News/Google
Google Photos Launches AI Video Editing Tools for Android and iOS
AI-powered video editing comes to Google Photos: Google is rolling out new video editing tools in the Google Photos app for Android and iOS, featuring AI-powered capabilities designed to simplify and enhance the video editing process. Key updates and features: The latest update brings significant improvements to the app's user interface and introduces new editing tools, making video editing more accessible to users. Popular video editing tools are now prominently displayed with clear labels, replacing the previously small and unlabeled buttons for Mute, Enhance, and Stabilize. An updated Trim Tool offers improved controls for precise video cutting. The new Auto...
read Sep 20, 2024You Can Now Search Google Chrome History with Natural Language
AI-powered search revolutionizes Chrome's browsing history: Google Chrome introduces an experimental feature that allows users to search their browsing history using natural language queries, enhancing the way users interact with their past online activities. The new feature, called "History search, powered by AI," enables users to find previously visited websites using everyday language instead of relying on exact keywords or website addresses. Example queries include asking about a recently viewed ice cream shop, comfortable walking shoes, or vegetarian pasta recipes, demonstrating the feature's versatility in understanding context and intent. How it works: Chrome locally stores and encrypts URL, page title,...
read Sep 20, 2024What IT Leaders Should Know About Google’s NotebookLM Upgrade
AI-powered research tool evolves: Google's NotebookLM, initially launched in July 2023, has expanded its capabilities and found increasing applications in enterprise settings. NotebookLM allows users to upload various file types, including PDFs, websites, Google Docs, and Google Slides, into a single notebook for easy information management. The tool utilizes Google's Gemini AI to answer questions about the documents within the notebook, enhancing research and analysis capabilities. Since its general availability in the U.S. in December 2023, NotebookLM has seen growing adoption among corporate teams for sharing research and information. New audio generation feature: Google has introduced a novel capability that...
read Sep 19, 2024Google Announces New AI Features for AI-Driven Ad Campaigns
AI-powered advertising evolves: Google unveils new features and controls for AI-driven campaigns, aiming to enhance ROI and provide advertisers with more insights and creative tools. Expanded language support for Search campaigns: Google's conversational experience for building Search campaigns is set to become more accessible. The AI-powered tool, which has helped small businesses improve their Ad Strength, will soon be available in German, French, and Spanish. This expansion allows more businesses to leverage generative AI in creating high-performing Search campaigns. Enhanced creative capabilities: Google introduces new generative AI tools to support diverse advertising needs across multiple campaign types. AI-powered image editing...
read Sep 19, 2024Google Unveils 10 New Voices for Gemini AI Assistant
Google expands Gemini's voice capabilities: Google has introduced 10 new voice options for its Gemini Live AI assistant on Android devices, enhancing the user experience and expanding the assistant's functionality. The new voices feature unique personalities and accents, each named after constellations, stars, and star-related phenomena, such as Orion, Capella, and Nova. Initially exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, these voice options are now available to all users, democratizing access to advanced AI features. Google's advanced speech engine enables the voices to be more emotionally expressive and conversational, creating a more natural interaction experience. Enhanced functionality and user experience: Gemini's AI...
read Sep 18, 2024How AI Search Summaries are Threatening Online Creator Income
AI's impact on content creators and internet diversity: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is reshaping digital experiences, bringing both innovations and challenges that could significantly alter the balance of power on the internet. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Richard Blumenthal, and others have called for an investigation into whether AI-driven search features violate antitrust laws, citing concerns about dominant online platforms abusing their gatekeeper power. The rise of AI threatens to exacerbate existing power dynamics, potentially making it harder for independent creators to earn a living from their content. Content creators' concerns: Raptive, representing over 5,200 independent creators in the United...
read Sep 17, 2024Google Pixel 8a AI Smartphone Now $100 Cheaper
Google's latest AI-equipped smartphone gets a price cut: The Google Pixel 8a, the company's latest mid-range smartphone, is now available at a significant discount on Amazon and the official Google store. Key details of the deal: The Pixel 8a is now priced at $399, down from its regular price of $499 This $100 discount matches the lowest price ever tracked on Amazon The deal is available for all four color variants of the device The same offer is also available directly from Google's online store Device specifications and features: The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch Actua display, which is brighter...
read Sep 17, 2024Google Unveils AI Image Authentication for Search and Ads
Google's new image authentication initiative: Google plans to implement a technology that will identify the origin and editing history of images in its search results and ad systems. The technology is based on the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) authentication standard, which creates a digital trail for images. Google's "about this image" feature in search results will be updated to show if an image was created or edited using AI tools. The company aims to integrate C2PA metadata into its ad systems and is exploring ways to relay this information on YouTube. Industry collaboration and technical details: The...
read Sep 17, 2024Google’s $13M AI Satellite Project Will Detect Wildfires Early
Google's ambitious wildfire detection initiative: Google is investing $13 million in a project that aims to use satellites and artificial intelligence to detect small wildfires before they become major conflagrations. The tech giant is collaborating with satellite manufacturer Muon Space and a group of nonprofits to launch a constellation of satellites called FireSat in 2025. These low Earth orbit satellites will be equipped with custom-made Google infrared sensors capable of detecting fires as small as 5 meters across, roughly the size of a school classroom. The initiative aims to provide fire authorities with updated imagery every 20 minutes, significantly improving...
read Sep 16, 2024Google Merges Gemini AI with Gmail for Smarter Email Management
Google expands AI integration: Google is enhancing the synergy between its Gemini Assistant and Gmail by incorporating Gmail's AI features directly into the Gemini interface. The integration will allow users to access Gmail's AI tools, such as email summarization and reply suggestions, within the Gemini Assistant. This development builds upon Gemini's existing ability to analyze on-screen content and provide actionable insights. The new feature was discovered through an APK teardown of the Google App for Android (version 15.37.41.29.arm64). How it works: When users activate Gemini while viewing an email, they will see a set of suggestion chips similar to those...
read Sep 16, 2024Google’s AI Tool ‘Food Mood’ Will Help You Create Mouth-Watering Meals
Google's AI-powered culinary innovation: Food Mood, a new experiment from Google Arts & Culture, leverages artificial intelligence to create unique recipes by blending cuisines from different countries. How Food Mood works: The AI tool generates customized recipes based on user preferences, allowing for creative culinary exploration and cross-cultural fusion. Users can access Food Mood through the Google Arts & Culture website by selecting "Launch experiment" The tool offers options to find random recipes or customize selections based on specific criteria Users can choose the type of dish (starter, soup, main course, or dessert), portion size, and select two countries to...
read Sep 15, 2024EU Watchdog Probes Google’s AI Data Use for GDPR Compliance
EU privacy watchdog investigates Google's AI data practices: The European Union's data protection authority has launched an inquiry into Google's use of personal data for training its artificial intelligence model, PaLM 2. Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which enforces the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is spearheading the investigation. The inquiry focuses on whether Google has breached GDPR obligations in processing personal data of EU and European Economic Area citizens. This investigation is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny on Big Tech companies' AI development practices. Key concerns and regulatory requirements: The investigation centers on Google's compliance...
read Sep 13, 2024Google Gemini App Launches Live Voice Mode for Android
Groundbreaking AI interaction: Google's Gemini app has launched its Live Voice Mode for Android users, offering free real-time voice conversations with AI. The new feature allows users to engage in dynamic, interactive dialogues with Gemini, moving beyond simple voice commands or text-based interactions. Live Voice Mode is designed to simulate human-like social interactions, enabling users to explore ideas, brainstorm, and discuss complex topics hands-free. How it works: Gemini's Live Voice Mode is integrated into the Android app, providing users with an intuitive and accessible way to converse with AI. Users can access the feature by updating or downloading the Gemini...
read Sep 12, 2024Google’s AI Fact-Checker Aims to Curb Hallucinations
Google's new AI fact-checking tool: Google has unveiled DataGemma, a tool designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of large language models by grounding their responses in verifiable data. DataGemma employs two primary methods: Retrieval-Interleaved Generation (RIG) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), both of which leverage Google's Data Commons to verify and augment AI-generated responses. The tool aims to address the persistent issue of AI hallucinations by providing a mechanism for language models to cross-reference their outputs against real-world statistical data. Currently, DataGemma is exclusively available to researchers, with potential plans for broader access pending further testing and refinement. How DataGemma...
read Sep 12, 2024Google Pulls Gemini AI Video Amid Accuracy Concerns
Google's Gemini AI demo video scrutinized: Google has voluntarily unlisted a promotional video for its Gemini AI model following an inquiry by an advertising watchdog regarding the accuracy of the demo's depiction of the AI's capabilities. The video, posted in December, showcased Gemini responding to various spoken prompts, including identifying parts of drawings and creating a geography game on the fly. BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division (NAD) questioned whether the video accurately represented Gemini's performance in responding to user voice and video prompts. Google chose to end the inquiry by ceasing promotion of the video, effectively acknowledging potential discrepancies...
read Sep 12, 2024EU Watchdog Probes Google’s AI Model for Privacy Risks
EU privacy watchdog scrutinizes Google's AI model: The European Union's data protection authorities have launched an inquiry into Google's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2), raising concerns about its compliance with the bloc's stringent data privacy regulations. The Irish Data Protection Commission, acting as Google's lead regulator in the EU due to the company's European headquarters being in Dublin, is spearheading the investigation. The inquiry is part of a broader initiative by EU regulators to examine how AI systems handle personal data, reflecting the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and data privacy concerns. The investigation specifically focuses on whether Google has...
read Sep 12, 2024New Gemini Feature from Google Lets You Create Your Own AI Chatbot
Gemini's new Gems feature revolutionizes AI assistance: Google's Gemini AI has introduced a groundbreaking feature called Gems, allowing users to create personalized AI chatbots tailored to specific tasks and interests. What you need to know: Gems are customized versions of Gemini, each with its own unique personality and purpose, designed to streamline interactions for specific tasks. Users can create specialized AI assistants for various purposes, such as learning a language, planning vacations, or providing household cleaning tips. The feature aims to make AI interactions more efficient and personalized by focusing on specific areas of expertise. Gems are currently available only...
read Sep 11, 2024Google’s NotebookLM AI Turns Notes into Engaging Podcasts
AI-powered podcast generation from notes: Google has introduced an experimental feature in NotebookLM, its AI note-taking app, that transforms user research into AI-generated podcasts with two virtual hosts discussing the content. The new feature, called Audio Overview, utilizes Google's Gemini AI model to create podcast-like discussions based on users' notes, transcripts, and research documents. AI hosts summarize the material, make connections between topics, and engage in banter, providing an audio version of NotebookLM's existing summarization capabilities. The feature aims to make learning from research more engaging by presenting information in a conversational format. User experience and AI capabilities: The AI-generated...
read Sep 10, 2024YouTube Has Officially Launched Its AI Radio and It’s Called ‘Ask Music’
AI-powered radio arrives on YouTube Music: YouTube Music has officially launched "Ask Music," an AI-driven feature that allows users to create custom radio stations based on conversational prompts. The feature, which has been gradually rolling out since August, is now seeing wider availability, including in international markets such as Canada and Australia. "Ask Music" is included with YouTube Premium memberships, leveraging AI technology to transform user ideas into personalized playlists. The feature uses a chat-like interface where users can input prompts ranging from simple phrases to full sentences, generating tailored music selections. User experience and functionality: Ask Music integrates seamlessly...
read Sep 10, 2024Inside Google’s Now Shuttered Mission to Create an AI-Powered Robot
A decade-long quest for AI-powered robots: Google's Everyday Robots project, led by Hans Peter Brondmo from 2016 to 2023, aimed to create intelligent machines capable of working alongside humans in everyday settings. The project, part of Google X (Alphabet's moonshot division), focused on developing robots that could perform various tasks in unpredictable real-world environments. Despite making significant progress, the project was ultimately shut down in January 2023 due to cost concerns, highlighting the challenges of long-term, complex robotics initiatives. Key challenges in robotics development: The Everyday Robots team faced several obstacles in their pursuit of creating versatile, AI-powered robots for...
read Sep 9, 2024Google Just Dropped 3 New Experimental Gemini AI Models
Google unveils enhanced Gemini AI models: The tech giant has introduced three new experimental Gemini models, showcasing improved performance and capabilities across various domains. Key model updates: Google's latest release includes a smaller Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B variant, an upgraded Gemini 1.5 Pro model, and a significantly enhanced Gemini 1.5 Flash model. The Gemini 1.5 Flash model has demonstrated substantial performance gains, positioning it as a top choice for developers according to Logan Kilpatrick, product lead for Google AI Studio. Gemini 1.5 Pro exhibits improvements in areas such as math, coding, and handling complex prompts. Both new models boast an impressive...
read Sep 9, 2024Google’s New AI Image Generator Doesn’t Make Black Nazis Anymore
Google's AI image generator returns with improvements: Google is relaunching its Gemini-powered AI image generator after addressing issues that led to the generation of historically inaccurate and controversial images. Background and previous controversy: The AI tool faced significant backlash in February when it produced images of racially diverse Nazi-era German soldiers, prompting Google to apologize and temporarily shut down the feature. The incident highlighted the challenges of addressing racial bias in AI systems while maintaining historical accuracy. Google initially struggled to implement effective safeguards, leading to the feature's complete deactivation. New model and safeguards: Google has introduced Imagen 3, an...
read Sep 7, 2024How Google’s Prompt Poet Can Supercharge Your LLM App Development
Revolutionizing AI interactions: Google's Prompt Poet, developed by recently acquired Character.ai, is simplifying advanced prompt engineering and making few-shot learning more accessible for large language model (LLM) applications. Key features of Prompt Poet: Offers a user-friendly, low-code template system for managing context effectively Seamlessly integrates external data to ground LLM responses in real-world contexts Utilizes YAML and Jinja2 templates for creating complex, dynamic prompts Simplifies the implementation of few-shot learning techniques Understanding few-shot learning: This technique allows for rapid customization of LLMs without the need for complex and expensive model fine-tuning. Involves providing the AI with a handful of examples...
read Sep 7, 2024New Referral Program Lets Gemini Advanced Users Give 4 Free Months to Friends
Google's Gemini Advanced promotion: Google is offering Gemini Advanced users the opportunity to share free trials with friends, aiming to expand the user base of its premium AI service. Gemini Advanced subscribers can now send free 4-month trial invitations to their friends, effectively providing an $80 value per invite. Each Gemini Advanced member is allocated three referral links to distribute. The promotion is set to run until November 1, 2024, giving users a limited window to take advantage of the offer. How the referral program works: The invite process is straightforward, allowing Gemini Advanced users to easily share the premium...
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