2023 Gartner Hype Cycle Shows: Generative AI at the Peak of 'Inflated Expectations'

The 2023 Gartner Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies indicates that generative artificial intelligence is at the peak of the "peak of inflated expectations." However, generative AI is influenced by excessive expectations, with misleading marketing from vendors and market confusion. Although it is expected to enter the "trough of disillusionment" next, there remains controversy over whether it can deliver long-term value to businesses and society.

Report: Sharp Increase in Global AI Usage Widens Gap Between Wealthy and Poor Countries

A Microsoft report from 2026 shows that 17.8% of the working-age population globally uses generative AI, but the gap between developed and developing countries has widened. In developed countries, 27.5% of people aged 15-64 use the tool, compared to only 15.4% in developing countries, with the gap increasing by 1.5 percentage points since the second half of 2025. The main reasons are differences in internet access, digital skills, and electricity availability.

OpenAI Invests Heavily in AI Computing Power, 50 Billion Dollar Investment Sparks Industry Arms Race

OpenAI CEO Greg Brockman revealed that the company plans to invest up to 50 billion dollars before 2026 to enhance computing resources, in response to the surge in demand for computing power for training and inference of large AI models. This investment has grown thousands of times compared to around 30 million dollars in 2017, marking the transition of generative AI from experimental stages to large-scale commercialization.

Google's AI Strategy Adjusts Again: Web Proxy Project Project Mariner Officially Concludes

Google announced the shutdown of its experimental web automation project, Project Mariner, on May 4th. However, its core technology has been integrated into key products such as Gemini Agent and AI Mode. The project, which was introduced at the end of 2024, aimed to replace user operations. Although the standalone project has ended, the technical advancements have been incorporated into Google's AI agent strategy, accelerating the shift of generative AI toward automated execution.

Spending 1.1 Billion Dollars! Software Giant SAP Acquires AI Rising Star, Aiming for the Top of Enterprise Data Forecasting

SAP recently announced the acquisition of Prior Labs, a German startup that has been in operation for only 18 months, and plans to invest approximately 1 billion euros over the next four years to build an enterprise AI laboratory focused on structured data. This move aims to address the shortcomings of large language models in handling enterprise core business processes such as table data, shifting AI applications from text to the vital data flows of enterprises.

Taobao Q&A Free Purchase Launches: Two Sessions Per Day, AI Virtual Fitting Experience Introduced for the First Time

Taobao's 'Answer to Win Free Orders' campaign launched on May 6 at midnight as a key part of the '510 Anniversary' celebration, now in its third year. Users search 'Taobao Free Order,' submit amounts based on page clues, and the system matches historical orders; if matched, they win, or they can team up to meet the threshold. The event runs until May 9 at 24:00, with two daily quiz sessions at 11:00 and 15:00, limited slots, and a free order for ....