The Drum’s Daily Briefing: De Niro voices anti-Trump ad & Musk’s AI startup raises $6bn
Our quickfire analysis of the brand, marketing and media stories that might just crop up in your meetings and conversations today.
xAI aims to rival OpenAI and Google / Adobe Stock
Biden campaign enlists Robert De Niro
Joe Biden’s re-election campaign has released a powerful video ad titled ‘Snapped,’ featuring Robert De Niro’s voiceover.
The 30-second spot, set to dramatic music, criticizes Donald Trump’s erratic behavior and warns against his potential return to power. De Niro highlights Trump’s controversial actions during his presidency, including the Capitol riot and his threats to terminate the Constitution.
The ad portrays Trump as a desperate figure seeking revenge and dictatorial control. With striking imagery and a clear message, it aims to sway voters by emphasizing the dangers of a Trump resurgence.
Biden concludes by expressing his approval of the message.e is Biden walking towards a doorway and saluting the troops that guard him.
YouTube targets adblockers by skipping videos
YouTube is cracking down on adblockers by causing videos to skip to the end for users employing them. This follows a recent enforcement where users were prompted to disable adblockers or face blocked video playback.
Now, videos abruptly end or endlessly load, affecting mainly those with AdBlock installed. Disabling the blocker resolves the issue, hinting at YouTube’s tactic to discourage adblocker use.
While it could also be a bug in AdBlock, the timing suggests a deliberate move by YouTube to protect its ad revenue, underscoring the ongoing battle between content platforms and adblocking software.
Musk’s xAI raises $6bn to challenge OpenAI and Google
Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has secured $6bn in funding from top investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, pushing its valuation to $24bn.
Launched in 2023, xAI aims to rival OpenAI and Google, focusing on developing advanced AI technologies. The funds will accelerate research, infrastructure, and product launches.
xAI’s flagship model, Grok, debuted last November and now features enhanced capabilities. The company’s mission is to create AI systems that are truthful and beneficial to humanity.
This funding highlights the booming interest and investment in AI technology.
Flight Centre uses AI to enhance customer experience
Flight Centre is leveraging AI to boost its customer experience and attract younger, online shoppers.
Partnering with Qualtrics, the travel giant employs AI to analyze both structured and unstructured data, such as emails and social media, to gauge customer sentiment. This technology has revealed key pain points like difficulties in managing bookings.
As a result, Flight Centre is introducing app features for quick refunds. Despite 75% of sales happening in-store, with higher spending by older customers, the AI initiative aims to refine market perception and improve overall service.