Once upon a time, there was a search engine named Google, which revolutionized the way we access information online. It became so ubiquitous that it became a verb in our everyday language: "Just Google it." However, in recent years, Google lost some of its shine and struggled to innovate in the face of emerging rivals like Amazon, Facebook, and Apple. But at the annual Google I/O event in 2018, the search giant showed that it still has some mojo left by unveiling a range of new products and services powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
One of the key themes of Google I/O 2018 was the company's investment in AI and how it can enhance various aspects of our lives. For example, Google Lens is an AI-powered camera app that can recognize and extract information from images and videos, such as scanning a business card and adding the contact to your phone or identifying a landmark and providing historical and cultural context.
Google also showcased Google Duplex, a natural language processing system that can make phone calls on your behalf and sound almost human-like, complete with "uh-huh" and "hmm" responses. It can be used to book appointments, make reservations, or inquire about store hours without you having to lift a finger (or a phone).
Moreover, Google Assistant, the voice-controlled virtual assistant, is getting more intelligent and conversational thanks to AI. It now has six new voices, including that of John Legend, and can handle more complex and compound requests. For instance, you can now say "Hey Google, what's the weather like in New York and what about the traffic?" and get a comprehensive answer.
These examples show how AI can make our lives easier, more efficient, and more informed. However, they also raise ethical and social questions about privacy, transparency, and the role of machines and humans in our interactions.
In addition to software and AI, Google also announced several new hardware products and updates at I/O 2018. The most notable one is the Google Home Max, a high-end smart speaker that aims to compete with the likes of Sonos and Apple's HomePod. It features dual 4.5-inch woofers, two tweeters, and machine learning algorithms that adjust the sound based on the acoustics of the room.
Google also unveiled the Google Assistant Connect platform, which lets third-party device makers integrate Google Assistant into their products with minimal effort and cost. This could expand the reach and influence of Google Assistant beyond its own branded devices and bring it to more niches and contexts.
Moreover, Google is improving its visual and augmented reality (AR) offerings with updates to Google Maps, Google News, and Google Expeditions. For instance, Google Maps will use AR to overlay directions and relevant information on the real world as seen through your phone's camera, while Google News will use AI to curate personalized news feeds and fight fake news.
These hardware developments show that Google is not content with being just a software and services provider, but wants to be a player in the physical world and compete with the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Samsung. However, they also highlight the challenges of balancing innovation, affordability, and sustainability in the fast-paced and crowded tech market.
Another trend that emerged from Google I/O 2018 is the company's effort to integrate and streamline its products and services under fewer and clearer brands. For example, Google One is a new storage plan that replaces Google Drive and offers more options and benefits, such as family sharing and expert support. Gmail, the popular email service, is getting a redesign that emphasizes security, productivity, and artificial intelligence, such as suggesting email replies and unsubscribing from newsletters.
Google is also revisiting its design language and philosophy, known as Material Design, to make it more flexible, intuitive, and consistent across platforms and devices. This includes a renewed focus on animation, typography, and color, as well as a new tool called Material Theming that lets developers customize the design of their apps more easily and effectively.
These integration efforts reflect Google's ambition to provide a seamless and coherent user experience that empowers and delights its users. However, they also pose the risk of confusing or alienating some users who are used to the old ways or who prefer other brands and ecosystems.
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Article Category: Technology
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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