January 2024 Summaries

AI21 Labs, an artificial intelligence research and development company, has announced the launch of Jurassic-X, a new multi-expert knowledge system that combines large language models with access to external databases and APIs. This enables users to perform tasks such as reading and updating their database in free language, performing complex math operations, answering compositional questions, and retrieving dynamic information like weather forecasts and currency exchange rates. The system is designed to be transparent by displaying which expert answered which part of the question, and presenting the intermediate steps taken instead of just a black-box response.

Retailers are increasingly adopting AI and chatbots to personalize customer experiences, optimize inventories, and drive business growth. LLMs (Large Language Models) enable retail businesses to process large amounts of data, analyze it, and make decisions based on the insights gained. The adoption of AI in retail opens up endless possibilities for developing personalized offers and delivering them with tailored messages. Task-Specific Models (TSMs), developed by AI21, are designed and trained to excel at one specific job, making it easier for retailers to harness the power of generative AI personalization with minimal effort.

In 2024, enterprises are expected to shift their focus from generative AI experimentation to practical implementation, facing challenges around ROI, cost management, and responsible AI practices. The year will see a move from LLMs to AI systems, the beginning of the Agentic era, and increased deployment of AI in workflows. Companies will also consider whether to become consumers or suppliers of AI technology. Enterprises will demand tangible ROI on their AI investments and focus more on production use cases than experimentation.