In this week’s Week In Review: Netflix tests an AI search tool, OpenAI considers launching a social media platform, L’Oréal announces it will use Google tools, AI video editing tool Capsule raises funds, and more.
Brands and Agencies
Momentum WorldWide Names Jason Snyder as Chief AI Officer
Momentum WorldWide has named Jason Snyder as its new Chief AI Officer, switching roles from the media company’s Global Chief Technical Officer position.
Snyder joined the IPG-owned agency in 2013, originally as CTO. In this new role, Snyder will work to integrate AI across workflows and creativity at the company. The agency is one of many that have newly appointed and created AI executive roles, as the marketing and advertising industry attempts to stay ahead of fast-changing innovation. On its LinkedIn, the New York-based agency describes itself as “helping brands imagine, create, curate and manage their Total Brand Experience.”
L’Oréal Partners with Google Cloud for Marketing
L’Oréal Groupe announced its use of Google Cloud AI tools to generate content for marketing. The cosmetics brand said it aims to produce up to 50,000 images and over 500 videos using Gen AI tools, with the aim of supporting large scale content creation. Google’s AI tools, including Imagen 3 and Gemini models will integrate into L’Oréal’s platform Creaitech lab. L’Oréal said it will use the AI tools to receive brand-aligned content that’s quicker to produce.
Media
Netflix Tests New AI Search Tool
This week, it was revealed that Netflix is testing a new AI search engine within its platform. The AI tool would allow users to search and find TV shows and movies based on more specific categories. Currently, users can search for what to watch through naming a genre, actors or film names. The new function is reportedly powered by tech giant OpenAI, and will give Netflix subscribers the opportunity to find content tailored to criteria such as their mood.
AI is already used in the platform for recommending film and TV shows based on what a subscriber has already watched. The new feature would enable more personalised content to be displayed to users.
OpenAI Toys With Social Media Platform Idea
The tech giant OpenAI is reportedly considering starting an AI-powered social media platform. According to the Verge, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been asking outsiders for feedback on the platform, but it’s unclear if an OpenAI social media platform would operate separately from flagship technology ChatGPT. Spectators have commented on heightened tensions between Sam Atlman and X owner Elon Musk, if the rumoured plans come to fruition. The pair have had a public running feud in recent months following disagreements over the direction of OpenAI – both being co-founders of the billion dollar company.
Google Partners with Range Media for ‘AI on Screen’
Google and Range Media Partners have announced the pair will unite to launch ‘AI On Screen’ – a programme commissioning AI-created short films. The films will all focus on the relationship between humans and AI, and the companies are looking for narratives that resonate with people, especially at a time of growing anxiety around AI and its impact. Google and Range Media Partners will reportedly spend time with creators developing the films, before choosing two to turn into full-length feature movies.
Tech
Alibaba and Tencent Backed Zhipu Prepares for IPO
The Chinese AI startup backed by Alibaba and Tencent is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) this year. Many view Zhipu as one of the top Chinese contenders against US AI giant OpenAI. As a result, the tech has received considerable support from the Chinese government in the form of roughly $137 million. Zhipu recently released its own AI agent for deep research, report generation and planning. Reportedly, the tool performs at the same rate as DeepSeek R1.
Video Editing Tool Capsule Raises $12m in Funding
AI start-up Capsule has raised $12 million in a series A round of funding, TechCrunch reported. The company’s tech is primarily an AI video editing software that turns footage into linear narratives for its users. The funding round was led by the likes of Innovation Endeavours, with support from HubSpot Ventures and angel investors such as Instacart’s CMO and Ramp’s co-founder. Capsule has clients including HubSpot and ServiceNow.
Meta Announces it Will Train AI on EU Data
Meta announced this week it will train its AI models on data from EU countries, including from its social media platforms Instagram and Facebook. Data taken to train AI models will include personal information, content, and social interactions between users – but not private conversations through direct messenger. Data from users under the age of 18 will also not be used. If users want to opt-out then they can, and the tech giant has said they will make the form to do this “easy to find, read and use”.
The news comes following past tensions between Meta and the EU, as the tech firm has previously been frustrated by tight regulations around AI and data. However, the European Data Protection Board has said Meta’s current approach meets legal requirements.
Number of the Week
$5.5 billion. That’s how much Nvidia is estimating its market cap to drop following news from the US government that there will be heightened export rules on AI chips going to China.
There have already been tight rules on AI chips going to the region since Biden’s office, which forced Nvidia to create a unique AI chip named ‘H20’ to fit requirements.
Now, to sell these chips, Nvidia will need a license. In turn, Nvidia is likely to take a major hit as a result. This news is part of a wider trade race between the US and China, with artificial intelligence a major pawn.
