News/Google
Google may accelerate its Gemini 2 AI model release timeline
Google's AI advancements: Google is potentially on the brink of releasing Gemini 2, the next iteration of its advanced AI model, earlier than anticipated. Gemini, first introduced in December 2023, replaced the Bard chatbot and became the default AI model across Google's product ecosystem. Since its initial release, Google has launched version 1.5 and implemented several smaller upgrades to enhance the model's capabilities. Unexpected discovery: A tech enthusiast has uncovered evidence suggesting that Gemini 2 might be closer to release than previously thought. Alexey Shabanov of Testing Catalog reported finding a new "experimental model" in the Gemini web app, labeled...
read Nov 9, 2024Google’s new ‘Vids’ tool will create video presentations for you
Google launches AI-powered video presentation tool: The tech giant has rolled out Vids, a Gemini AI-powered app designed to simplify the creation of video presentations through prompts and automated features. Vids, first announced in April, is now being generally released to Workspace users, with the rollout beginning on November 7th and expected to take up to 15 days for full availability. The app leverages Google's Gemini AI to automate various aspects of video creation, including script generation, stock footage insertion, and AI voiceovers. Google positions Vids as a versatile tool for creating customer support videos, training materials, company announcements, and...
read Nov 8, 2024Google Pixel 9 packs a lot of AI features and is on sale
The Pixel 9: Google's latest flagship smartphone: Google's Pixel 9 offers an updated design, improved performance, and AI-powered features at a competitive price point of $649 (currently on sale from $799). The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a 2424x1080 resolution and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, capable of reaching up to 2,700 nits of brightness. Powered by the new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 delivers responsive performance. The device sports a 50MP main camera and a new 48MP ultra-wide camera, producing high-quality photos and videos. Design and...
read Nov 8, 2024Google announces Vids, an AI that makes creating videos a breeze
AI-powered video creation tool enters the market: Google has announced the general availability of Google Vids, an AI-powered video creation tool integrated into its Workspace suite of apps. Google Vids is now rolling out to a broader range of Workspace subscription plans, expanding beyond its initial availability to Gemini for Google Workspace customers. The tool leverages Google's Gemini AI technology to streamline the video creation process, offering features like automated storyboards, voiceovers, and media suggestions. Google Vids is available for Google Workspace Business, Enterprise, and Education customers with Gemini add-ons. Key features and functionalities: Google Vids offers a range of...
read Nov 8, 2024Google’s call screening feature may soon come with AI replies
AI-powered call screening on the horizon: Google is reportedly developing an "AI Replies" feature for its Phone app's call-screening function, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with incoming calls. The new feature, discovered in a line of code by 9to5Google, is expected to generate smart replies based on the caller's response to the initial screening. This development builds upon Google's existing call-screening feature, which was widely introduced with Android 12 and allows users to filter calls using Google Assistant. Evolution of call screening technology: Google has been steadily enhancing its call-screening capabilities to provide users with more efficient and context-aware options...
read Nov 6, 2024Google confirms it did accidentally leak its AI agent Jarvis
Google's AI breakthrough accidentally revealed: Google inadvertently confirmed the existence of its advanced AI system, "Jarvis," through a leak of internal documents on its cloud platform. The leaked information disclosed an AI agent capable of autonomously browsing the internet and retrieving information. This revelation comes shortly after OpenAI's o1 model leak and the launch of ChatGPT Search, indicating a surge in AI advancements across the tech industry. Jarvis was reportedly intended for an internal pilot test before a potential public release, but the unplanned disclosure has accelerated speculation about Google's timeline for officially unveiling the AI. Jarvis capabilities and potential...
read Nov 6, 2024Google accidentally leaks Jarvis AI, an autonomous web browsing agent
Google's AI agent leak unveils future of web browsing: Google accidentally leaked its upcoming AI agent, Jarvis AI, on the Chrome extension store, revealing plans for an AI-powered web browsing assistant. The internal preview, codenamed Jarvis, was briefly available on the Chrome extension store before being quickly removed. The listing described Jarvis as "a helpful companion that surfs the web with you," aligning with earlier reports of Google developing an AI agent to assist with online shopping and travel booking. Users who managed to download the prototype were unable to use it due to specific access permission requirements. Key features...
read Nov 5, 2024Google does much of its coding work with AI now — its shrinking workforce should offer proof
AI-driven code generation at Google: Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that over 25% of new code at the company is now generated by AI, with engineers reviewing and accepting the output to enhance productivity and efficiency. The AI-generated code is helping Google's engineers accomplish more tasks and work at a faster pace. This development is part of Google's broader strategy to leverage AI for internal processes and coding improvements. The use of AI in code generation aligns with Google's efforts to boost productivity while reducing its workforce. Workforce reduction and financial performance: Despite a decrease in employee numbers, Google has...
read Nov 5, 2024Google’s SynthID-Text adds watermarks to AI-generated text, but will it be adopted
The watermarking revolution: Google DeepMind has introduced SynthID-Text, a new system for watermarking AI-generated text, marking a significant step in the ongoing battle to distinguish between human and machine-authored content. The technology, detailed in a recent Nature paper, allows for the addition of invisible watermarks to AI-generated text without compromising quality, accuracy, creativity, or speed. Google has already integrated SynthID-Text into its Gemini chatbot and made the tool available to developers and businesses for use with their own large language models (LLMs). While promising, the system is not yet a comprehensive solution and is currently more of a demonstration than...
read Nov 3, 2024Google’s new conversational AI tool will teach you just about anything
Google's AI-powered learning initiative: Google has launched "Learn About," a new platform within Google Learning that aims to revolutionize education through interactive AI tools. The platform is designed to cater to learners of all levels, from students to professionals and lifelong learners. "Learn About" offers a suite of interactive tools and templates covering a wide range of topics, from cooking to space exploration. Users can input their own questions or explore curated topics aligned with their learning goals. AI-driven personalized learning experience: The core of Google Learning is an AI conversational learning companion that adapts to each user's knowledge level...
read Nov 2, 2024How Google is tweaking its Play Store to boost user engagement and revenue
Google Play Store Updates: Enhancing User Engagement and Developer Tools: Google has announced several changes to its Play Store aimed at increasing user engagement and providing developers with new tools to promote their apps and generate revenue. The most prominent change is the introduction of full-screen playback for app portrait videos, which has shown significant improvements in user engagement during testing: Watch time increased by 7% Video completion count rose by 9% Conversions improved by 5% Google is also introducing personalized search query recommendations, though the exact factors influencing these suggestions remain unclear. Users will have more control over their...
read Nov 1, 2024How Google’s ‘Big Sleep’ aims to catch cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Breakthrough in AI-powered vulnerability detection: Google's Project Zero and DeepMind teams have successfully used large language models (LLMs) to uncover a previously unknown exploitable vulnerability in SQLite, marking a significant milestone in AI-assisted cybersecurity. Project evolution and key discovery: The collaboration, known as Big Sleep, evolved from Project Naptime and made a groundbreaking find in widely-used software. Big Sleep identified a stack buffer underflow vulnerability in SQLite, an open-source database engine utilized across numerous applications and platforms. This discovery is believed to be the first public instance of an AI agent detecting a previously unknown, exploitable memory-safety issue in real-world...
read Nov 1, 2024Google’s new ‘Doodle Guide’ AI tool transforms sketches into polished artwork
Google's AI-powered drawing assistant: Google has unveiled a new experimental AI tool called Doodle Guide, designed to help aspiring artists improve their drawing skills through real-time feedback and guidance. Doodle Guide provides audio and visual commentary on users' drawings as they sketch, offering insights and suggestions for improvement. Once a drawing is complete, the AI generates an image based on its interpretation of the user's doodle, providing a visual reference for comparison. The tool also offers tips and recommendations for enhancing future drawings, helping users develop their artistic abilities over time. Expanding AI experiments in arts and culture: Doodle Guide...
read Nov 1, 2024Google’s new ‘InkSight’ tool turns handwritten notes into digital text
Bridging the analog-digital divide: Google Research's new AI system, InkSight, represents a significant breakthrough in converting handwritten notes to editable digital text, potentially transforming how millions capture and preserve their thoughts. InkSight accurately converts photographs of handwritten notes into digital text, addressing the longstanding challenge of bridging traditional handwriting with digital note-taking. The system combines sophisticated AI capabilities to read, understand, and reproduce text naturally, moving beyond previous methods that relied on analyzing geometric properties of written strokes. In human evaluations, 87% of InkSight's samples were considered valid tracings of input text, with 67% being indistinguishable from human-generated digital handwriting....
read Nov 1, 2024Google’s new AI tool ‘Illuminate’ turns complex research into simple conversations
AI-powered research assistant transforms complex papers into accessible audio: Google's new experimental tool, Illuminate, uses artificial intelligence to convert dense academic papers into concise audio discussions, aiming to assist researchers and writers in digesting complex material more efficiently. Key features and functionality: Illuminate generates AI-powered audio conversations that break down the main points and takeaways of academic papers, making them more accessible to users. The tool creates conversations between two AI-generated voices, discussing the key elements of the uploaded paper. Currently, Illuminate is optimized for published computer science academic papers. Users can upload PDF links from arxiv.org or search for...
read Nov 1, 2024Google gave Gemini access to search just hours before OpenAI launched GPT Search
AI-powered search enters a new era: Google and OpenAI have launched competing AI-enhanced search capabilities, signaling a significant shift in how information may be accessed and processed online. Google's developer-focused approach: Google has integrated its search capabilities with its Gemini AI platform, targeting developers building AI applications. The new feature, called "Grounding with Google Search," allows developers to supplement their AI applications with fresh search data, complete with citations and sources. The service costs $35 per 1,000 queries, reflecting the substantial computing requirements for real-time AI search. Google's system uses a "dynamic retrieval" mechanism that automatically determines when to tap...
read Nov 1, 2024ChromeOS update will include Quick Insert, Focus mode and other AI features
ChromeOS 130 Update: A Significant Leap Forward: Google has rolled out ChromeOS 130, introducing a suite of new features and improvements designed to enhance productivity, focus, and AI integration for Chromebook users. Quick Insert: Streamlining Content Addition: ChromeOS 130 introduces Quick Insert, a versatile new feature that simplifies the process of adding various types of content to your work. Users can now easily insert emoji, GIFs, links to recently visited sites, and access AI features from a single menu. Most devices can activate Quick Insert by using the launcher or Google button plus the 'f' key on the keyboard. The...
read Oct 31, 2024Google to add AI-powered weather app to Pixel phones within 2024
New Pixel Weather App on the Horizon: Google is set to release a dedicated weather application for Pixel smartphones in 2024, addressing a longstanding gap in its Android offerings. The new Weather app will be available for Pixel 6 and newer models running Android 15, with a gradual rollout already underway. This development marks a significant shift for Google, which had previously relied on limited weather widgets and third-party applications to provide weather information on Android devices. Key Features and AI Integration: The new Weather app combines traditional forecasting with artificial intelligence to offer a more comprehensive and personalized experience....
read Oct 31, 2024Google to bring AI-generated stickers to Android keyboards
Pixel Studio AI-generated stickers coming to Gboard: Google is preparing to integrate AI-generated stickers created in Pixel Studio with its Gboard keyboard app, potentially offering users a new way to express themselves in digital communications. Key features and developments: Pixel Studio, an AI-powered tool available on Pixel 9 devices, allows users to create various types of art, including stickers. Recent APK teardown of Gboard version 14.8.02.686567880-beta-arm64-v8a reveals new text strings referencing Pixel Studio stickers. The integration is referred to internally as the "MythWeaver" sticker pack. Implementation details: While the feature is not yet functional, it's expected that Pixel Studio stickers...
read Oct 31, 2024Google Maps will use Gemini AI to answer queries about new restaurants
AI-powered enhancements to Google Maps: Google is rolling out significant updates to its Maps application, leveraging artificial intelligence to provide users with more intuitive and informative search experiences. Google Maps will now utilize the Gemini AI model to generate "inspirational collections" based on descriptive queries, such as "things to do with friends at night." The AI will categorize locations into relevant groups, like "speakeasies" or places with "live music," while still maintaining traditional search results below these collections. Users can tap on specific locations to access AI-generated summaries of user reviews and ask questions about the place, with Gemini providing...
read Oct 31, 2024Google’s Magic Editor may be getting a redesign to make AI photo editing even easier
AI-powered photo editing evolves: Google Photos is enhancing its Magic Editor feature with new user interface tweaks that aim to streamline the process of reimagining and modifying images using artificial intelligence. The Magic Editor's Reimagine tool, which allows users to change backgrounds, move objects, and add new elements to photos, is set to receive a more intuitive interface. These changes are designed to make AI-powered photo editing more accessible and user-friendly for a broader audience. Key UI improvements: New "Insert" and "Replace" options will be added, each presenting a text input field with a prefilled command to guide users in...
read Oct 30, 2024Apple’s Clean Up vs Google’s Magic Editor: which is better?
AI-powered photo editing tools face off: Apple's new "Clean up" feature in iOS 18.1 competes with Google's established Magic Editor, offering users advanced capabilities to remove unwanted elements from their photos. Key features and accessibility: The implementation and user experience of these AI photo editing tools differ between platforms, impacting their ease of use and effectiveness. Apple's Clean Up tool is natively integrated into the iOS Photos app, making it easily accessible for iPhone users without additional downloads. The Clean Up feature automatically suggests elements to remove, streamlining the editing process for users. Google's Magic Eraser is available through the...
read Oct 30, 2024How DeepMind is pushing the frontiers of AI audio generation
Advancing speech generation technology: Google researchers have made significant strides in developing more natural and dynamic audio generation models, paving the way for enhanced digital experiences and AI-powered tools. The team has created models capable of generating high-quality, natural speech from various inputs, including text, tempo controls, and specific voices. This technology is already being implemented in several Google products and experiments, such as Gemini Live, Project Astra, Journey Voices, and YouTube's auto dubbing feature. Recent advancements have enabled the generation of long-form, multi-speaker dialogue, making complex content more accessible. Key innovations in audio generation: SoundStorm: This research demonstrated the...
read Oct 30, 2024Google CEO denies plans to split AI from search
Google clarifies CEO's stance on search innovation: Google has addressed confusion surrounding CEO Sundar Pichai's comments about search experiences, emphasizing that he was not suggesting a split between AI-powered and traditional link-based search. During Google's Q3 earnings call, Wells Fargo analyst Ken Gawrelski asked about the possibility of offering two distinct search experiences: an AI-driven answers engine and a traditional links-based search engine. Pichai's response, "I do think having two surfaces for us allows us to experiment more," initially sparked speculation about potential changes to Google's core search offering. Google spokesperson Chris Pappas has since clarified that Pichai was referring...
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