The 7 biggest announcements from Google I/O 2023
Yesterday during the Google I/O keynote, the tech giant introduced significant updates to its Pixel range and demonstrated its most recent AI advancements. If you were unable to watch the event live, we've compiled all of the important news from the Google I/O keynote for you. Here's the 9 biggest announcements from the event!
New additions to the Pixel line up!
Credit: Google
Google focused on its Pixel hardware and debuted three new products: the Pixel Fold, the Pixel Tablet, and the affordable Pixel 7A. Google's debut in the foldable world is the £1,749 Pixel Fold, which boasts a 5.8-inch OLED outer screen that expands to a 7.6-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the new 11-inch Pixel Tablet, priced at £599, doubles as a smart display and a standard tablet, thanks to the magnetic charging dock that also works as a speaker. Last but not least, Google has refreshed its midrange A-series range with the Pixel 7A. Similar to the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, the device is equipped with Google's Tensor G2 chip and a 6.1-inch 1080p display that can run at up to 90Hz. The phone's starting price is £499.
AI powered snapshots
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Google is updating Google Search with a major feature called AI snapshots. After opting in to Search Generative Experience (SGE), AI-powered responses will appear at the top of some search results, providing more context to your query. Follow-up questions can then be used to refine the information in the snapshot. PaLM 2, Google's updated large language model (LLM), powers the AI snapshots on Google Search. The new model, which was revealed at I/O, is currently supporting 25 Google services, including the Bard chatbot, and includes improvements in reasoning, coding, and translation.
Bard is now available to everyone
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In addition, Google has made its AI-driven chatbot, Bard, available to everyone, irrespective of whether they were on the waitlist. Additionally, the company is introducing a range of new capabilities, including support for Japanese and Korean languages, and a simpler method of exporting generated text to Google Docs and Gmail. Along with the aforementioned enhancements, Google has introduced new elements such as dark mode and visual search, with further functionalities planned for the future. These forthcoming capabilities include AI image generation using Adobe's Firefly AI image generator, and partnerships with third-party services such as OpenTable and Instacart.
Android is getting AI-powered customisation options
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Google's AI-driven improvements aren't just limited to Google Search. The company has also disclosed its plans to bring new AI-powered capabilities to Android. One of these capabilities, known as Magic Compose, will be available within the Android Messages app, enabling users to respond to texts with suggested replies generated by AI. In addition to this, Google is introducing a feature that enables users to create their own wallpapers using AI. Instead of selecting from a set of pre-existing options, users can describe an image and the device will generate it using Google's text-to-image diffusion model. Furthermore, Google will also be launching a Pixel-exclusive feature next month that enables users to customise their devices with a new "cinematic wallpaper" that adds depth to one of their existing photos.
Wear OS 4 will arrive later this year
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With Wear OS 3 still being rolled out, Google is already gearing up for the next version. Wear OS 4 will come packed with better smart home integrations, allowing you to control your home's lighting and media straight from your watch. Additionally, you'll be able to preview camera notifications in real-time. Although the OS is currently only available in a developer preview and emulator, it's expected to be widely released later this year.
The launch of the revamped Google Home app
Credit: Google
As of today, the reworked Google Home app is out of beta and accessible to everyone. The latest version incorporates several substantial improvements, such as an enhanced camera interface, a brand-new favourites section, and support for a vast array of new device types.
AI-powered Magic Photo Editor
Credit: Google
Google Photos users are in for a treat with the upcoming release of an AI-powered editing tool that will allow them to make significant changes to their photos. The new feature will enable users to enhance the sky, remove unwanted people or objects, and adjust the position of subjects within the image. The feature will be available in early access to select Pixel users later this year.
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