News/Google
What to know about the upcoming Google Gemini 2 update
Upcoming AI breakthrough: Google is poised to unveil Gemini 2, the next iteration of its artificial intelligence models, marking a significant advancement in the field of AI technology. The announcement is expected in early December, signaling a major update to Google's AI capabilities. This release represents a more substantial evolution compared to the Gemini 1.5 versions introduced in May. While The Verge reports that the new model may not meet Google's initial power expectations, it still promises notable improvements. Anticipated features and capabilities: Gemini 2 is set to introduce a range of enhancements and new functionalities, potentially revolutionizing the way...
read Oct 30, 2024Google reportedly working on AI feature to answer Google Play questions
Google Play Store's AI-powered Q&A feature in development: Google is reportedly working on a new "Ask a question" feature for the Google Play Store that could utilize artificial intelligence to answer user queries about apps. The potential feature was discovered in an APK teardown of Google Play Store version 43.3.32-31, which revealed new strings related to AI-generated responses. This AI-powered Q&A system would complement the existing AI-generated FAQs already present in the Play Store, potentially offering more personalized and specific answers to user inquiries. The feature is expected to be accessible on individual app listing pages and in search results,...
read Oct 30, 2024Google delays AI agent Project Astra launch to next year
Project Astra's delayed launch: Google's ambitious AI assistant, Project Astra, initially slated for release in 2024, has been pushed back to 2025, signaling a significant shift in the company's AI rollout strategy. Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed the delay, stating that the company is "building out experiences where AI can see and reason about the world around you" with the aim to "ship experiences like this as early as 2025." The universal AI agent, designed to integrate seamlessly with everyday life through phone cameras and voice recognition, was originally announced at Google's I/O developer conference in May. Project Astra was...
read Oct 30, 2024Despite innovations from AI startups, Google’s search dominance continues to grow
Google's resilience in search market: Despite the emergence of new large language models (LLMs), Google continues to strengthen its position in the search market, according to Truist Securities' global head of internet research, Youssef Squali. Squali shared his insights on Alphabet's quarterly earnings results during CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" program. The analyst highlighted "green shoots" in Google's search business, indicating potential growth and positive developments. Google's ability to maintain and even gain market share suggests the company's adaptability in the face of evolving AI technologies. Alphabet's quarterly performance: The discussion on CNBC centered around Alphabet's recent financial results, providing...
read Oct 30, 2024AI now generates 25% of Google’s code, CEO reveals
AI's growing role in Google's software development: Google CEO Sundar Pichai has revealed that artificial intelligence is now responsible for generating more than a quarter of new code at the tech giant, marking a significant shift in the company's development practices. Pichai emphasized that AI-generated code is subject to employee review and verification, ensuring quality and accuracy. The integration of AI in coding processes is reportedly enhancing productivity and efficiency within Google's engineering teams. Pichai stated that this AI-assisted approach helps engineers "do more and move faster," highlighting the technology's positive impact on workflow. Internal AI initiatives at Google: The...
read Oct 30, 2024Google’s AI-powered ‘Overviews’ now accessible to over 1 billion people
AI Overviews expands globally: Google has significantly expanded its AI Overviews feature, making it available in more than 100 countries and accessible to over a billion monthly users. The feature, which uses Google's Gemini AI models to summarize search query answers, was initially launched in the U.S. and later expanded to a handful of other countries. AI Overviews now support multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish, depending on the user's location and search language preferences. The expansion demonstrates Google's confidence in the feature, despite earlier speculation about potential drawbacks. Enhanced user experience and engagement: Google claims...
read Oct 29, 2024Google Pixel 10 and 11 may feature major camera and AI enhancements
Future Pixel innovations: Google's ambitious roadmap for camera and AI upgrades: Google's upcoming Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 smartphones are set to receive significant enhancements in camera capabilities and AI features, according to leaked internal documents. Pixel 10 camera improvements: The Pixel 10 series, expected to launch in 2025, will reportedly feature the new Tensor G5 chipset. A major upgrade includes support for 4K 60fps HDR video recording, an improvement over the Pixel 9's 30fps limitation. The Tensor G5 chip is said to be capable of running stable Diffusion-based models locally, potentially enabling on-device AI-powered image processing. Pixel 11's revolutionary...
read Oct 29, 2024Gmail will now let you use AI to craft emails
Google expands AI-powered email writing assistance: Gmail users on the web can now access "Help me write" feature, powered by Gemini AI, to create and refine email drafts with artificial intelligence. The "Help me write" feature, previously available on mobile, is now accessible in Gmail's web interface for users with Google One AI Premium subscriptions or the Gemini add-on for Workspace. Users can generate email drafts from scratch or receive suggestions to formalize, elaborate, or shorten existing messages using AI assistance. New "polish" shortcut streamlines email refinement: Google introduces a convenient shortcut for quick email polishing on both web and...
read Oct 29, 2024You could win $25,000 on Kaggle for testing AI model Gemini’s limits
Gemini 1.5 Challenge: Google's AI Model Put to the Test: Google's latest AI model, Gemini 1.5, is at the center of a new competition on Kaggle that aims to explore its expanded capabilities and potentially reward innovative applications with substantial cash prizes. Competition details and objectives: Kaggle, a platform for data science competitions, has launched a contest challenging participants to creatively stress test Gemini 1.5's improved context window. The competition seeks to find the most innovative use cases that leverage Gemini 1.5's ability to process and remember larger amounts of information at once. Participants have the opportunity to win one...
read Oct 28, 2024Google expands AI search summaries to 100+ new countries
Global expansion of Google's AI search summaries: Google is significantly expanding the availability of its AI-generated search summaries, known as AI Overviews, to more than 100 additional countries this week. The rollout includes major markets such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Colombia, Chile, the Philippines, and Nigeria, among many others. A comprehensive list of countries where AI Overviews are now available can be found on Google's official website. This expansion marks a significant step in Google's efforts to integrate AI technology into its core search functionality on a global scale. Multilingual support and localization: The AI Overviews will...
read Oct 28, 2024Google’s next AI may autonomously control computers
Google's AI ambitions expand to computer control: Google is reportedly developing an artificial intelligence system capable of taking over web browsers to perform tasks like research and shopping, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with their devices. The project, code-named "Jarvis," is expected to be demonstrated as early as December 2024, coinciding with the release of Google's next flagship Gemini large language model. This development represents a significant step in AI's evolution, moving beyond passive assistance to active engagement with computer systems. Industry context and competition: Google's initiative reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, with major players exploring AI...
read Oct 28, 2024Google develops AI-powered chat feature to enhance Search
Google's AI-powered voice search: A new frontier in mobile search technology: Google is developing an innovative AI-powered voice search feature for its Android app, aiming to enhance user experience through conversational query refinement. Key features and functionality: The new AI search tool is designed to use follow-up questions to refine user queries, potentially revolutionizing how people interact with mobile search. Discovered through an APK teardown of the Google app beta version 15.43.36.28, the feature is still in development and not fully implemented. Code strings suggest an AI mode with close and enter buttons, a prompt for follow-up questions, a listening...
read Oct 28, 2024Google AI assistant ‘Jarvis’ may book flights and find deals autonomously
AI-powered web browsing on the horizon: Google is reportedly developing an autonomous AI assistant called Project Jarvis, designed to streamline web-based tasks and potentially revolutionize how users interact with their browsers. Project Jarvis is being developed to take control of a user's web browser, handling tasks such as research, shopping, and flight bookings. The AI assistant is expected to operate by capturing and interpreting frequent screenshots of the user's computer screen, then taking appropriate actions like clicking buttons or entering text. Jarvis may be previewed as early as December 2023, coinciding with the launch of Google's Gemini 2.0 AI model....
read Oct 28, 2024DeepMind’s new AI agents framework mimics human-like reasoning
AI agents evolve with dual-system approach: DeepMind researchers have introduced a new framework called Talker-Reasoner, inspired by human cognition models, to enhance AI agents' reasoning capabilities and user interactions. The Talker-Reasoner framework aims to balance fast, intuitive responses with slower, more deliberate reasoning in AI systems. This approach is based on the "two systems" model of human cognition, first introduced by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman. The framework divides AI agents into two distinct modules: the Talker (System 1) and the Reasoner (System 2). Understanding the dual-system cognitive model: The two-systems theory suggests that human thought is driven by two distinct...
read Oct 28, 2024Google Photos to officially launch AI image detection tool
AI-powered image editing transparency: Google Photos is introducing a new feature to provide users with clear information about AI-edited images within the app. Google Photos will display a new "AI Info" section for photos manipulated using AI-powered tools like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Zoom Enhance. The feature aims to increase transparency by making AI editing information visible alongside standard image details such as file name, location, and backup status. This update builds on Google's existing practice of including IPTC metadata for AI-edited images, now making this information more accessible to users. Feature rollout and implementation: The new AI Info...
read Oct 28, 2024Google, OpenAI to unveil next-gen AI models very soon
AI race intensifies with imminent model releases: Google and OpenAI are gearing up for a competitive December, with both companies planning to unveil their latest AI models. Google is set to announce its next major Gemini 2.0 model in December, according to sources familiar with the plan. OpenAI is also eyeing a December debut for its next flagship AI model, as reported by Kylie Robison and Tom Warren. The timing of these releases indicates a continued pattern of the two companies attempting to outdo each other in the AI space. Broader competitive landscape: The AI race extends beyond just Google...
read Oct 24, 2024Google DeepMind open-sources AI text watermarking technology
Google DeepMind advances AI text watermarking: Google has open-sourced SynthID, a tool designed to identify AI-generated text, as part of its broader effort to promote responsible AI development. Key features of SynthID: Adds an invisible watermark directly into AI-generated content Works by altering the probability of token generation in large language models Can detect watermarked text by comparing probability scores with unwatermarked text Deployed in Google's Gemini products and available on Hugging Face Performance and limitations: Extensive testing showed no compromise in quality, accuracy, creativity, or speed of generated text Resistant to light editing and cropping but less reliable with...
read Oct 23, 2024Google launches AI text detector to spot synthetic content
Google's AI Watermarking Innovation: Google has developed an artificial intelligence watermarking system to identify text generated by its Gemini chatbot, potentially addressing concerns about AI-generated misinformation and academic dishonesty. The company is making an open-source version of this technique available for other generative AI developers to implement in their large language models. Google DeepMind's Pushmeet Kohli describes the tool, called SynthID, as an important building block for developing more reliable AI identification tools, though not a complete solution. How SynthID Works: The watermarking system employs a sophisticated algorithm to create a detectable statistical signature in AI-generated text without compromising its...
read Oct 22, 2024Google’s AI may soon text and make phone calls for you
Gemini's expanded functionality: Google's AI assistant, Gemini Live, is set to receive a significant update that will allow it to make calls and send messages from locked Android phones, further solidifying its position as the replacement for Google Assistant. Android Authority discovered unreleased code indicating that Gemini will soon be able to perform these actions without requiring users to unlock their devices. This feature is currently exclusive to Google Assistant, but its extension to Gemini suggests a continued shift towards making Gemini the primary AI assistant on Android devices. Users will have the option to enable or disable this functionality...
read Oct 20, 2024Google is reorganizing with AI development at its core
Google's strategic shift: Google is undergoing an internal reorganization that places artificial intelligence at the forefront of its operations, signaling a significant pivot in the tech giant's focus and priorities. The reorganization reflects Google's recognition of AI's growing importance in the tech industry and its potential to reshape various aspects of its business. This move aligns with the broader trend of major tech companies investing heavily in AI capabilities to maintain their competitive edge. AI integration across Google's ecosystem: The restructuring likely aims to embed AI technologies more deeply into Google's wide range of products and services. Google's search engine,...
read Oct 19, 20245 prompting tips for better results with Google Gemini
Unlocking Gemini's potential: Key strategies for effective prompts: Google's Gemini AI requires thoughtful prompting to deliver optimal results, with users encouraged to approach the interaction as they would with a knowledgeable friend. The quality of prompts significantly impacts the usefulness of Gemini's responses, making it crucial for users to craft their queries carefully. Treating Gemini as a knowledgeable friend rather than a simple search engine can lead to more tailored and helpful interactions. Contextual framing: Setting the stage for precise responses: Providing comprehensive context in prompts enables Gemini to generate more accurate and relevant answers tailored to the user's specific...
read Oct 18, 2024An inside look at NotebookLM’s new AI-powered features
AI-powered note-taking evolution: Google's NotebookLM, an AI-driven note-taking tool, has received significant updates aimed at enhancing user experience and expanding its functionality for both individual and enterprise users. Enhanced audio capabilities: The latest update to NotebookLM introduces more control over Audio Overviews, transforming users' documents into AI-hosted podcast-like discussions. Users can now guide the conversation by focusing on specific topics and sources, tailoring the content for particular audiences. The new update allows for customization of prompts before generating a "Deep Dive" Audio Overview, ensuring the AI concentrates on key areas and specific topics. A background listening option has been introduced,...
read Oct 17, 2024Google enhances NotebookLM with customizable AI podcasts
Google's NotebookLM evolves with customizable AI podcasts: Google has introduced a new customization feature for AI-generated podcasts in its NotebookLM software, allowing users to tailor the content and focus of these synthetic audio discussions. Key features and updates: NotebookLM, initially launched in 2023 as an experimental AI writing tool, has gained popularity since introducing AI-generated podcast conversations in September. The new customization tool allows users to provide prompts and specify areas of focus for the AI-generated audio content. Google has removed the "experimental" tag from NotebookLM, signaling increased stability and meeting internal quality standards. How the customization works: Users can...
read Oct 17, 2024Pixel 8 series may soon get exclusive Pixel 9 app
Pixel Studio expansion on the horizon: Google appears to be preparing to extend its Pixel Studio app, currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, to older Pixel models, particularly the Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel Studio app, which leverages on-device AI and Google's Imagen 3 AI model, allows users to generate images from text prompts. Evidence suggests that the app may soon be available on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a devices. Technical clues pointing to broader availability: Recent developments in app distribution channels and software updates hint at Google's intentions to expand Pixel Studio's reach. A...
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