Google I/O 2024 is done and dusted, and it was packed with several – mostly AI – announcements.This year’s eventshowcased Google’s progress in all things artificial intelligence, from new features for its apps toAndroid updates. If you missed the live event, here’s a roundup of everything major announced.
1Google Lens
Google Lens now lets you search by recording a video
Google Lens now lets you search the web using video. You can record a video of something you’re curious about, ask questions while recording, and Google’s AI will provide relevant answers. Using video makes it easier to ask about complex issues that are hard to describe in words.
How to use Google Lens in Chrome to search any image
Google Lens can give you useful information about images – and it’s accessible through the Chrome browser or via Google Search.
2Google Photos
Gemini will answer questions about your photo library
Google’s new “Ask Photos” feature uses the Gemini AI model to enhance photo searches by allowing you to ask questions about your Google Photos library. This feature can retrieve specific information, like a license plate number, and find moments such as “when did Lucas learn to swim?”
How to create stunning photo books with Google Photos
Google Photos is a powerful tool for managing your pictures, but it does much more than just organizing photos. It lets you order print photos, too.
3Gemini 1.5 Flash
Gemini gets faster and more capable
Sundar Pichai announced updates to the Gemini 1.5 AI model, introducing Gemini 1.5 Flash, optimized for high-frequency, low-latency tasks with faster response times and expanded context capabilities from 1 million to 2 million tokens.
6 Google Gemini prompts to try for the best results
Google Gemini is a powerful AI chatbot, but it’s not nearly as useful if you don’t know the right prompts to use. Here’s six to get you started.
4Google Workspace
Gemini 1.5 Pro goes to work in workspace
I tested Gemini Advanced against ChatGPT Plus to see which AI is better
I conducted a Gemini Advanced vs. ChatGPT Plus face-off, because I wanted to know which AI chatbot subscription service is actually best.
5Project Astra
Multimodal AI Assistant
From what Google showed at I/O, Project Astra aims to be a versatile AI assistant capable of understanding visual inputs from your device’s camera and performing tasks for you. Google’s vision is for Astra to become an all-encompassing virtual assistant. It is designed to be a real-time, multimodal AI that can see, recognize objects, answer questions, and help with various tasks in a conversational manner. Astra marks a big step toward practical, real-time AI assistants, with a focus on improving speed, usability, and integration into daily devices.
How to use Google’s Gemini AI from the web or your phone
Like ChatGPT, Gemini can be used for a range of purposes, including writing drafts, brainstorming ideas, and generating art.
6Google Veo
High-quality AI videos
Veo is Google’s new AI model for generating 1080p videos based on text, image, and video prompts. It offers various styles and is available to YouTube creators and Hollywood for film production. Veo understands cinematic terms and can create realistic, coherent videos with a variety of styles. Initially, it’s being tested by select filmmakers to refine its capabilities, with plans to integrate it into platforms like YouTube Shorts. This comes as Google competes with OpenAI’s Sora, which is also targeting the film industry and is set for public release soon.
Unlike many of the AI tools Google showed at I/O, Veo is not yet available. You need to join a waitlist to try it.
6 AI video generators to try while you wait for OpenAI’s Sora
Sora will revolutionize video production, removing the need for a studio. It’s not yet available, but alternative AI video generators exist.
Custom AI chatbots with Gems
I tested Gemini Advanced against Copilot Pro – here’s how each AI did
Which $20-a-month AI subscription offers more capabilities, Gemini Advanced or Copilot Pro? The answer may surprise you.
8Gemini Live
Improved voice chat interaction
What is Gemini? Google’s AI model and GPT-4 alternative explained
Gemini is here and outperforming GPT-4, by integrating text, images, video, and sound. Here’s everything you need to about Google’s AI model.
9Circle to Search
Solve math problems
Google’s Circle to Search on Android now helps students solve math word problems using the new LearnLM AI model. By circling a problem on their screen, students receive step-by-step instructions to approach the solution without getting the final answer directly. This feature supports educational efforts by guiding students rather than doing their homework for them. Circle to Search will soon handle complex math problems involving formulas and graphs. Initially launched on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and later on Pixel 8, it’s one of Android’s standout features.
8 ways ChatGPT Plus is better than Gemini Advanced and Copilot Pro
ChatGPT Plus faces stiff competition from Gemini Advanced and Copilot Pro. But I’ve tried all three AI subscription services. Here’s how it’s better.
10Google Search
AI Overviews
Google’s “AI Overviews” feature, powered by Gemini, will usher in a redesigned search result page with summarized answers. This feature uses generative AI to provide detailed answers to complex queries. It is meant to replace the Google Search Generative Experience. Google is rolling out AI Overviews in the US, expanding to more countries soon, with plans to reach over a billion users by the end of the year.
How to get Google Search on Android to open in Chrome by default
The Google Search widget on Android opens search results in the Google app by default - here’s how to make it open in Chrome instead.
