknowingly sharing trusted information and not using the tools correctly.

So why is an AI policy so important?

Using AI without clear policies carries risks. Without agreements or guidelines, employees may unknowingly deploy tools in ways that do not align with business strategy or may even harm the company. AI, when applied correctly, is a powerful tool to increase efficiency and drive innovation. But without a proper plan or clear agreements, its use can have just the opposite effect.

An AI policy provides structure and clarity within the organization. It helps teams better understand which tools may or may not be used and how to use these tools effectively and responsibly. Such a policy can include agreements about:

  • Which AI tools may be used.
  • How data is processed and secured.
  • What ethical guidelines apply when using AI.

Developing an AI policy doesn't have to be complicated. We have a free template you can use. By adapting it to your organization's specific needs, you can quickly create a good policy that will help integrate AI responsibly into your daily processes.

What AI tools are commonly used?

An important part of an effective AI policy is understanding what AI tools are being used within your organization and what agreements have been made about them. Many companies do not have a clear overview of the tools their employees are using. This lack of overview can lead to unnecessary risks.

According to the recently released third edition of the Top 100 Gen AI Consumer Apps, the market for AI tools is still going strong. Nearly 30% of the companies listed are new since the previous report in March 2024. This rapid change demonstrates how dynamic the market is and shows how necessary it is for companies to constantly keep abreast of new developments.

A useful starting point for organizations is to look at the most widely used AI tools. The Top 50 AI Tools list provides a good overview of the tools that are currently popular, both for Web users and mobile apps. By reviewing this list, you can better determine which tools are right for your team and what training is needed to deploy them effectively.

A future with AI requires a good AI policy

AI offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses, but without proper guidelines, its use can quickly spiral out of control. Creating an AI policy and providing targeted training to employees are essential steps to deploying AI in a safe and responsible manner. By streamlining and guiding the use of AI tools within your team, you will ensure that your organization takes full advantage of the benefits of this technology without losing sight of the risks.

Consider establishing an AI policy and offering appropriate training. That way you'll be ready for the future, when AI will play an even bigger role in the workplace.

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OpenAI back at #1 with update GPT-4o

In August 2024, OpenAI once again gained attention by launching the latest update to its GPT-4o model. This update, released on Aug. 8 brought the company back to the top of the AI rankings, tested by Chatbot Arena, after being briefly overtaken by Gemini 1.5.

What makes this return special is that OpenAI did not introduce an entirely new model, but rather thoroughly improved the existing GPT-4o model.

ChatGPT-4o is now ranked No. 1 in the following categories:

  • General
  • Mathematics
  • Coding
  • Complex prompts
  • Instructional follow-up
  • Longer questions
  • Multi-step interviews

Improved performance and better problem solving

The focus of the GPT-4o update was primarily on optimizing performance and addressing existing bugs.

Instead of choosing to launch an entirely new model, OpenAI chose to build on the strong foundation of GPT-4o and refine it further. They did this by thoroughly purifying the dataset, replacing outdated or inaccurate information with current and accurate data. As a result, the model has now taken a significant leap forward, both in speed and efficiency.

Complex prompts are answered better

One notable improvement of the updated GPT-4o model is how well it now handles complex prompts. While previous versions sometimes had trouble understanding complex prompts, with this update it seems to be very accurate and fast at handling complex issues. This makes the model especially useful for professionals and companies that use AI for tasks that require a high level of precision. These include analyzing complex data sets or developing sophisticated software.

Better instructional follow-up

Furthermore, GPT-4o is now also better able to accurately follow long and detailed instructions. This was an issue where previous versions of the model sometimes fell short, resulting in output errors. The update has addressed these shortcomings, so users can now rely on an AI that executes instructions more efficiently and consistently. This is especially valuable for companies using AI to automate day-to-day tasks and complex workflows.

Growing impact of GPT-4o

The improvements in GPT-4o not only strengthen OpenAI's position, but also provide tangible benefits to users worldwide. The model is now even more capable of performing a wide range of tasks with a higher degree of reliability and accuracy.

Signal to competitors

This update demonstrates the importance of continuous innovation within AI. Although Google's Gemini 1.5 temporarily took the lead, OpenAI's rapid response shows that continuous improvement of existing models is just as important as developing new ones.

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Google's core algorithm update August 2024: What you need to know

When Google makes a major update in their algorithm, it has a major impact on how websites are ranked in Google and what position you come up with keywords. Google regularly adjusts the algorithm to ensure that users get the most relevant search results.

The August 2024 core algorithm update is one such update, in this article we share some findings about the update and advice on what to focus on.

Forums and User Generated Content (UGC) continue to do well

During the update now underway in August 2024, we see that forums and user-written content (UGC) still perform well in search results.

While this is not a new trend and has been around for some time, it is remarkable that this type of content continues to have so much value. Reddit is a good example of this. A small increase in visibility can quickly lead to many additional visitors for Reddit, as the platform already has a large number of users.

Niche and local businesses get more visibility

Another important change is that both niche and local businesses seem to be doing better in search results. This presents opportunities especially for SMEs and niche companies. Where previously large national players or multinationals were often at the top (partly due to a combination of amount of content, domain authority, through links and branding) we now see that smaller and medium-sized companies are also scoring better in national searches. This is a positive development as it also gives smaller companies a chance in the playing field.

Relevance of your website

Domain relevance also plays a larger role. It remains important that your domain name and the services you offer are consistent with other content on your website. Sites that get this right seem to hold their position(s) well or rank better in search results than before.

So while we see smaller and medium-sized companies doing well, that does not mean that all big brands are/will do worse. Brands that already have an established name and receive constant flow of authoritative backlinks continue to perform well in search results. These brands continue to do well because of their broad visibility both on and off the Internet and because of their a multi-channel approach.

Our findings

With an algorithm update, it is important not to react emotionally too quickly, whether you are positive or negative about the changes in terms of rankings. This is because it may take some time before all the effects are fully visible.

Recently, there have been many complaints about Google's performance, as some people feel the search results have become less relevant. Google seems to be taking these concerns seriously, especially given the emergence of new competitors such as SearchGPT, which means that in addition to SEO, AIO is going to become more important.

The August 2024 core update shows how important it is to create content that fits well with what your visitors are looking for. The success of forums and User Generated Content shows that people need valuable and real information. Therefore, it is important that your content is not only informative, but that it really responds to your visitor's needs.

What can you do?

Make sure that the content on your website is relevant to your services and matches your visitors' questions and expectations. You can do this, for example, by creating a content strategy, in which you create content that connects to different stages of the fan journey. It is also important that your content is well structured and easy to read, so that visitors can quickly find what they are looking for.

Google values websites that put their visitors first and provide the best user experience. By focusing on the quality of your content, you increase your chances of ranking well in search results regardless of future Google updates. Visitors will stay on your site longer and actually be interested in what you have to say, which can further improve your ranking.

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Elon Musk's xAI launches Grok 2, an AI 'wild west'

Elon Musk's xAI has announced Grok 2, a new version of their AI chatbot available exclusively to X Premium and X Premium+ (formerly Twitter) subscribers. This introduction is startling and creates a "wild west" in the AI landscape.

We tested it and asked the AI itself to tell a bit about this introduction and we were positively surprised. In this article, we talk about Grok 2 and the important features of this AI model.

What is Grok 2?

Grok 2 is the latest chatbot from xAI, the successor to earlier versions within the Grok series. Released in beta in August 2024, this version offers many more features than its predecessors. Grok 2 can not only respond and reason smarter, but can now create images thanks to its collaboration with Black Forest Labs' FLUX.1 model.

Key features of Grok 2

Improved reasoning capabilities

Grok 2 is considered "better" compared to leading competitors, such as Meta and Anthropic models. According to benchmarks on LMSYS, Grok 2 performs particularly well, making it an attractive option for users looking for advanced AI features.

Image Generation

A notable new feature of Grok 2 is the ability to generate photorealistic images. This is made possible by its integration with FLUX.1. It can create largely uncensored images that can be both innovative and controversial. Users of X can now create images, which was not possible before.

Accessibility

Grok 2 and its smaller variant, Grok-2 mini, are only available to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers. This means that Grok 2's special features are only accessible to paying users, which creates a certain form of exclusivity within the user base.

Comparison with competitors

Although Grok 2 receives much praise for its performance, it has not yet broken the barrier of GPT-4. Nevertheless, it does belong to the class of "GPT-4 class" AI models, which means it can compete with the best AI models currently available.

Cultural impact

Especially because it can create controversial images, it has raised many questions about responsibility and ethics of AI. Since this technology can be used to create fake images of famous people, it creates discussion about how we use technology and what responsibility platforms have about what people do with their tools.

Grok 2 in action

To test whether Grok 2 can provide current and accurate information on topics other than itself, I asked where footballer Mbappé is currently playing and how his debut went. This was Wednesday night, so very topical. Grok 2 gave a correct answer, although the Dutch sometimes sounded a bit unnatural.

After testing several questions, the topicality and "playful" way of answering stand out in particular. In his responses, Grok refers exclusively to related posts on X, as in this example to Voetbal International. Smaller Twitter accounts are also mentioned, sometimes with only a few hundred followers.

Potential hazards and opportunities

Clearly, Grok 2 is trained on the content of X users, which ensures that it can provide up-to-date responses. However, this also carries risks, especially if the information is inaccurate. This development is especially interesting for companies that share newsworthy information and have an audience that is active on X.

Does this apply to your company? Then it might be worth getting active (again) on X and making sure your content is available for Grok's training data. That way, your posts can be included in Grok 2's results, helping you reach a wider audience.

Grok 2 vs. other chatbots

Compared to other chatbots such as ChatGPT, Grok 2 still seems to have its limitations, including its slower response time. Nevertheless, it is certainly an interesting development to keep an eye on and experiment further with. Especially since Elon Musk has already announced that Grok 3 will be launched by the end of this year. His ambition is that Grok 3 will be the most advanced language model, which will be at or above the level of the not yet launched GPT-5.

Trying out Grok 2

If you want to try Grok 2 for yourself, you can click on X Premium in your X settings and activate the Premium subscription there. Then through settings -> X Premium -> Grok, you can try out the Grok 2 mini (beta) version. Grok 2 is also available in the Netherlands from the beginning of this month.

Read more about Grok 2 here.

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Google introduces Pixel 9 and Gemini Live

Early this week was the day: Google's much-anticipated Made by Google event. This event revolved entirely around artificial intelligence (AI). In the spotlight were the brand new Pixel 9 series and Gemini Live, Google's advanced AI assistant. With these announcements, Google is taking a clear step toward fully integrating AI into all their products, from smartphones to smart home devices. But what exactly does this mean for users? We discuss it in this article.

What's coming?

Gemini Live: The New Standard in AI Assistants

Gemini Live is more than a simple upgrade to Google Assistant. This new AI assistant is going to replace Google Assistant on Android phones. The idea behind Gemini Live is that you can have conversations naturally with your phone. You can ask questions, get help with various tasks and even pause in a conversation to pick up later where you left off. This makes Gemini Live a powerful tool for the people who want to get a lot out of their smartphone.

Gemini on Pixel: Contextual help at your fingertips

One notable feature of Gemini on the new Pixel phones is the ability to get contextual help simply by holding down the power button. Whether you're busy writing an email, planning your week, or learning a new language, you can let Gemini support you. This makes using your smartphone not only easier, but also much more efficient. No more struggling to find the right information, Gemini already has the answer ready for you.

Gemini Extensions: Multitasking gets easier than ever

Gemini Extensions makes AI even more accessible by integrating the assistant with various Google apps, such as Gmail, Maps, YouTube Music and Drive. This means you can multitask more efficiently without switching apps. Imagine this: while planning a route in Maps, you can simultaneously organize your emails and listen to your favorite music, all with Gemini's help. This integration makes the daily use of your devices a lot more productive.

Pixel Studio: Get creative anytime, anywhere

In addition to Gemini Live, Google is also introducing Pixel Studio, an app that uses AI to generate images. Whether you work on your phone or in the cloud, Pixel Studio allows you to create visual content with ease. This tool is ideal for anyone who wants to create attractive visuals quickly and easily without requiring in-depth knowledge of graphic design.

Call Notes and Reimagine: AI for efficiency and creativity

Call Notes and Reimagine are two other features that show how AI can improve our daily lives. Call Notes lets you summarize phone calls and create transcripts right on your phone. This not only ensures optimal privacy, but also a more efficient workflow, especially if you spend a lot of time on your phone.

Reimagine goes a step further by allowing you to edit parts of images with AI-generated content based on text. So there are many new opportunities for creative editing, without the need for complex software.

Magic Editor updates: Automatic suggestions for perfect photos

Another impressive feature Google is introducing is the Magic Editor. This tool offers automatic suggestions for cropping and adjusting photos. Whether you are a professional photographer or just want to enhance your vacation photos, Magic Editor ensures that your photos always look their best. This makes photo editing easier and faster.


With Gemini, Google is not just targeting phones. The new Nest Thermostat uses Gemini for more natural voice interaction, and Google TV Streamer will soon get Gemini features as well.

Gemini Live is first available to Gemini Advanced subscribers with an Android phone (in English). iOS and more languages will follow soon.

You can download and use the Gemini app on Android devices or you can activate Gemini in your Google app on an iPhone (via Settings -> Other Settings -> check 'Show Gemini'). Then in Home at the top next to 'Search' click on the blue Gemini icon. With that, you switch to Gemini.

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