Alex Banks

Building a better future with AI

Alex Banks is a founder, creator and investor. He reaches over 1 million people on social media each week with insights into the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

He is the founder and writer of The Signal, a weekly newsletter that cuts through the AI noise to over 55,000+ readers.

Alex is also an active early-stage investor and advisor to startups across the AI and technology landscape.

👉 All partnerships, enquiries and speaking engagements: contact@noisemedia.ai

Writer

This should be illegal.

We’re entering a world where nothing can be trusted online:

I recently came across this video using Kling Motion Control.

It takes your movements and puts them in anyone's body.

Here's how it works:

→ Record yourself doing any movement
→ Use AI to generate a character image
→ Kling 2.6 merges the two seamlessly
→ Your moves, their face

We've now hit the threshold where it's impossible to discern whether someone is human in the digital world.

My takeaways:

The implications are huge in Hollywood:

→ Using someone's likeness without them present
→ Character swapping cost trends to near-zero
→ Reshooting scenes without actors on set

I also see new markets emerging:

→ Individuals renting out their identity
→ Licensing your likeness for content creation
→ Actors selling "performance rights" to their digital twin

Finally, proof of authenticity will become essential infrastructure, not just a nice-to-have.

Sam Altman is already building a global identity verification system using iris scans to fight against fraud and bots.

I believe we'll see identity become the next great asset class.

Follow me Alex Banks for daily AI highlights and insights.

P.S. If you liked this post, you'll love the newsletter.

I help you learn AI each week.
↳ Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/ePSZP6KF

Video credit: ederxavier3d on Instagram

OpenAI lost 22% market share in 12 months.

Gemini is eating their lunch.

The first Global AI Tracker of 2026 just dropped.

Here's what caught my attention.

Market share as of Jan 2nd:

→ ChatGPT: 64.5%
→ Gemini: 21.5%
→ DeepSeek: 3.7%
→ Grok: 3.4%
→ Perplexity: 2.0%
→ Claude: 2.0%
→ Copilot: 1.1%

12-month transformation:

→ ChatGPT dropped from 86.7% to 64.5%
→ Gemini exploded from 5.7% to 21.5%
→ Grok didn't exist and is now approaching DeepSeek

12-week data change:

→ OpenAI: -22% (their worst period on record)
→ Gemini: +49% (relentless momentum)
→ Claude: -14% (stable but dipping)
→ Grok: +52% (fastest growing)

Driven by the winter break, daily visits dropped to August-September levels across all tools.

But the underlying trends are unmistakable.

My takeaway:

This is OpenAI's make or break year.

It will take an incredible model (GPT-6+) from them to restore faith.

Claude Opus 4.5 with extended thinking is now my go-to model for practically every task. I rarely use GPT-5.2 as Opus 4.5 is faster, better, and more consistent across my daily work.

If Anthropic keeps shipping at this pace, they could overtake OpenAI by the end of the year.

The AI race has never been more competitive.

Follow me Alex Banks for daily AI highlights and insights.

I cover the most important AI developments each week in my newsletter.

Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/ePSZP6KF

NEWS: Okta just exposed AI's biggest blind spot.

Most companies aren't ready.

I sat down with Shiven Ramji, President of Auth0 at Okta, to find out what's being missed.

The problem is bigger than you think:

→ 80% of breaches already involve compromised identity
→ 91% of organisations are deploying AI agents
→ Only 10% have a governance strategy for managing them

Traditional security was built for deterministic apps.

AI agents are anything but.

They access sensitive data at machine speed, far faster than any human ever could.

4 things developers need to get right from day one:

1. Authentication 
↳ Verify the agent is working on behalf of who it claims

2. Human in the loop
↳ Sensitive transactions need async authorisation

3. Fine-grained permissions
↳ Ephemeral access that expires when the task is done

4. Secure connections
↳ No more static API keys scattered everywhere

The future Shiv predicts:

Memory will become tied to identity.

Right now, your context is locked inside each platform.

Eventually, you'll want to take your AI memory with you across tools.

My takeaway:

AI security is identity security.

You can't have one without the other.

The AI agent market is projected to hit $250 billion by 2034.

The companies racing to deploy without solving identity will learn this the hard way.

Follow me Alex Banks for daily AI highlights and insights.

Google's best learning tool is free.

This is how I learn anything fast.

NotebookLM lets you:

→ Upload any sources (docs, websites, research papers)
→ Use Deep Research mode to auto-pull 40+ cited sources on any topic
→ Transform everything into multiple learning formats

The 10 outputs it generates:

1. Chat Q&A → Plain-English answers with citations
2. Audio Overviews → Podcast-style explainers for commutes
3. Video Explainers → AI-narrated with custom visuals
4. Mind Maps → Explore concepts from first principles
5. Reports → Study guides, briefing docs, blog posts
6. Flashcards → Spaced repetition for terminology
7. Quizzes → Test what you actually retained
8. Infographics → Visual summaries in one click
9. Slide Decks → Presentation-ready in minutes
10. Data Tables → Structured comparisons automatically

Real-world business applications:

• Sales teams: Turn product docs into client-ready slide decks
• Onboarding: Create video overviews new hires can watch on day one
• Documentation: Generate infographics that replace 10-page guides nobody reads
• Training: Build quizzes that test whether your team actually retained the material
• Executive briefings: Summarise 50-page reports into 2-minute briefing docs

The people who win in 2026 are those who can learn anything quickly and apply it immediately.

NotebookLM is how I do that.

I wrote a full breakdown with video walkthroughs in my newsletter this week.

Read it here: https://lnkd.in/exymi6vU

Google just dropped AI into Gmail.

3 billion inboxes are about to change forever.

Gmail is entering the "Gemini era" with features powered by Gemini 3.

Here's what's new:

1. AI Overviews

→ Summarises entire email threads into key points
→ Ask your inbox questions in natural language
→ "Who gave me a plumber quote last year?" to instant answer

2. Help Me Write

→ Polish emails or draft from scratch
→ Rolling out to everyone for free
→ Next month: pulls context from your other Google apps

3. Suggested Replies

→ One-click responses that match YOUR writing style
→ Uses conversation context for relevant suggestions
→ Free for all users

4. Proofread

→ Advanced grammar, tone, and style checks
→ Available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers

5. AI Inbox (coming soon)

→ Filters out clutter automatically
→ Identifies your VIPs based on email patterns
→ Surfaces high-stakes items like bills and reminders

Availability:

• Rolling out today in the U.S.
• English first, more languages coming soon
• Some features require Google AI Pro/Ultra subscription

My takeaway:

Email was revolutionised by Google once in 2004.

They’re now doing it again 22 years later.

Only this time they’re embedding AI where 3 billion people already live.

I hope Google prioritises better phishing detection as part of their AI strategy in Gmail.

I think this could be a really wonderful feature to help educate users on dangerous activity.

AI is no longer a separate tool but is now invisible infrastructure.

Follow me Alex Banks for daily AI highlights and insights.

I’ll be doing a full breakdown in my newsletter this week.

I cover the most important AI developments to keep you ahead.

Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/ePSZP6KF

I built an AI version of myself.

It's trained on 100+ editions of my newsletter.

ElevenLabs just made this possible with their Agents platform.

Here's how I built "The Signal Brain" in 5 minutes:

1. Create a blank agent
↳ Head to ElevenLabs
↳ Select “Agents Platform” 
↳ Create a new agent from scratch

2. Upload your knowledge base
↳ I compiled all my newsletter editions into one document
↳ The platform uses RAG to vectorise and store your content
↳ Supports files up to 21MB each

3. Configure the system prompt
↳ Define the agent's role and personality
↳ Set the first message and system prompt
↳ Choose your LLM (I used Gemini 2.5 Flash)

4. Clone your voice
↳ I've already created my voice in ElevenLabs Studio
↳ Now my agent literally speaks like me

5. Publish and share
↳ Get a shareable link instantly
↳ Embed it on your website
↳ Let anyone interact with your knowledge

My takeaway:

What once required a team of engineers can now be done in minutes.
Whether you're a creator, educator, or business owner, you can now build an AI trained on YOUR knowledge that speaks in YOUR voice.

The best part is it’s available 24/7 for anyone to ask questions through text or voice.

This is the democratisation of AI agents in action.

Create your agent here:
https://lnkd.in/ebUgMThi

P.S. I'll be sharing the link to try The Signal Brain in the comments below.

Emma J Marketing - Freelance

Providing strategic, goal-driven marketing + social media consulting to businesses and leaders in the film, leisure, and entertainment industries.

Working with exhibitors, distributors, entertainment marketing agencies and cinema brands I offer the following services:

➡️ Marketing Strategy and Consulting
➡️ Content writing and research
➡️ Social Media / Content Strategy
➡️ Brand-building
➡️ Training and Education
➡️ Auditing, analysis and insights

Independent Marketing & Social Media Consultant

Cinetopia

We're building a better way to connect the film community. 💯🎬

A smart, fun, one-stop-shop matchmaking platform for the film community to help you access the people, opportunities, resources, and information you need to thrive, all in one place, AND earn money from your skills and expertise.

Cinetopia is where the film community meets.

➡️ Brand building 
➡️ Social media marketing
➡️ Community outreach and engagement
➡️ Market research & assessment
➡️ Content creation

Marketing / Community Engagement Lead

French Film Festival UK

Led the marketing and communications strategy for the Festival's 30th anniversary edition.

➡️ 300% growth YoY across social media with a focused video content strategy

➡️ Grew newsletter database by over 750 subscribers

➡️ Tripled the average engagement time on the festival website through auditing and optimising 
the customer journey and content

➡️ Delivery of a digital media pack and personalised marketing assets resulted in increased engagement and marketing support from venue partners 

➡️ National and regional coverage in Time Out, 
Sunday Times Magazine, The Skinny 

I oversaw: 

▶️ Digital campaign including Instagram, Facebook, and X - and website management

▶️ Comms strategy with Cornershop PR

▶️ Advertising and media placement 

▶️ Sponsors and partnerships

▶️ Talent management and liaison

Head of Marketing and Communications

Queen Margaret University

✔️Responsible for brand social media channels including content development and planning
✔️Lead on brand awareness campaigns for student recruitment
✔️Copywriting, content creation and editing
✔️ Supporting the wider recruitment and course promotion activity working with international team and academic staff
✔️ Web management and Community Engagement
✔️ Paid advertising

Content Marketing and Campaigns Lead

Merlin Entertainments plc

PR and Marketing lead for two sites. A key part of my role was to identify and nurture new revenue streams, build strategic partnerships and improve the digital presence of the Dungeon. 
✔️ Responsible for marketing budget, managing an assistant, reporting to SLT
✔️ Oversaw day-to-day management of all advertising, press office, social media, budget reporting, trade and sales updates, website, CRM, and crisis communications
✔️ Responsible for development of key business relationships in Edinburgh and York and developed an influencer / brand ambassador programme 
✔️ Responsible for all marketing and sales collateral
✔️ Lead developer of new brand-led products working with Dungeon global brand 
team, external partners, and agencies. 
✔️ Led awards strategy resulting in key wins: ASVA marketing award finalist and winner of Leading Regional Tourist Attraction (Thistle Awards)
✔️ Regularly attended marketing and tourism training and development events and set - up competitor monitoring system for benchmarking.

Marketing Manager - Multisite

PPHE Hotel Group

🏨 Oversaw a portfolio of 15 lifestyle restaurants and bar brands across Europe working within the corporate marketing team. I also supported the Director of Corporate Communications, EMEA with corporate and hotel communications activity above and beyond my day-to-day role.

✔️ Project Lead on all Marketing & PR activity for the launch of six new R&B brands working with SLT, Concept Chefs, Sales, Legal, Finance, HR, and Brand teams – from pre-opening plans to post launch ongoing strategy
✔️ Responsible for the day-to-day MarComms strategy at European level for existing restaurant brands working with internal and external stakeholders to meet KPIs
✔️ Partnerships lead on several successful brand collaborations including Heineken, Beefeater Gin, and Amsterdam Dance Festival and Lumiere London
✔️ Influencer and press management, working with celebrity ambassadors, partner brands and managing PR agencies in each key market
✔️ Part of the (successful) PPHE pitch team with the VP of Development and Director of Marketing to Foster + Partner and Battersea Power Station Development Company to open art'otel london battersea
✔️ Fostered excellent working relationships with Italian, Dutch and Croatian teams
✔️ Organised and led press and industry fam trips to Croatia, Italy, Amsterdam, Berlin, London
✔️ Supported the development of an intranet-based, R&B-focused employee engagement programme to foster support and knowledge exchange between team members across our regions
✔️ Events lead including hospitality industry fundraisers, press events, brand-collaborations, and product launches
✔️ Supported Head of Communications on media training, internal communications, and spokesperson opportunities for SLT
✔️ Reported at quarterly business reviews to CEO, COO, RGMs, GMs and Development Chef teams
✔️ ‘Passion Player of the Year’ internal award-winner and PPHE graduate mentor

PR & Marketing Manager, EMEA 

PRCO Group

Press office and media relations management for 9 clients including: Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz; Grace Hotels; GSTAAD Tourism; The Yeatman, Porto; Inkaterra, Peru and Zambian Horizons luxury safari camps, Zambia

Developed the company blog, set-up and managed the company's Instagram, including the development of video content.

PR Account Manager

Responsible Travel

Produced SEO content for Responsible Travel's community website.

Copywriter / Community Website Administrator

Wall Street Institute, ITALY

•Compiling, writing and sub-editing complete Intermediate Level Business English course manual, currently used in 400 schools across 28 countries.

Educational Products Author

Various Clients

Provided a freelance translation service (Italian/English and English/Italian) for a number of corporate clients.

Freelance Translator/Interpreter

I'm a seasoned, multidisciplinary marketing consultant with over 12 years' experience leading integrated campaigns across UK and internationally, across the hospitality, tourism, education, and film sectors. An early-adopter of social media and digital platforms since 2004, I'm fascinated by the intersection of pop culture, technology, media, fandoms, and disruptors / the evolution of entertainment. 

I currently offer my services on a freelance consultancy basis, as well as being open to more hands-on marketing projects. 

STUFF I DON'T DO: SEO, Paid Media / Paid Advertising, Website design, Graphic Design (I am a whizz at Canva - this is NOT the same as a professional, skilled graphic designer!), Video Production / Tech


I help brands:

🍿 Build effective, sustainable, long-term, and goal-oriented social media and marketing campaigns to drive awareness, engagement, and sales

🍿 Audit your existing marketing and social media activity and identify opportunities, inefficiencies, and gaps to help you build better for the future

🍿 Identify and connect with relevant fan communities and untapped audiences, thinking social-first

🍿 Understand current trends and cultural shifts in the online space and how to leverage them

 🍿 Develop trends, insights, and thought leadership content (reports, newsletters, white papers, blogs, LinkedIn, etc.) through specialist research and writing

I value curiosity, experimentation, risk-taking, open-mindedness, critical thinking, and supportive, mentor-mindset environments. 

On the side I write Reeling & Dealing, a film marketing Substack and enjoy painting, cooking, writing fanfiction and reading historical non-fiction.

I'm fascinated by innovations in audience engagement, Gen-Z and the evolution of the media / entertainment consumption and marketing landscape, innovations in digital tech, the physical and analogue media revival.

Who do I help?

➡️ Film / Hospitality / Entertainment brands and organisations

➡️ Exhibitors / Distributors

➡️ Tech businesses

➡️ Cultural organisations

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The Battle

Alex Banks

Emma Jamieson (she/her)

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The Battle

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Engagements

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Alex Banks's LinkedIn Performance

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