The race for the top spots in AI is in full swing, and the field of competitors is becoming increasingly diversified. It is therefore time to take a closer look at one of the main players in this field: Google.

In previous issues, we have already taken a closer look at further key players such as OpenAI, Meta, Amazon, Nvidia, Adobe, etc.- also Google - Have a look at our previous issues in the list at the end of the newsletter

Since the resurgence of interest in AI (formally ML, etc.), Google has been at the forefront of AI development. Based on a multifaceted approach, Google has been focusing on integrating AI into its core products, exploring new frontiers in machine learning, and setting industry standards - comparable to Microsoft’s approach.

Google's AI journey started with the integration of machine learning algorithms into its search engine, aiming to improve the relevance and precision of search results. This initial step laid the foundation for a comprehensive AI strategy, spanning a range of technological advancements including natural language processing, computer vision, deep learning, and neural networks. Google's AI research has thereby led to groundbreaking developments, such as TensorFlow, an open-source machine learning library, and DeepMind, a leader in AI for games and simulations.

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Google's AI products and services span a wide range, each of which is tailored to integrate AI as an everyday technology. Recent key developments around these products and services are:

Generative AI in Chrome

Google Search and Assistant: At the heart of Google's AI products is its search engine, which is continually being improved to provide more relevant and contextual results. to enhance the user experience google is now also integrating AI into Google Chrome. The following features are being launched:

1. Tab Organizer: This feature leverages AI to automatically suggest and create tab groups based on the user's open tabs. It addresses the common challenge of managing multiple tabs, which can often lead to clutter and decreased productivity. The Tab Organizer intelligently groups related tabs, simplifying navigation and task management within the browser.
2. The AI-driven tab organization is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Users can activate this feature by right-clicking on a tab and selecting “Organize Similar Tabs” or using the drop-down arrow next to the tabs. Chrome also suggests names and emojis for these groups, adding a layer of personalization and ease of identification.
3. Availability and Accessibility: Initially, these generative AI features are being rolled out in the U.S. for Chrome on Macs and Windows PCs. Users can access these features by signing into Chrome, selecting “Settings” from the menu, and navigating to the “Experimental AI” page. However, it's important to note that these features are in the experimental phase and are currently not available for enterprise and educational accounts.

Partnership with Samsung

1. Integration of Gemini AI Models: The partnership introduces Gemini Pro, Google's advanced AI model, into Samsung's Galaxy S24 series. This integration enhances the functionality of Samsung's native apps like Notes, Voice Recorder, and Keyboard, offering improved features such as enhanced summarization capabilities.
2. Imagen 2 - Text-to-Image Generator: A notable feature of this collaboration is the inclusion of Imagen 2, Google's innovative text-to-image generator. Users can access Imagen 2 through the "Generative Edit" function in the Galaxy S24's Gallery app, allowing for creative and practical photo editing capabilities.
3. Gemini Nano for On-Device Processing: Addressing privacy concerns, the partnership also introduces Gemini Nano, an efficient AI model for tasks processed directly on the device. This model is particularly used in Google Messages to ensure that sensitive data does not leave the user's smartphone.
4. Future Developments: Samsung will be one of the first to test Gemini Ultra, Google's largest model designed for highly complex tasks. This model is expected to be available more broadly to developers and businesses later in the year, indicating ongoing development and enhancement of AI capabilities.

Google Lumiere

Google Lumiere represents a significant advancement in the realm of AI video generation. Developed by Google Research, Lumiere is an AI-powered video generator that allows users to create videos from simple prompts, marking a leap from generative AI in image creation to the more complex domain of video creation (also image to video).

To use Lumiere: Users (will) be able to input their desired content, and the AI generates a corresponding video that can be edited then - animating static images or animating specific areas within a video. Unfortunately, Lumiere is currently being tested under laboratory conditions (release planned in the near future) but the first examples of how it will look like are quite promissing.
Have a look:

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Some further interesting developments:

1. Cloud AI and TensorFlow: Google Cloud AI offers advanced machine learning services to businesses, while TensorFlow allows developers to create their own AI-powered applications.
2. Consumer Hardware: Devices like Pixel phones and Google Home speakers are embedded with AI to enhance user experience through features like camera enhancements and voice recognition.
3. AI for Social Good: Google's AI for Social Good program applies AI to address societal challenges, such as environmental conservation and healthcare.
4. Google Chrome in Cars: Google's integration of Chrome into cars with built-in Android, starting with Volvo and Polestar models, marks a significant step in bringing AI to automotive experiences. This includes features for trip planning, weather tracking, and in-car entertainment.

While Google is doing quite well in the race on the AI market, they are still facing several key competitors running at a more or less equal pace, each of which has its approach to AI implementation and offerings. Some of the main competitors are:

• Microsoft: Besides partnering with OPenAI, Microsoft has recently integrated AI into its Azure cloud platform and products like Office 365 and Bing, focusing on enterprise solutions and AI ethics.
• Amazon: Known for Alexa and AWS's machine learning services, blending AI into its e-commerce platform and cloud services.
• Apple: Focusing on integrating AI into its hardware, with Siri and AI-powered features in iPhones and iPads.
• Facebook (Meta): Invests in AI for enhancing social media experiences, advertising, and developing virtual reality technologies. And of course, having launched llama and llama 2 (open-source large-language model) (together with Microsoft).

All of these competitors, as well as the underdog runners still have a chance to make the first places in the race, contributing to a dynamic AI landscape, thereby pushing the boundaries of AI applications in various sectors.

We believe that at this point in the race to dominate the AI market, we will see an increasing number of collaborations, also between competitors. AI will increasingly be integrated into a variety of products in our daily lives. Before that, however, there are still some hurdles to overcome in terms of data protection and regulation - a topic we covered in our latest issue of Innovative AI - find it here.

We at the Center for Deep Tech Innovation expect regulation to be finalized by the second/third quarter of this year so that many products will come to market in 2024 and 2025.

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