Long before the inception of the generative AI trend, Google had already established itself as a frontiersperson in the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Then, later after the buzz spawned by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT, eminent for its quite humanlike responses, attention turned towards Google I/O 2023, the Google Developers Conference.
At Google I/O, the tech giant revealed its latest AI advancements and software, aspired at accelerating growth and narrowing the innovation gap with its rivals such as Microsoft and OpenAI, who presently lead the space with ChatGPT and Bing Chat. Among the highlights was the revamped Bard, PaLM 2, and AI-integrated Google Search as well as Workspace AI integration.
Bard is Now Available with Improved Capabilities
In an endeavor to boost Bard’s capabilities, Google enforced a significant upgrade to the chatbot, transitioning it to a much more potent model called PaLM 2. The new model now enables Bard to aid in coding tasks, including debugging, collaborating, and analyzing. Furthermore, it can currently endure more than 20 coding languages, and it automatically provides code citations, simplifying the process of referencing previous work for users.
To enrich the user experience, Google has rolled out several updates to Bard, such as a new dark theme, chat export to Gmail and Docs, and the ability to incorporate pictures, tables, or maps in reply to queries. Moreover, Bard has extended its language capabilities, is presently capable to function in Japanese and Korean, and will shortly be supporting 40 more languages.
With the integration of Google Lens, users can now upload images to Bard and request related prompts. Furthermore, extensions to external partners like Kayak, OpenTable, Wolfram, Instacart, as well as Khan Academy, are in the works for the platform. Lastly, Bard is presently available in over 180 countries worldwide after the waitlist was removed.
New Search Experience
Google is also introducing new AI features into its search engine to keep up with competitors such as Bing Chat. At the Google I/O event, Google disclosed the Search Generative Experience (SGE), which utilizes AI-powered snapshots to deliver concise and conversational answers to search queries. The snapshots furthermore include additional sources of information and comparisons for shopping determinations.
If you want to utilize these features, they will be open through the Search Labs program for early experiments in the forthcoming weeks. Besides that, with this action, Google strives to leverage its rank as the giant search engine in the market to augment its reach in the AI space.
Google’s Integration of Generative AI into Productivity Tools
Google announced in March that it would be comprising generative AI into its Google Workspace productivity tools. These tools include Gmail, Google Docs as well as Google Slides. The announcement furthermore revealed new AI features in Gmail along with Google Sheets, and Google Slides. With that, Google is furthermore introducing new AI features to Google Maps and Google Photos.
There is a feature, Immersive View for Routes in Google Maps, with that, users can relish a bird’s-eye view of their entire path in 15 cities by year-end. Meanwhile, Google Photos will be getting the “Magic Editor” feature, which facilitates users to edit myriad aspects of their photos, such as lighting and removing unwanted objects, with the assistance of generative AI.
Google unveils new Android personalization options
Google has introduced new personalization options for Android utilizing generative AI. The latest feature “Magic Compose” in Google Messages enables users to pick different tones, including “funny,” “professional,” and “Shakespeare.” Android 14 provides furthermore customization opportunities, including personalized lock screen clocks and shortcuts. Users can furthermore create custom wallpapers utilizing emojis, patterns, and colors. Besides that, the new cinematic wallpaper feature transforms any photo into a 3D cinematic image.
During the event, Google furthermore introduced Duet AI, an AI-powered development interface that delivers code as well as chat assistance for Google Cloud platform devs.
Lastly, at Google I/O, Gemini, a significant language model developed by Google DeepMind, was introduced. Although it is nevertheless in its early stages, it is intended to function similarly to PaLM 2. When completed, Gemini is expected to rival Open AI’s most advanced model, GPT-4.
