Gemini: Google’s Attempt to Deliver Real-World Helpful AI
At the “Made by Google” event, Google senior VP Rick Osterloh addressed the growing skepticism surrounding AI, acknowledging that there have been too many promises and not enough real-world helpfulness. He vowed that Google would answer the question on everyone’s mind: what can AI do for me?
Google’s answer came in the form of Gemini, a suite of AI features designed to enhance the Android experience. But did Google succeed in delivering on its promise of real-world helpfulness? Let’s take a closer look at what Gemini has to offer.
1. Checking Your Google Calendar
One feature showcased was Gemini’s ability to check your Google calendar to see if you’re available for a future event, based on a poster. However, the live demo didn’t go as smoothly as planned, with the product lead having to switch phones before Gemini could display the answer accurately. Despite the hiccup, Gemini eventually provided the correct information. While AI reading text in an image and understanding context is not new, the calendar add feature is a valuable addition, giving Google an advantage over its competitors.
2. Gemini Live: Natural Conversations
Google also introduced Gemini Live, a voice assistant that aims to provide a more conversational experience. During a demonstration, Google VP Jenny Blackburn engaged in a chat about science experiments with Gemini Live. The conversation flowed naturally and demonstrated interruptible conversations, a feature that OpenAI had showcased earlier in the year. Although OpenAI’s feature is currently limited to a small group of users, Google’s implementation through Gemini Live gives them an edge as the first to offer this capability more widely.
3. Gemini Nano: On-Device AI
Gemini Nano introduces on-device AI capabilities, starting with Call Notes. This feature provides a private summary of phone conversations without requiring cloud access. By utilizing AI service directly on the Pixel 9 phone, Google ensures user privacy while still delivering valuable functionality. While Samsung offers a similar on-device AI feature with Galaxy AI, Gemini Nano expands the on-device AI capabilities to include other functionalities like searchable screenshots.
4. AI-Enhanced Visual Features
Gemini also includes various AI-enhanced visual features, such as auto-framing in Magic Editor and adding generative AI images to your photos. While these features may not be groundbreaking, they add convenience and creativity to the user experience. Additionally, Gemini offers the “Add Me” feature, allowing users to insert themselves into family photos or pictures with celebrities. Although some features, like the “Made You Look” feature, may not rely on AI technology, they still contribute to the overall appeal of the Pixel phone.
In conclusion, Google’s Gemini aims to deliver real-world helpfulness through its AI features. While some functionalities may not be entirely new, Google’s implementation, particularly in areas like calendar integration and natural conversations, provides a competitive advantage. Gemini Nano’s on-device AI capabilities also prioritize user privacy, addressing concerns surrounding data security. However, whether Gemini will reverse the skepticism surrounding the AI bubble remains to be seen. Only time will tell if Google’s efforts will truly meet the expectations of consumers and investors.