Google Assistant Undergoes AI Transformation
In a recent development, Google Assistant is set to receive an AI makeover, following Amazon’s move to increase AI’s influence on Alexa. This information was revealed in an internal email titled “Assistant vision and team changes,” sent by Google Assistant’s Vice President Peeyush Ranjan and Director of Product Duke Dukellis. The email highlights the “profound potential of generative AI to transform people’s lives” and mentions that some team members have already started incorporating large language model (LLM) technology into the mobile version of Assistant.
The email also discusses leadership changes and the consolidation of teams within the organization. A “small number” of layoffs are expected as part of the restructuring. However, Axios reports that this means “dozens of jobs… out of the thousands of employees who work on the Assistant.”
Google Assistant was launched in May 2016, two years after Amazon’s Alexa, and five years after Apple’s Siri. Earlier this year, Google made its AI chatbot, Bard, available to the public. Although there is no official word on when Bard will integrate with Assistant, it is speculated that they won’t remain separate for long.
The move by Google to enhance its Assistant with AI technology underscores the growing influence of AI in our daily lives. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see more sophisticated and intuitive virtual assistants that can understand and respond to our needs more effectively.
The leadership changes and team consolidation within Google Assistant’s organization reflects the dynamic nature of tech companies. As they strive to stay ahead of the curve, these companies often need to make tough decisions, including layoffs, to streamline their operations and focus on their strategic goals.
The integration of Bard, Google’s AI chatbot, with Google Assistant, could potentially enhance the capabilities of the Assistant. This could lead to more natural and interactive conversations with the Assistant, making it an even more useful tool for users. However, the timeline and specifics of this integration remain to be seen.
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