Sunday marked the annual extravaganza of the Super Bowl, captivating millions of sports enthusiasts and advertising aficionados. With companies shelling out a staggering $7 million for a mere 30-second ad slot, it’s evident that the event transcends mere football fandom, catering to the cinematic splendor of advertising prowess.
The viewership for last year’s game peaked at a record 115 million, and prognosticators expect the 2024 edition to surpass that figure. Simply put, there is no other platform on the planet that commands such an astronomical audience.
Amidst the advertising extravaganza, a recurring theme cut through the clutter – artificial intelligence (AI). Some of the foremost players in AI made their presence known with captivating commercials during the commercial breaks. Let’s delve into the impact of three such companies and the implications for investors.
Image source: Getty Images.
Microsoft’s Stride in AI
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) was pivotal in catalyzing the AI revolution, with its strategic involvement in Open AI’s ChatGPT. Microsoft’s $13 billion stake in Open AI resonated as a declaration of intent for the tech behemoth. This seismic move spurred the competition to up their AI ante, ushering in a new era of technological augmentation.
Microsoft showcased the prowess of its AI-fueled digital assistant, Copilot, through the commercial “Watch Me” during the Super Bowl. The advert underscored Copilot’s multifaceted utility in various settings, from scripting movie storyboards to aiding students in chemistry quizzes— exemplifying its versatility and excellence. Microsoft’s Azure Cloud, growing at 30% year over year, emanated six points of growth from AI services, exemplifying the AI momentum.
Alphabet’s AI Innovations
Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG), the proprietor of Google, has been a frontrunner in AI. It showcased the capabilities of its Pixel 8 phone during the Super Bowl ad “Javier in Frame,” demonstrating an innovative solution for individuals with visual impairments. Moreover, Alphabet unveiled Google Gemini, a cutting-edge AI model trumping existing benchmarks, signifying its relentless pursuit of AI excellence. By leveraging AI for enhanced search and digital advertising, Alphabet’s revenue juggernaut is poised to gather further momentum, rewarding stakeholders.
CrowdStrike’s Swagger in AI
CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD)‘s foray into AI-powered cybersecurity was emblematic with its amusing commercial “The Future” during the Super Bowl. The ad, set in the Old West, humorously portrayed the efficiency of AI in neutralizing cyber threats. CrowdStrike’s financials mirrored its success, with revenue and profitability witnessing monumental upswings, a testament to its AI-driven cybersecurity prowess. The company’s AI-learning, analyzing over 2 trillion events daily, reinforces its capability to combat modern-day digital perils.
These forward-leaning companies are emblematic of the embryonic phase of AI’s potential. As they tighten their grip on the AI landscape, the trajectory seems astoundingly promising. The Super Bowl served as a grand stage to enunciate the AI narrative, ensuring that its allure and omnipresence remain unblemished in the public consciousness.