AI's Rapid Evolution: From Search Engines to Heart Health—2024 and Beyond

The world of search engines is undergoing a transformation. Traditional players like Google are being challenged by innovative AI-powered tools. One standout is Perplexity AI, a conversational search engine launched in 2022 that’s redefining how we interact with online information.

Perplexity AI has skyrocketed in popularity, handling a staggering 20 million queries daily by the end of 2024, up from 2.5 million at the year’s start. Its secret? Leveraging large language models (LLMs) to deliver direct, citation-backed answers. This transparency allows users to validate information easily, setting a new benchmark for online search.

Backed by tech heavyweights like Jeff Bezos and Elad Gil, Perplexity AI’s conversational approach is paving the way for a more interactive and user-friendly internet experience. This trend is one to watch as we move into 2025, signaling a seismic shift in the way we search and consume information.

Other Key Developments in AI

AI and Healthcare

• Detecting Heart Disease: A groundbreaking AI tool can now detect atrial fibrillation (AF) before symptoms manifest. By analyzing GP records, it flags early risks, offering the potential to prevent thousands of strokes in the UK through timely intervention.

• Transforming Cancer Detection: The Apollo Cancer Centre in Bengaluru has opened India’s first AI-driven oncology center, while Apollo Radiology International collaborates with Google to develop AI models for early cancer detection.

AI in Business and Industry

• Insurance Reimagined: AI is reshaping the insurance landscape, from more accurate risk assessments to personalized product recommendations. Companies like HDFC Life are leveraging AI-driven tools to enhance customer experiences.

• Big Moves in AI Infrastructure: Nvidia acquired Run:ai for $700 million. This startup specializes in AI infrastructure optimization and plans to make its software open source, broadening its applications.

AI Trends to Watch in 2025

• Agentic AI: Expect autonomous AI assistants to revolutionize industries. With companies like Microsoft and OpenAI in the mix, this market is projected to reach $47 billion by the decade's end.

• Synthetic Data: As a solution to the AI training data crisis, synthetic data is emerging as a game-changer, with the market predicted to hit $2.1 billion by 2028.

• 3D AI Models: From movies to gaming, interactive 3D models are advancing rapidly. Google DeepMind’s Genie 2 is already simulating virtual environments for training AI agents.

AI and Society

• India’s AI Push: The Indian government has allocated over ₹10,300 crore for the IndiaAI Mission, aiming to bolster the country’s AI ecosystem with a focus on innovation and indigenous development.

• National Security: AI is playing a crucial role in analyzing satellite, drone, and IoT data in real time, enhancing security measures.

• Fraud Detection: AI is helping combat financial fraud in India. Airtel’s AI-powered tool detects online fraud, while the Reserve Bank of India uses machine learning to identify “mule accounts.”

• Ethical Concerns: Deepfakes and disinformation remain pressing issues, especially in the context of elections.

Interesting Facts

• The top 50 AI startups raised $52.8 billion in funding as of October 2024.

• Nvidia’s $700 million acquisition of Run:ai received European Commission approval, despite initial antitrust concerns.

• OpenAI led AI funding in 2024, raising $21.9 billion—the highest among AI startups.

Concluding Thoughts

2024 marked a turning point for AI, transforming from a buzzword into a tangible force across industries like healthcare, search, and fraud detection. Looking ahead to 2025, exciting innovations like agentic AI, synthetic data, and 3D modeling promise to reshape our world. Yet, we must remain vigilant about ethical challenges such as bias and disinformation.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore AI’s evolving journey!