Last year, Google celebrated its 25th birthday. CEO Sundar Pichai shared an optimistic letter with employees, highlighting the company’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI). He mentioned AI more than 20 times, signaling Google’s strategic focus. But the big question remains: Can Google win the AI war?

OpenAI’s Bold Move

Recently, OpenAI launched its new AI model, GPT-4, which created a huge buzz. GPT-4 can solve math problems, interact with pets, and even flirt. This set a high bar for competitors. Google responded swiftly, showcasing its advancements at the annual developer conference.

Google’s Developer Conference: An AI Extravaganza

The usually mundane developer conference turned vibrant with rainbow-colored robes and over 121 mentions of AI. It was a significant event, packed with groundbreaking announcements.

The Future of Google Search: AI Overhaul

Google announced a major update to its iconic search engine. Traditionally, users sift through numerous results to find the information they need. Now, with the AI-powered Google Search, the process is simplified. When you search for something, the AI model will summarize the relevant information and present it at the top of the search results.

Additionally, you can interact with the search engine in new ways: record a video, take a picture, or speak your query. The AI will understand and provide the information you’re looking for. However, not every search requires AI. For straightforward queries like “firstpost.com,” the traditional method still applies.

Google’s AI Tools: Expanding the Horizon

Google introduced several new AI tools at the conference:

1. Google Video Generation Tool

This tool, called Vo, can create videos based on prompts, similar to OpenAI’s offerings.

2. Gemini 1.5 Flash AI Model

The Gemini 1.5 Flash is as powerful as previous models but operates faster, enhancing user experience.

3. Smarter Android Devices

Google’s latest AI integration for Android devices includes scam call detection, PDF information extraction, and more.

4. Project Astra: The Multimodal AI Assistant

Project Astra is Google’s new multimodal AI assistant. It’s unique because it can scan the room and answer questions about your surroundings. For example, it can tell you where you left your glasses or explain a piece of code. This feature could be incredibly useful for everyday tasks.

The Rapid Pace of AI Advancements

Technology is evolving rapidly, and AI is transforming our lives. Just two years ago, these advancements seemed like science fiction. Today, they are reality. With major AI launches from both OpenAI and Google, the landscape of technology is changing swiftly.

The Hidden Cost of Free AI

While these AI tools are offered for free, they come with hidden costs. When big tech provides free services, they often extract value in other ways. The speed of these developments in an unregulated space means it will take time to fully understand the implications.

Google’s push into AI represents a significant shift. The company aims to remain at the forefront of technological innovation, ensuring it doesn’t just participate in the AI race but aims to lead it. The next 25 years for Google could redefine the way we interact with technology, making AI an integral part of our daily lives.