News/Google
Google Photos adds crucial AI safeguard to enhance user privacy
Google Photos is implementing invisible digital watermarks using DeepMind's SynthID technology to identify AI-modified images, particularly those edited with its Reimagine tool. Key Innovation: Google's SynthID technology embeds invisible watermarks into images edited with the Reimagine AI tool, making it possible to detect AI-generated modifications while preserving image quality. The feature works in conjunction with Google Photos' Magic Editor and Reimagine tools, currently available on Pixel 9 series devices Users can verify AI modifications through the "About this image" information, which displays an "AI info" section Circle to Search functionality allows users to examine suspicious photos for AI-generated elements Technical...
read Feb 7, 2025Google admits Gemini AI demo was staged in Super Bowl ad
Google's upcoming Super Bowl advertisement has been found to misrepresent the capabilities of its Gemini AI by showing it generating a product description that existed years before the AI's launch. The central issue: A commercial intended for Super Bowl broadcast shows Google's Gemini AI supposedly creating a product description for Wisconsin Cheese Mart, but investigation reveals the text has existed on the company's website since 2020. The advertisement depicts Gemini generating website copy for a Gouda cheese listing The exact description shown in the ad has been publicly available since August 2020, three years before Gemini's launch Google's Gemini AI...
read Feb 6, 2025Google Search AI Mode preview revealed
Google has begun internal testing of a new AI Mode for its search engine, featuring a conversational interface powered by Gemini 2.0 technology. Initial rollout details: The testing phase has commenced with Google employees receiving invitations to trial the new AI-enhanced search feature. The AI Mode will appear as a new filter option alongside existing Search filters like Image, News, and Shopping The interface includes a chat-style format with a text box for follow-up questions and a sidebar displaying relevant links Mobile versions are also being tested, though specific interface details haven't been revealed Technical capabilities: A custom version of...
read Feb 6, 2025Google is internally testing a new ‘AI Mode’ for Search
AI Mode will provide Google Search users with a new interface for asking open-ended questions and receiving AI-generated responses powered by Gemini 2.0. Core functionality: Google is internally testing a new AI Mode in Search that intelligently researches and organizes information into digestible breakdowns with web links. The feature targets complex, exploratory questions that traditional search results don't effectively address Users can ask follow-up questions and receive comparative analyses AI Mode leverages a custom version of Gemini 2.0 for advanced reasoning capabilities User interface details: The new interface integrates AI functionality alongside traditional search filters while maintaining familiar search mechanics....
read Feb 5, 2025Google’s AI Overviews now compares phones — why some think that’s a bad idea
Google has launched AI-generated phone comparisons in its search results, raising concerns about the sustainability of tech journalism and the accuracy of AI-compiled information. The new feature explained: Google's AI Overviews system now generates direct phone comparison tables in search results when users query device matchups. The system creates comparison lists that show core specifications and differences between smartphone models Information is currently sourced from 21 different technology publications and websites The feature aims to provide quick, accessible device comparisons directly in search results Key industry concerns: This development poses significant challenges for technology media outlets that rely on comparison...
read Feb 5, 2025Google admits AI mistake in Super Bowl cheese ad
Google has corrected an inaccurate statistic about Gouda cheese that appeared in its Super Bowl advertisement featuring the Gemini AI system. Key details: The original commercial showed Gemini generating website content that incorrectly claimed Gouda accounts for 50-60% of global cheese consumption. Google modified the YouTube version of the ad to remove the specific percentage, replacing it with a more general statement about Gouda being "one of the most popular cheeses in the world" The business owner featured in the commercial had already implemented the AI-generated content, including the incorrect statistic, on their website Despite Google's correction to the advertisement,...
read Feb 5, 2025Google’s Gemini 2.0 release include free access and enhanced capabilities
Gemini 2.0, Google's latest AI model lineup, features new versions with expanded capabilities and free access options. Key Updates; Google DeepMind has released multiple versions of Gemini 2.0, including a free tier, targeting different user needs and use cases. Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite offers improved quality over the 1.5 Flash model while maintaining speed and cost-efficiency The model supports a 1 million token context window and multimodal input capabilities Users can process approximately 40,000 unique photo captions for less than one dollar using the paid tier Technical Capabilities; The new Gemini lineup introduces significant improvements in processing power and functionality. Gemini...
read Feb 5, 2025Smart glasses, AI agents and what’s next for the wearables market
Smart glasses technology is advancing rapidly as major tech companies and startups compete to develop more fashionable and practical wearable devices that integrate AI capabilities. Current market landscape: Meta and Google are emerging as frontrunners in the smart glasses sector, with Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration gaining traction and Google developing its Android XR platform. Meta's partnership with Ray-Ban has helped address the fashion concerns that previously limited smart glasses adoption Google is leveraging its Android ecosystem to create a comprehensive platform for extended reality (XR) experiences Smaller companies are finding it easier to develop smart glasses hardware and software, though commercialization...
read Feb 5, 2025Some are opting out of AI training to protect Gemini chats. Here’s how you can too.
Google's Gemini AI chatbot allows users to disable the collection and review of chat data that's used for training the AI model. Privacy concerns explained: Google employees sometimes manually review Gemini chat conversations to improve the AI's responses, raising privacy concerns for users who share sensitive information. The review process includes both automated data collection and human review of chat conversations Some users may share personal health information or other sensitive data they prefer to keep private While the data collection helps improve Gemini's performance, users can opt out of this feature How to disable AI training on Android: Open...
read Feb 5, 2025Google cites competition, national security in willingness to make AI weapons
Google has removed previous commitments from its artificial intelligence principles that restricted the development of AI for weapons and surveillance, marking a significant shift in the company's ethical stance. Key policy changes: Google's updated AI principles eliminate previous restrictions on developing AI technology that could cause harm or be used in weapons systems and surveillance. The revised guidelines remove language that prohibited designing or deploying AI for weapons and surveillance applications Previous commitments to avoid AI technologies "that cause or are likely to cause overall harm" have been eliminated The company's new core tenets focus on innovation, collaboration, and "responsible"...
read Feb 5, 2025Google’s Gemini AI can now explain its reasoning process to you
Google introduced significant updates to its Gemini AI platform, including new reasoning capabilities and expanded model access across its ecosystem of apps and services. Key Features and Updates: The Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking update brings experimental reasoning capabilities to the Gemini app, allowing the AI to explain its problem-solving process step by step. The new reasoning model breaks down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components to provide more accurate results, though processing time may be longer Users can now access a version that integrates with YouTube, Search, and Google Maps The update competes with similar reasoning AI models like...
read Feb 5, 2025Google’s AI infrastructure underlies a powerful growth foundation
Google has announced plans for $75 billion in capital expenditure for 2025, primarily focused on expanding AI infrastructure to meet growing demand that currently exceeds available capacity. Key Financial Details: Alphabet's latest earnings report reveals significant investments in AI infrastructure and cloud computing capabilities. Google Cloud revenues increased 30% year-over-year to $12 billion in Q4 2024 The company plans to invest $75 billion in capital expenditure during 2025 Current AI-related demand is outpacing available capacity, leading to supply constraints Infrastructure Expansion: Google is rapidly scaling its global network of data centers and cloud regions to support AI operations. The company...
read Feb 5, 2025Mediapro, Google partner to create AI tools for Spanish media and news professionals
Spanish broadcaster Mediapro and Google Cloud have expanded their partnership to develop generative AI solutions specifically for the media and entertainment industry. Partnership Overview: Mediapro and Google Cloud unveiled their enhanced collaboration at ISE 2025 in Barcelona, focusing on developing AI-powered creative tools and platforms. The partnership builds on their initial collaboration from 2023, which involved several proof-of-concept projects A new creativity lab will be established to develop specialized platforms for image and video generation The initiative brings together professionals from Mediapro's AI Center of Innovation and Google Cloud experts Key Development Plans: The collaboration's first major project will be...
read Feb 5, 2025App Orchid, Google Cloud partnership to bring data analytics into the natural language era
Google Cloud and App Orchid have announced an expanded partnership to integrate natural language AI querying capabilities for enterprise data analytics, powered by Google's Gemini AI models. The partnership details: App Orchid's technology will be integrated with Google Cloud's Cortex Framework to help businesses analyze data from enterprise systems like SAP and Salesforce using conversational queries. The collaboration enables business users to ask questions about their data in plain English and receive AI-generated insights App Orchid claims their solution can reduce data preparation time by up to 85% compared to traditional methods The Easy Answers application is now available on...
read Feb 4, 2025YouTube ad sales hit record $10.5B as Alphabet plans $75B AI investment
YouTube's Q4 2024 advertising revenue hit a record $10.473 billion, marking a 13.8% increase year-over-year, as parent company Alphabet outlined ambitious AI investments for 2025. Key financial highlights: The video streaming giant's performance exceeded analyst expectations and represented just one segment of YouTube's expanding business portfolio. YouTube's total revenue surpassed $50 billion for the 12-month period ending September 2024 Full-year advertising revenue reached $36.15 billion Parent company Alphabet reported Q4 revenue of $96.47 billion and net income of $26.54 billion Strategic AI investments: Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced plans for significant capital expenditure to maintain competitiveness in artificial intelligence development....
read Feb 4, 2025Google drops weapons clause from its public AI principles
Meta, Google and Amazon all are withdrawing from public commitments around responsible AI development and diversity initiatives, signaling a significant shift in Big Tech's approach to ethical guidelines and corporate responsibility. Key policy changes: Google has removed language from its AI principles that previously prohibited the development of weapons and other potentially harmful applications. The deleted section specifically addressed "AI applications we will not pursue," including technologies likely to cause overall harm Google's revised stance now emphasizes working with democracies on AI development that supports national security The company's leadership, including SVP James Manyika and DeepMind's Demis Hassabis, highlighted values...
read Feb 4, 2025Google ad sales surge, but AI numbers leave investors disappointed
Google's Q4 2024 earnings show strong ad revenue growth and increased AI investment, though investors express concerns about rising costs and slower cloud growth. Financial performance highlights: Alphabet, Google's parent company, reported Q4 2023 earnings of $26.5 billion, marking a 28% increase year-over-year, while revenue grew 12% to $96.5 billion. Digital advertising sales rose 11% to $72.5 billion, surpassing market expectations Google Cloud's performance fell short of analyst projections, contributing to an 8% after-hours stock decline The company's earnings exceeded forecasts, though revenue slightly missed expectations AI investment strategy: Google plans significant capital expenditure increases for AI development and infrastructure,...
read Feb 4, 2025Verizon to offer subscribers 50% discount on Gemini, Google One AI Premium
Verizon has partnered with Google to offer Google One AI Premium at a 50% discount to its customers, making it the first U.S. wireless provider to include an AI-powered feature in its service plans. Deal specifics: Verizon customers can access Google One AI Premium for $10 monthly starting February 6, compared to the standard $19.99 price point. The offer includes access to Gemini Advanced, Google's latest AI assistant Subscribers receive 2 TB of cloud storage for files, photos, and videos The service integrates across Google's suite of applications including Gmail, Docs, Meet, Slides, and Sheets Key features and capabilities: Google...
read Feb 4, 2025Google plans native ads for Gemini AI chatbot
Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed plans for potential future advertising integration in the company's Gemini AI assistant during Alphabet's recent investor call. Current state of Gemini: Gemini currently operates on a dual model, offering both free access and a paid subscription tier for advanced features. The AI assistant remains ad-free in its current form Users can choose between basic free access or paid premium features The subscription model is currently the primary monetization strategy Future monetization plans: Google envisions implementing native advertising concepts into Gemini, though the timeline remains deliberately measured. Pichai emphasized a user experience-first approach before introducing advertising...
read Feb 4, 2025Google Maps’ new AI upgrade lets users ask questions about locations
Gemini's AI capabilities are set to expand within Google Maps through a new feature allowing users to make direct inquiries about locations on the map. Key update details; Google Maps is preparing to integrate a new Gemini AI feature that will enable users to ask questions about specific locations directly from the map interface. Code discovered in the latest Android version of Google Maps reveals an upcoming "Ask about place" button that will appear above the search box The feature will automatically include location context in Gemini searches, allowing users to inquire about various aspects of a place, from driving...
read Feb 3, 2025Google Cloud’s AI will help roads in the UK repair themselves
Google Cloud has partnered with UK universities to develop self-healing asphalt powered by artificial intelligence and biomass waste, aiming to solve the costly problem of road maintenance and potholes. Key innovation: The new asphalt material can autonomously repair microcracks within an hour through a combination of natural spore microcapsules and waste-based rejuvenators. Researchers from King's College London and Swansea University collaborated with Chilean scientists on the project The material draws inspiration from nature's regenerative capabilities Laboratory tests have demonstrated successful self-healing properties Technical breakthrough: Google Cloud's artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities were instrumental in understanding and improving the asphalt's...
read Feb 3, 2025One of Google’s AI Super Bowl ads is getting its facts all wrong
Google's Super Bowl commercial featuring Gemini AI has drawn attention for making an inaccurate claim about global Gouda cheese consumption. The questionable claim: Google's advertisement showcasing Gemini AI's capabilities across all 50 states included a misleading statistic about Gouda cheese consumption in its Wisconsin segment. The AI system claimed that Gouda makes up "50 to 60 percent of the world's cheese consumption" This statistic appears to lack credible sourcing and contradicts expert knowledge about global cheese consumption patterns Expert perspective: Cornell University's agricultural economics expert provides important context about actual global cheese consumption patterns. Professor Andrew Novakovic clarifies that while...
read Feb 2, 2025Google’s Notebook LM: How it came to be and why it’s so powerful
Technology pioneer Adam Bignell reveals how Notebook LM evolved from a simple note-taking tool into an advanced AI platform capable of transforming documents into interactive, conversational experiences. The evolution of Notebook LM: What began as a straightforward note-taking application has transformed into a sophisticated platform that can convert text into AI-generated podcasts with interactive virtual hosts. Bignell, a former musician turned computer scientist, was inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' "Library of Babel" and his passion for language The project started with creating prototypes focused on enabling conversations with book content Collaboration with Stephen Johnson and Raiza Martin helped shape the...
read Feb 2, 2025Can’t disable Google’s AI search summaries? Just start using dirty language
Key discovery: Google's AI-powered search result overviews automatically disable when users include curse words in their search queries, a finding that has gained significant traction on social media platforms. The profanity-based deactivation works consistently regardless of where curse words are placed in the search query Users can also disable AI overviews by adding "&udm=14" to the search URL or including "-ai" at the end of their search These methods effectively return search results to their traditional format without AI-generated summaries Technical insight: The behavior likely stems from Gemini AI's programming to avoid engaging with profanity, creating an unintended backdoor to...
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