Google Assistant Allegedly Shifting Focus Towards Generative AI
When Google had its unpleasant realization that it had been complacently spinning its wheels on a form of fake AI for a decade, chances are it started realigning itself that day
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Google has reportedly come to a realization that its previous AI approach was not as advanced as desired. In response, the company is apparently making significant changes to Google Assistant by incorporating generative AI technology. An internal email obtained by Axios reveals that the Assistant team envisions a potent Assistant powered by the latest Large Language Model (LLM) technology. To achieve this, the team is undergoing organizational adjustments.
This move might be driven by the desire to catch up with other companies that have publicly demonstrated the capabilities of generative AI. While traditional chatbots and assistants, like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, have been effective for basic interactions, LLMs offer the potential to elevate the conversational aspect of these services.
However, it remains uncertain if users truly desire an AI assistant that provides responses informed by vast sources of information. For instance, asking for a simple driving time to the beach may not necessitate a response informed by the entirety of the Western canon.
LLMs are undoubtedly fascinating for their conversational abilities, but it remains to be seen whether users find it practical to engage in extended conversations with navigation systems or while seeking basic information.
Perhaps the ideal solution lies in a versatile interface that can handle both basic queries and in-depth conversations, with users calling upon specific capabilities when needed. Nonetheless, Google seems committed to aligning its strategy to explore the potential of generative AI technology and be prepared for future developments in this area.
