After my recent flight of AI whimsy (using AI software to write song lyrics about how great AI is, in my previous blog), I’m returning to take a more practical look at AI applications. Of course, this is a very open-ended subject. AI applications are constantly evolving, and new programs are always in development. So I’ll revisit to my original starting points; Google Bard and Adobe Firefly.
AI with Google Bard
Bard was launched less than 2 months ago, rolled out initially in the US and UK. Curiosity piqued, I joined the waiting list at the first opportunity and have since had some productive interactions. It might not yet be living up to the Shakespearian heights implied by its name, but Bard has certainly delivered some solid results fact-finding, brainstorming creative content ideas and offering suggestions to expand written articles.
Swiftly taking initial feedback on board, Bard has grown, pivoted and evolved in response to user requirements. Improvements include a shift to PaLM 2
(a far more capable large language model) which has enabled advanced mathematical, reasoning and even coding capabilities.
Small but practical touches also make a difference; there’s now a Dark theme available on Bard, making the interface easier on the eyes in dim light, and new one-click options to export your Bard content directly into Google Docs and Gmail.
Looking forward, Bard will feature more visual capabilities. User questions will generate helpful reference images in addition to Bard’s written feedback. This new visual integration will work both ways; users will be able to upload images within their prompts (in addition to supplying text info), as Google Lens capability is introduced into Bard. So, not only can Bard generate content ideas based on your keywords and topics, it will soon be able to provide relevant accompanying graphics!
And, as we drift into the visual applications of AI, that naturally brings us to Adobe.
Adobe Firefly
Firefly! Not the sadly short-lived sci-fi TV show, but Adobe’s own AI tech, designed to help graphic designers and photographers save time and effort when editing images. Still under development, Firefly is initially focussing on image and text effect generation. However, these features alone can provide a creative springboard and speed up workflow.
Firefly is powered by Adobe Sensei, Adobe's AI and machine learning (ML) technology. Sensei is used within a range of Adobe products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Sensei generates the images and text effects in real time – no waiting for the changes to render.
Firefly’s ease of use and customisation options make it appealing; the user interface is intuitive and straightforward, and there are plenty of tutorials and resources available to help get newbies started. With programs such as Canva snapping at Adobe’s heels, Firefly adds a new dimension to Adobe’s graphic design products, making them more accessible to users in need of high-quality graphics but who haven’t had the opportunity or time to study in-depth ways to achieve specific elevated effects.
Summary
The available array of AI tools is a game-changer for content creators, and the way that content is produced is shifting. Creators can save time, reduce costs, and create more impactful content… providing they use these tools well. AI can give you starter ideas, frameworks, even chunks of pretty good content from the get-go. But it isn’t yet so advanced that we can safely put all our creative eggs in the AI basket. Look at it like a game of Snakes and Ladders: smart use of AI will send you storming up the game board. Lazy use, spending inadequate time or effort but still trusting AI to give you a finished polished result – well, that can leave you with some awkward results that’ll send you pitching back down the board. On that cautionary note, I’ll leave you with some examples of AI gone wrong!
If you want to delegate your design or copywriting tasks to a human, please don’t hesitate to contact Dena@youbeemedia.co.uk or Rebecca@youbeemedia.co.uk at our marketing consultancy. No dodgy AI, just authentic content and social media management that reflects your product/s and values. Get in touch and tell us how we can help or join one of our marketing workshops for more expert advice!
