AI tools challenge traditional presentation software
New AI-driven platforms are enabling the creation of interactive, web-based decks, sparking debate over the future of legacy tools like PowerPoint.
Traditional presentation software, including PowerPoint and Google Slides, is facing increased scrutiny as generative AI changes how corporate content is produced. AI strategist Peter Gostev recently triggered industry debate by suggesting that the classic slide deck model is becoming obsolete, replaced by interactive, web-based presentations generated from simple prompts.
New tools, such as Anthropic’s Claude Design, allow users to create branded, interactive decks that can be exported as HTML. In response, Microsoft has integrated AI-editing capabilities directly into PowerPoint, reporting a 36% increase in retention for these new features. This suggests that established players are prioritizing automation to maintain their market position against agile AI startups.
Industry skeptics, however, note that while the method of creation is changing, the core need for presentation software remains. Benjamin Rietti, founder of E-Tabs, suggests that the "death" of the slide deck is overstated, arguing that it is the manual labor—such as constant copying, pasting, and verification—that is actually being eliminated by new technology.