Chapter 1: Understanding the AI Cycle

In the realm of technological advancements, trends often follow a cyclical pattern. Let's break this down:

1. New technology is discovered.
2. Early access is offered for free during research phases, often requiring a waitlist.
3. The technology gains immense popularity.
4. Companies begin to monetize the technology.
5. The technology becomes available at a price.
6. It gets integrated into existing services you already use.
7. Ultimately, it becomes widely accessible, sometimes at no cost.

If this cycle sounds familiar, consider AI search technology. This innovation emerged as an extension of ChatGPT and similar chatbots. AI search allows users to pose natural language queries, such as, “What are the best places to eat in Chicago?” The response aims to provide more than just a list of restaurants; it seeks to include reviews and insights that help users make informed choices. However, current implementations may not always deliver consistent or opinionated results.

Chapter 2: The Role of Major Players

Microsoft has integrated AI into Bing, initially accessible only to users on a waitlist with a Microsoft account. As competitors introduced paid browser extensions for AI search, it became more prevalent in app stores. Eventually, Bing provided free access for all, albeit with advertisements on Microsoft Edge and related search pages. While this may seem free, users still pay indirectly, making it a more cost-effective option compared to ChatGPT.

The first video titled "The AI Gold Rush" discusses the implications of this technology boom and its potential impact on various industries.

As for the AI Gold Rush, it’s important to recognize that while integrating AI can benefit your business, it may not lead to quick profits. Google’s forthcoming Bard, a competitor to ChatGPT, and the continuous improvements to Bing suggest that the landscape is competitive. OpenAI's ChatGPT 3.5 remains available for free use, at least until heavy usage becomes a concern. Similar to the evolving AI-generated image technology market, we see a split between free and paid options.

Chapter 3: Caution in the Gold Rush

Many services are now attempting to sell monthly subscriptions or charge for tokens, likely trying to profit before these technologies become standard features in existing software.

Being an early adopter once held significant advantages. Today, however, it often comes with higher costs and frustrating experiences, as technology may still be in a trial phase. Personally, I prefer waiting for a more polished version that won’t break the bank.

As an advocate for AI, I scrutinize pricing before considering any service. If a platform lacks a free tier, I quickly move on. On social media, especially Twitter, users encounter incessant promotional offers, reminiscent of the early AI image generator days when some companies charged for what were essentially free tools.

The second video, "This is the AI Gold Rush (now go sell some shovels)," explores the business strategies emerging from the AI boom.

While I encourage everyone to embrace AI, it’s crucial to understand these tools rather than succumb to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). A competitive market will ultimately yield superior tools, likely from established companies rather than individual developers. The future of AI is promising, but it’s wise to approach offers with caution and avoid rushing into financial commitments.

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