About the Episode
About this Episode: In this special bonus episode of "Generation AI," hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla dive into the creative and impactful world of Super Bowl LVIII commercials, specifically focusing on those themed around artificial intelligence. The 2024 Super Bowl showcased a diverse range of AI-related ads, demonstrating the technology's expanding influence across various industries, from cybersecurity and accessibility to creativity and humor.
Highlights include Microsoft Copilot's empowering "Watch Me" ad, Google Pixel 8's accessibility features brought to life by a blind director and voiced over by Stevie Wonder, CrowdStrike's imaginative cybersecurity solutions, Etsy's humorous AI-powered Gift Mode, the playful mockery of AI in "Despicable Me 4's" Minion Intelligence spot, and Body Armor's satirical take on AI-generated content. Each commercial offers a unique perspective on how AI is perceived and utilized in society, balancing between emotional resonance, practical applications, and entertainment. Join Ardis and JC as they explore these narratives, providing insights into how artificial intelligence is not just a technological advancement but a catalyst for creativity, accessibility, and even humor in the advertising world.
Super Bowl AI Ads
1. Microsoft Copilot: "Watch Me"
Microsoft showcases the AI assistant Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11, demonstrating its potential to empower creativity and academic endeavors.
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2. Google's Pixel 8: "Javier in Frame"
Google introduces an accessibility feature in the Pixel 8 that helps visually impaired users take photos, directed by Adam Morse and voiced over by Stevie Wonder.
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3. CrowdStrike: "The Future"
CrowdStrike's ad takes viewers to the Old West, where AI-powered cybersecurity is depicted as the hero against futuristic threats.
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4. Etsy: "Gift Mode"
Etsy's Super Bowl ad humorously introduces its AI-powered Gift Mode, helping users decide on gifts, focusing on a humorous scenario involving Americans choosing a gift for their French friends.
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5. Despicable Me 4 - Minions: "Minion Intelligence"
The "Despicable Me 4" Super Bowl spot humorously engages with AI by showcasing the Minions creating bizarre AI-generated images.
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6. Body Armor: "Field of Fake"
Body Armor's commercial uses AI to poke fun at the technology itself, showcasing a sports drink ad filled with AI-generated absurdities.
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Key Takeaways
- AI’s Diverse Applications in Advertising: From enhancing accessibility (Google Pixel 8) to reshaping education through AI tools (Microsoft CoPilot), the commercials demonstrate the versatility of AI.
- Production and Creativity: AI isn't just the star of the products but is also revolutionizing ad production, enabling faster and cost-effective content creation.
- Nostalgia and Humor Sell: Many brands played it safe by tapping into nostalgia and humor, proving that AI can be seamlessly integrated into emotionally resonant storytelling.
- AI as an Enabler: Whether assisting visually impaired users or powering cybersecurity, these ads highlight AI’s role as an empowering companion, not a replacement for human ingenuity.
- Marketing Strategies: The Super Bowl showcased a mix of AI-forward (explicitly promoting AI) and AI-implicit (subtle AI integration) approaches, targeting both tech-savvy and general audiences.
Episode Summary
What Makes AI Commercials Stand Out at the Super Bowl?
Ardis and JC kick off the discussion with a breakdown of the overarching themes this year—safety, nostalgia, and humor. They highlight how brands like Microsoft and Google used AI to create emotional connections while staying relevant in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
How Is AI Empowering Education and Training?
Microsoft’s CoPilot ad stands out as a celebration of how generative AI can empower users to acquire new skills and credentials, emphasizing inclusivity and personal growth. The ad taps into the transformative potential of AI in education, a sentiment echoed by JC, who sees it as a reflection of how AI can reshape learning for diverse audiences.
Can AI Enhance Accessibility?
Google Pixel 8’s ad introduces Guide Frame, an AI-driven feature helping visually impaired users take better photos. Directed by a blind filmmaker and set to a Stevie Wonder track, the ad illustrates how AI can break barriers and promote inclusivity, making technology more humane and accessible.
How Is AI Revolutionizing Production?
The CrowdStrike ad showcases AI’s role in cybersecurity but also hints at how AI-powered production is changing the game in creating visually stunning and conceptually rich commercials.
What Role Does AI Play in Humor and Creativity?
Etsy’s “Gift Mode” ad and Body Armor’s spoof on AI-generated absurdities inject humor while spotlighting AI’s role in recommendation engines and product authenticity. Meanwhile, Despicable Me 4 hilariously imagines minions as the force behind AI’s early missteps, blending pop culture with AI commentary.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Ardis Kadiu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
https://twitter.com/ardis
Dr. JC Bonilla
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
https://twitter.com/jbonillx
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Ardis will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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