Highlights

• Gemini AI introduced with AI Overview and Ask Photos features.
• New AI models Imagine 3 and Veo for creating images and videos.
• AI integration into Google Workspace with the new Gemini app.
• Android 15 and Wear OS 5 updates announced with advanced AI capabilities.

Google I/O 2024 has just concluded and Google has shown off some of its latest products and updates.

No hardware announcements as such, but oh boy there was a lot to digest on the software front.

This year, there were many exciting unveilings related to artificial intelligence (AI) as well as updates to Android and Wear OS (software for wearable devices).

Gen AI, as expected too center stage at the proceedings with several enhancements being revealed for Gemini.

Here is what all was announced.

Google’s Gemini Takes the Lead

The star of the show was Gemini AI, which used to be called Bard in an more ancient time.

Over 1.5 million developers now use Gemini and it can be accessed by more than 2 billion Android users.

One cool new feature is AI Overview which combines Gemini with Google Search to make searching better.

Another feature called Ask Photos, coming this summer, lets you search your photo library using normal language like finding a specific license plate.

Gemini also improves a learning tool called Notebook LM.

Developers can now use Gemini 1.5 Pro in over 35 languages.

Gemini Agents and Project Astra Push AI Further

Google is exploring what more AI can do through Gemini Agents and Project Astra.

Gemini Agents can do tasks like process returns or plan trips by understanding what you tell it to do.

Project Astra connects Gemini to cameras so it can see and understand the environment.

They showed Astra identifying parts of a speaker and reading and explaining code.

This hints at future uses like smart glasses with AI abilities.

New AI for Creating Images and Videos  

Google introduced Imagine 3, a new AI model for creating images from text descriptions, which they say is their best yet.

They also have Veo, an AI that can make high-definition videos and edit existing ones.

Donald Glover is already using Veo for an upcoming movie.

Tools like ImageFX and VideoFX show how Google can use AI to create and edit digital content.

Gemini Comes to Google Workspace

Gemini is being integrated into Google Workspace to boost productivity.

Next month, a Gemini side panel will provide AI assistance.

In Gmail, Gemini will summarize emails, write responses, and do actions you request to make email easier.

They also introduced an AI teammate named Chip that can monitor resources and track project progress in Workspace, showing AI’s potential for collaboration.

The New Gemini App and Gemini Gems

The new Gemini app is an upgraded Google Assistant that communicates through text, voice, and video.

It has a conversational interface called Gemini Live.

Users can make custom versions of Gemini called Gemini Gems for specific tasks to automate repetitive actions.

This app aims to make interacting with AI smoother in daily life.

AI Comes to Android

Android will be the first mobile OS with an advanced AI model built-in, leading the way for AI mobile experiences.

New features include better accessibility with detailed image descriptions for visually impaired users powered by Gemini.

Gemini will also identify potential scam calls and warn you, while processing happens on-device for privacy.

These AI upgrades should make Android smarter and more user-friendly.

Updates to Android 15 and Wear OS 5

Google also highlighted the latest versions of Android (15) and Wear OS (5) for phones and wearables.

Android 15 will have advanced AI capabilities and improvements.

Wear OS 5 aims to enhance the functions and experience of Google’s wearable devices.

These updates show Google’s focus on bringing cutting-edge tech to its software.

New Hardware Coming Soon

Though details were limited, Google teased the upcoming Pixel 9 phone rangeand Pixel Watch 3.

These devices are expected to showcase Google’s latest innovations and integrations with AI and other advanced tech.

There was no mention of the Pixel Fold 2 though although if the past is any indication, you will have a full spec sheet along with images of the retail box a good one month ahead of the launch.

We’ll have to wait and see.

Overall, Google I/O 2024 highlighted Google’s efforts to advance AI technology and integrate it throughout its products and services.

With these announcements, Google aims to redefine how we experience technology with AI playing a major role in our daily lives.

FAQs

What is Gemini AI, and what new features does it bring?

Gemini AI, formerly known as Bard, is a central feature announced at Google I/O 2024.

It introduces AI Overview for improved search and Ask Photos for natural language photo searches. It also enhances the Notebook LM learning tool and supports over 35 languages.

How does Project Astra enhance AI capabilities?

Project Astra connects Gemini AI to cameras, enabling it to see and understand the environment.

This technology allows Gemini to identify and explain objects, hinting at future applications like smart glasses with AI capabilities.

What new AI models were introduced for creating digital content?

Google introduced Imagine 3 for creating images from text descriptions and Veo for making high-definition videos and editing existing ones.

These models showcase Google’s advancements in AI-driven content creation.

How is Gemini AI integrated into Google Workspace?

Gemini AI is being integrated into Google Workspace to enhance productivity.

Features include email summarization, automated responses, and task management through a new AI teammate named Chip.

What are the key updates in Android 15 and Wear OS 5?

Android 15 includes advanced AI capabilities, better accessibility features, and on-device processing for privacy. Wear OS 5 aims to improve the functionality and user experience of Google’s wearable devices.

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