News/Google
Google announces major AI features coming to search
AI-driven transformation of Google Search and Lens: Google has unveiled a series of significant AI-powered updates to its Search and Lens products, marking a pivotal shift towards AI-centric user experiences in digital search and discovery. Google Search is introducing AI-organized results, beginning with recipe and meal inspiration queries on mobile devices in the United States, showcasing the company's commitment to enhancing user experience through artificial intelligence. A redesigned AI Overview feature now incorporates clickable links within summaries, allowing users to dive deeper into topics of interest seamlessly. In a move that balances innovation with revenue generation, Google plans to integrate...
read Oct 4, 2024Google AI’s dangerous advice sparks SUV safety concerns
AI-powered search raises safety concerns: Google's recent rollout of ads in its AI-powered search overviews has highlighted potential risks associated with AI-generated advice, particularly in the realm of vehicle safety features. The AI search system suggested turning off the forward collision-avoidance feature on the Kia Telluride by disabling electronic stability control, a recommendation that could be dangerous for most drivers. This incorrect advice appears to stem from a misinterpretation of a caution notice in the Kia EV6 manual, demonstrating the AI's inability to accurately contextualize and understand the information it processes. Implications for AI reliability: The incident underscores the ongoing...
read Oct 3, 2024Google reportedly developing advanced AI model that mimics human reasoning
Google's AI Advancement: Developing a 'Thinking' Model: Google is reportedly working on an advanced AI model that mimics human reasoning abilities, potentially in response to OpenAI's recent developments in chain-of-thought prompting technology. Key developments: Google is developing AI that more closely resembles human reasoning capabilities, likely for its Gemini platform. This development follows OpenAI's introduction of o1-preview and o1-mini models for ChatGPT, which "spend more time thinking before they respond." The new AI models are designed to excel at solving multi-step problems in fields such as math and coding. Technical insights: The technology is based on chain-of-thought prompting, allowing the...
read Oct 3, 2024Google says its AI now designs chips better than humans can
AI-assisted chip design claims spark debate: Google DeepMind's announcement of its AlphaChip method, purportedly capable of creating "superhuman chip layouts" in hours, has drawn skepticism from independent chip design experts. Google DeepMind claims AlphaChip can design chips faster and better than human experts, using reinforcement learning to optimize component relationships and layout quality. The AI method has allegedly helped design three generations of Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and contributed to chip designs for data centers and smartphones. AlphaChip reportedly reduces total wire length in chip designs, potentially lowering power consumption and improving processing speed. Expert skepticism and calls for...
read Oct 3, 2024Google Gemini just got a new feature that makes image sharing easier
Google Gemini update streamlines image sharing: Google has introduced a new feature in its latest Gemini update, making it faster and easier for users to share images with the AI tool directly from other apps. The update, found in Google Gemini v1.0.668480831, is available to all users who upgrade to the latest version. Users can now share images with Gemini directly from the share sheet in other apps, similar to sharing with contacts. This new functionality complements existing methods of image interaction with Gemini, including attaching images to chats and using the "Ask about this screen" feature. How the new...
read Oct 3, 2024Microsoft’s Copilot Labs will let you test unreleased AI features — here’s how it works
Microsoft's Copilot Labs: A new platform for experimental AI features: Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Labs, a space for users to access and test unreleased AI features, similar to Google Labs but with a subscription-based model. Key features and functionality: Copilot Labs launches with two experimental features that expand Copilot's capabilities, offering users new levels of AI assistance. Copilot Vision combines voice assistance with real-time screen analysis in Microsoft Edge, taking both text and visual elements into account. The Think Deeper feature allows Copilot to spend more time processing complex questions, delivering step-by-step answers to difficult queries. User experience and applications:...
read Oct 3, 2024A new generation of AI mobile apps is about to come to Android phones
Google expands Gemini Nano access: Google has opened up its Gemini Nano AI model to all Android app developers, paving the way for widespread integration of on-device AI capabilities in mobile applications. Gemini Nano, previously limited to select devices and applications, is now accessible to a broader range of developers through the AI Edge SDK. The AI model runs on-device, enabling features like text summaries and image descriptions without requiring an internet connection, thus enhancing user privacy. Initially, developers can experiment with text-to-text prompts, with support for additional modalities, such as images, planned for future updates. Key features and implications:...
read Oct 2, 2024Google invests $3B to boost AI capabilities in Southeast Asia
Google's major investment in Southeast Asian cloud infrastructure: Google has announced a significant $3 billion investment to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in Malaysia and Thailand, responding to growing demand for these services in the region. The investment includes $2 billion for Google's first data center and cloud region in Malaysia, located in Selangor's Elmina Business Park. An additional $1 billion is earmarked for expanding data center and cloud infrastructure in Thailand, specifically in Bangkok and Chonburi. These investments aim to meet the increasing cloud demand in Southeast Asia and globally, while also supporting local AI initiatives....
read Oct 2, 2024Google to enhance controls for AI-generated podcasts, says NotebookLM lead
Unveiling AI-powered podcasts: Google's NotebookLM has introduced a groundbreaking feature called "Audio Overviews," enabling users to create custom, AI-generated podcasts with artificial host voices discussing user-uploaded content. The new feature transforms text-based content into engaging audio formats, opening up new possibilities for information consumption and sharing. Users can leverage AI technology to generate podcast-like content from their own uploaded materials, potentially revolutionizing how information is disseminated and consumed. Upcoming enhancements: Raiza Martin, NotebookLM's product leader, has announced forthcoming updates that will provide users with greater control over Audio Overviews. Users will soon be able to select different "personas" for AI...
read Oct 1, 2024Google AI will summarize and translate right on your Chromebook now
AI-powered enhancements for Chromebooks: Google is rolling out a suite of new artificial intelligence features for Chromebook devices, aiming to enhance productivity and user experience across its laptop ecosystem. Chromebook Plus devices will receive exclusive AI capabilities, including "Help Me Read" for text summarization, live translation for voice and video calls, an AI-enhanced recorder app, and video call improvements for audio and video quality. All Chromebooks will benefit from new features like Recap for session continuity, Focus mode with Google Tasks integration, improved Drive integration, and a Gemini AI assistant on the home screen. These AI enhancements are designed to...
read Oct 1, 2024Android users can now access Google Gemini AI — how to get started
Gemini Live rolls out for Android: Google has announced the free availability of Gemini Live, its advanced AI assistant, for all Android users through the Gemini app. Initially launched with the Google Pixel 9 series, Gemini Live offers a faster, more intuitive, and immersive experience compared to the standard Gemini assistant. The rollout, announced on X (formerly Twitter), makes Gemini Live accessible to a broader audience beyond Gemini Advance subscribers. Currently, only the US English version is available for download, though users can select different accents, including British "Capella." How to access Gemini Live: Android users can now easily set...
read Sep 30, 2024Google Pixel AI vs Samsung Galaxy AI: How do they really compare?
The AI arms race in smartphones: Google and Samsung are leveraging artificial intelligence to differentiate their flagship devices, with each company offering a unique suite of AI-powered features. Both companies are using AI to enhance photography, editing, and audio capabilities on their smartphones, though with some key differences in implementation. Language and text-related AI features are prominent on both Pixel and Galaxy devices, aiming to improve communication and productivity. AI-powered phone call features are a significant focus, with both brands offering innovative solutions for call screening and language translation. Photography and editing capabilities: Google and Samsung have implemented AI to...
read Sep 29, 2024Google paid $2.7B to lure back a single AI researcher — was it worth it?
Google's bold move in AI talent acquisition: Google's recent $2.7 billion deal with Character.AI, ostensibly for technology licensing, is widely seen as a strategic maneuver to bring AI expert Noam Shazeer back into the fold. Shazeer, who left Google in 2021 after 21 years, co-founded Character.AI, a startup allowing users to interact with chatbots roleplaying as fictional or real-world figures. The deal's magnitude highlights the intense competition and high stakes in the AI industry, with tech giants willing to invest enormous sums to secure top talent. While officially framed as a licensing agreement, industry insiders view Shazeer's return as the...
read Sep 29, 2024AI chip race heats up as Google and Meta upgrade models
AI model advancements reshape the competitive landscape: Google and Meta have unveiled significant updates to their AI models, while Google's AI-powered chip designer makes waves in the semiconductor industry. Google Gemini updates bring performance gains and cost reductions: Google has released new versions of its Gemini models, offering improved capabilities and more attractive pricing for developers. The new Gemini-1.5-Pro-002 and Gemini-1.5-Flash-002 models boast enhanced performance across various tasks, including a 7% increase in MMLU-Pro benchmark scores and a 20% improvement in math-related tasks. Google has dramatically reduced pricing for Gemini 1.5 Pro, cutting input token costs by 64% and output...
read Sep 27, 2024Gmail replaces Smart Replies with ‘contextual’ AI suggestions
Gmail's AI-powered upgrade: Google is enhancing its Smart Reply feature in Gmail with new "Contextual Smart Replies" powered by the company's advanced Gemini AI technology. The upgraded feature promises to generate more detailed and contextually relevant responses compared to the previous generic Smart Reply options. Contextual Smart Replies can address multiple queries within a single email, demonstrating a more comprehensive understanding of the message content. Users can preview suggested replies by tapping and holding each option, allowing them to select the most appropriate response. AI-generated replies can be edited before sending, giving users the flexibility to refine the suggested text....
read Sep 27, 2024How Monks uses AI to create personalized marketing campaigns
AI-powered campaign revolutionizes sleep wellness marketing: Digital marketing agency Monks leveraged Google AI to create a highly personalized and effective campaign for sleep wellness company Hatch, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in marketing. Innovative use of AI in audience targeting: Monks employed Gemini, Google's AI model, to identify and analyze potential customer segments for Hatch's new Restore 2 smart clock. Gemini conducted extensive research, examining social media trends, search queries, industry reports, and competitor analysis to suggest target personas. The AI model helped narrow down the most promising audience segments, resulting in three key personas: the Stressed Professional, the...
read Sep 27, 2024Apple doubles down on climate pledge, Google hedges
AI's impact on tech companies' climate goals: The rapid development of artificial intelligence is causing some tech giants to reconsider their climate commitments, while others maintain their environmental targets. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has indicated that the company's carbon emissions goal, set for 2030, is becoming "challenging" due to the energy demands of AI development and training. Pichai described the current situation as an "uncomfortable interim phase," suggesting that Google may need to adjust its climate targets in the short term. In contrast, Apple's VP of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, has reaffirmed the company's commitment to becoming...
read Sep 27, 2024Google’s NotebookLM will now summarize and analyze YouTube videos
Introducing NotebookLM's YouTube Integration: Google's AI note-taking app, NotebookLM, has expanded its capabilities to include summarization and in-depth analysis of YouTube videos, offering users a powerful tool to extract key information from lengthy content. The new feature works by analyzing the text from a YouTube video's transcript, including auto-generated ones, to provide concise summaries and topic breakdowns. Users can simply add a YouTube link to NotebookLM, which then uses AI to generate a brief overview of the main topics discussed in the video. The app allows for further exploration by enabling users to click on specific topics for more detailed...
read Sep 26, 2024Google Photos may soon narrate memories with Gemini AI
AI-powered narration coming to Google Photos: Google is preparing to integrate its Gemini AI chatbot into the Memories feature of Google Photos, potentially offering users AI-generated narration for their photo collections. The latest version of Google Photos for Android contains hidden code referencing Gemini, suggesting an upcoming AI-enhanced feature for the app's Memories slideshows. Currently, Memories slideshows are accompanied by music, but the new feature would add AI-generated narration to recap the photos and videos. The feature is not yet active, but was partially enabled by Android Authority during their code analysis. Potential implications for user experience: The introduction of...
read Sep 25, 2024Google Cloud gives Contact Center AI a new name and AI makeover
Google Cloud revamps contact center offering with AI: Google Cloud has rebranded its Contact Center AI platform as Customer Engagement Suite with Google AI, integrating advanced generative AI capabilities including Gemini 1.5 Flash. Key features of the new platform: The Customer Engagement Suite builds upon the existing Contact Center AI offering, enhancing it with powerful AI-driven tools to improve customer service efficiency and effectiveness. Hybrid virtual agents combine rule-based deterministic control with Gemini's adaptive generative AI capabilities, grounded in organization-specific datasets. Advanced Agent Assist features include generative knowledge assist, real-time coaching, smart replies, automatic call summarization, and live bi-directional translation...
read Sep 25, 2024Google Earth unveils time travel feature as Maps gets major overhaul
Google Earth and Maps receive major updates: Google has announced significant enhancements to Google Earth and Google Maps, aimed at improving user experience and image quality. Historical imagery comes to Google Earth: Users can now explore Google's extensive satellite and aerial imagery library, dating back up to 80 years. The feature showcases changes over time in cities like London, Berlin, Warsaw, and Paris, with some imagery dating back to the 1930s. Google Earth's home screen has been redesigned to facilitate easier collaboration for researchers and organizations working on projects. Street View expansion: Google Maps is launching one of its biggest...
read Sep 25, 2024Wear OS 5, AI Features Coming to Older Pixel Watches – Here’s How to Update
Pixel Watch update introduces Wear OS 5: Google is rolling out a significant update to the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, bringing Wear OS 5 and several new features to enhance user experience and functionality. Key features of the update: A new grid-based app launcher is being introduced, offering a more efficient way to navigate apps Users can still opt for the traditional list-based launcher through system settings Health Services now supports additional running data types, including Ground Contact Time and Stride Length The AI-powered Recorder app from the Pixel Watch 3 is being added, featuring automatic transcription...
read Sep 24, 2024Gemini AI is Coming to Google TV Ecosystem
Google TV's Major Update: Google is rolling out significant new features to its Google TV ecosystem, enhancing smart home integration, AI capabilities, and content discovery options across all devices. Home Panel Integration: Google TV is introducing a new Home Panel feature, expanding smart home control capabilities directly from the TV interface. The Home Panel appears as a new Tile in Quick Settings, opening as a feed on the right side of the screen. It mirrors the Favorites tab from the Google Home app, displaying controls for lights, cameras, speakers, thermostats, and other smart home devices. Users can access additional controls...
read Sep 24, 2024Google’s Gemini AI Will Soon Come to Your Corporate Workspace
Google integrates Gemini AI into Workspace: In its latest blog post, Google announced plans to incorporate Gemini AI into its Workspace productivity suite, marking a significant expansion of the chatbot's reach, and potentially exposing it to millions of new users in corporate settings. The standalone Gemini app will be included as a standard feature in Workspace Business, Enterprise, and Frontline plans starting in Q4 2024. This integration eliminates the need for organizations to purchase a separate Gemini add-on, streamlining access to AI capabilities within the Workspace ecosystem. Google emphasizes that Gemini will be subject to the same enterprise terms as...
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