In a Nov. 7 blog post, Google announced that it introduced seven new AI updates last month across its various platforms to improve its services and make things easier for people. “For more than 20 years, we’ve worked on AI research… to make products that make everyday life better,” Google said.
According to the blog post, these improvements are part of a 20-year commitment to using AI to make life easier.
One major change was in Google Maps, which got its biggest AI update so far. Now, users can ask Maps more detailed questions, like “things to do with friends,” and get helpful, customized answers. The update also makes driving easier by showing live traffic info and helping with planning routes before heading out. Similar improvements were made to other Google tools, like Waze and Google Earth, making it simpler to explore new places.
Google also updated NotebookLM, an AI tool that helps people gather and understand information. The NotebookLM now lets users upload and organize info from PDFs, Google Docs, and videos. This makes it easier to look up and learn about new topics.
For shoppers, Google Shopping got an upgrade that uses AI to help people make smarter buying decisions. When searching for products, users now see quick summaries with important details, making it easier to compare items. Google Shopping’s homepage also shows a feed with product recommendations, videos, and deals, helping people find good prices on the items they need.
Google made Search more powerful too, allowing it to answer more kinds of questions. For example, if someone is at an aquarium, they can record a video of fish and ask “why are they swimming together?” Google’s AI can then give an answer, along with links to learn more.
Additionally, Google’s Chromebooks now all come with AI tools, including two new models from Samsung and Lenovo. These Chromebooks offer features like Live Translate, which helps with language translation, and Help Me Write, which makes typing easier.
Lastly, Google announced $15 million in grants to train U.S. government workers on how to use AI responsibly. This training will help people in government use AI in important areas like cybersecurity. Google also celebrated as three of its AI researchers won Nobel Prizes for their work, including breakthroughs that are helping scientists with medical research.
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