déc 31, 2024
What We Predicted for 2024… and What 2025 Has in Store for AI
Artificial intelligence
Last January, we made some predictions about what to expect from artificial intelligence in 2024. As the year comes to a close, we thought it would be a great time to revisit those points, assess the state of the technology, and reflect on our forecasting skills. Let’s dive straight into our first prediction.
1. Generative AI: The 2023 Buzzword Continues into 2024
Not only did this buzzword persist, but it has also gained significant momentum. Generative AI is no longer just “the technology to watch”; it has become the one to adopt immediately. Our prediction about its transformative impact on productivity and creative processes was spot on! Companies that have embraced it are already experiencing a 20% to 30% boost in productivity, leveraging its ability to automate repetitive tasks like report writing, email management, and marketing content creation. We’ve outlined several practical applications in these two articles: 1, 2.
We also anticipated that generative AI would become more accessible, and the evidence speaks for itself. The increasing number of large language models (LLMs) available on the market confirms this trend, along with a 50% year-over-year rise in daily AI tool usage among Canadians—from 20% to 30%.
On the creative tools front, innovations like Sora, which generates realistic videos from text descriptions, marked a significant turning point. Other tools, such as NotebookLM, impressed with their rapid development and potential. We explored NotebookLM in detail through a tutorial, highlighting its ability to create podcasts from text documents. Additionally, one of our AI experts compiled a guide featuring five must-have tools—PhotoAI, RunwayML, Suno, ElevenLabs, and MidJourney—designed to help you maximize their impact on your workflows.
2. Disinformation and the U.S. Elections
In recent months, deepfakes have proliferated to the point where they are nearly indistinguishable from reality. Notable examples include a fake image of Trump during Hurricane Milton’s floods, a fabricated hug with Kamala Harris, and a doctored picture of Taylor Swift dressed as “Uncle Sam” with the tagline, “Taylor Swift wants you to vote for Donald Trump.” Although these were quickly debunked, such misinformation had the potential to cause catastrophic effects on voters.
Major platforms like Meta, X, and YouTube were criticized for failing to censor hate speech and disinformation. In September 2024, the European Union issued a warning to Elon Musk, urging him to take action against propaganda and harmful content on X after a report revealed it had the highest rate of disinformation among all major social media platforms.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Last year, we needed to educate ourselves to distinguish real from fake. This year, it feels like we need to be experts to do so.
3. AI Monetization
We also predicted that OpenAI and other major companies would launch paid AI tools, much like an Apple Store for apps. This prediction proved accurate. However, we were mistaken in thinking monetization might reduce adoption rates or that companies would struggle to see ROI from such investments. On the contrary, according to Forbes Advisor, 97% of business leaders believe ChatGPT will benefit their companies, and the AI market is projected to reach $407 billion by 2027.
As of December 2024, ChatGPT boasts over 300 million weekly active users, with over one million paying subscribers. However, the majority still prefer the free version. It remains to be seen how increased monetization could affect long-term adoption.
4. Lawsuits and Legislation
The first AI law, introduced by the European Union, did indeed come into effect in 2024, as we discussed here. Although this legislation took effect last August, the rest of the world has been slower to follow suit. It’s true that issues around AI ethics, security, and regulation pose complex challenges. Governments are primarily concerned that legislating AI could stifle domestic development and cause them to fall behind in the global race. However, the urgency for establishing clear boundaries is growing rapidly.
Finally, we previously mentioned Ray Kurzweil, a renowned engineer celebrated for his 147 technological predictions, boasting an impressive 86% accuracy rate. Among his predictions was that artificial intelligence would surpass human intelligence by 2029. While this once seemed like science fiction, recent advancements and discussions around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) suggest it could become a reality. AGI, with the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge at human or superhuman levels, is now an increasingly tangible horizon.
Now, what Does 2025 Have in Store? After a year of remarkable technological advancements, here are our predictions for AI in 2025:
1. The Rise of an AI-First Mindset
Which window is always open on your computer: Google or ChatGPT? If generative AI is replacing your usual search engine, it’s more than just a new habit. By 2025, adopting an “AI-First Mindset” will be essential—reimagining every process, role, and client interaction with AI integrated from the very beginning.
Learn how to apply this approach concretely in your workflows in our exclusive webinar hosted by Hugues Foltz, Executive VP at Vooban, featuring real-world examples of generative AI applications.
2. From Multimodal to Actionable AI
In 2024, generative AI proved its ability to handle multiple data types (text, images, videos). In 2025, these models may become “actionable,” capable of executing concrete initiatives based on complex instructions.
For example, you could instruct AI: “Launch a marketing campaign for my new product.” The AI would then create visuals, draft copy, produce a promotional video, and distribute everything on relevant platforms within a predefined budget.
3. Smarter, More Personal AI Assistants
In 2025, AI-powered personal assistants will become proactive and strategic partners. These assistants will anticipate your needs, prioritize tasks, and adjust schedules in real-time. Imagine a virtual collaborator that organizes your meetings, drafts reports, and re-prioritizes your workload as things evolve—all without your intervention. These assistants will free you up to focus on what truly matters.
4. A Healthcare Revolution: Predictive and Personalized Care
AI is already revolutionizing healthcare, and by 2025, its impact could reach unprecedented levels with advancements in personalized treatments and connected devices. By analyzing genetic and medical data, AI has the potential to create tailored therapies, offering more effective results with fewer side effects.
The rise of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) will introduce biometric sensors capable of continuously monitoring vital signs, detecting anomalies, and sending instant alerts to caregivers.
These predictions aren’t just speculation...
They’re actionable opportunities to shape a more innovative and efficient future. Preparing for them means acting now: adopting an AI-first mindset, investing in the right tools, and staying ahead of the curve to avoid being left behind!