In today’s Digest, we discuss Channel 4 launching an AI ad tool for SMEs, Jack Dorsey backing diVine, a Vine reboot featuring its video archive, as well as Jeff Bezos becoming co-CEO of Project Prometheus.

Channel 4 launches AI ad tool for SMEs

Channel 4 Sales has launched Smart Ad Engine, a free service designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) create AI-generated TV ads in minutes. The tool uses a brand’s existing online presence and social media footprint to generate ad creative, aiming to make television advertising more accessible for businesses new to the medium.

In addition to the free AI-generated ads, Channel 4 offers paid options for human-led creative development and assistance with Clearcast regulatory approval. The initiative is part of Channel 4’s strategy to “unlock opportunity for SMEs” and level the playing field with larger enterprises.

According to Sam Hicks, Channel 4’s head of advertiser strategy, “Smart Ad Engine will enable all businesses to visualise impactful, compliant and responsible advertising”.

Jack Dorsey finances app to bring back Vine videos

An app to bring back Vine’s six-second looping videos is launching with support and financing from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. The new app, diVine, will offer access to more than 100,000 archived Vine clips restored from a pre-shutdown backup. diVine will allow users to create profiles and upload new short videos. The platform will actively flag suspected AI-generated content and block it from being posted, a move aimed at preserving authenticity in an era of algorithm-driven feeds.

The app was developed by Evan Henshaw-Plath, an early Twitter employee and member of the collective “and Other Stuff,” who explored Vine’s archives to bring the service back to life.

Jeff Bezos becomes Co-CEO of AI startup, Project Prometheus

Jeff Bezos will be commencing  an operational role as co-chief executive of Project Prometheus, a new AI startup created by the billionaire. The venture launches with USD$6.2bn (£4.59 bn) in funding, making it one of the most well-financed early-stage AI companies globally, according to sources who spoke with Bloomberg.

The move comes amid growing investor interest in generative AI and autonomous systems, with Project Prometheus aiming to carve out a niche in an increasingly crowded market. The company aims to focus its AI efforts on the engineering and manufacturing of computers, automobiles, and spacecraft.