Google is ramping up its artificial intelligence efforts in India as it integrates AI across its products for Indians. The move will increase competition among U.S. tech companies in a market where rivals are lagging behind.
The company announced at the 10th Google India event on Thursday that it is introducing an AI model called Gemini to power search, visual recognition, and language processing. This is an important feature for the world's most populous country, which supports voice commands and multiple languages. It's important.
More than 40% of Gemini's Indic users rely on voice interaction, and Google seems keen to capitalize on this trend. The company launched Gemini Live, an AI assistant that features natural-looking, free-flowing voice conversations in Hindi, as well as eight other Indian languages (Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu). , Tamil, and Urdu). .
The search giant has announced that it will expand its generative AI tool for search, AI Overviews, to support more Indian languages (Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil) in the coming weeks. (It is worth noting that previous reviews of AI Overview in Hindi were not very good.)
Google is also ramping up its efforts in visual search. Google Lens is more popular in India than anywhere else, so the company is experimenting with video-based searches that allow users to ask complex questions about moving objects.
Although India appears to be lagging behind in the generative AI race, it still remains the world's largest open market for tech giants. Google, which entered India 20 years ago, has amassed between 700 million and 800 million users in the country, a huge base that could accelerate its AI efforts.
The company's AI push in India comes as US tech giants are pouring billions of dollars into acquiring users for their AI products. OpenAI's ChatGPT is available and popular in India, but lacks significant localization for the world's second-largest internet market.
Google Maps is also adding new AI features specifically for India, including AI-generated place summaries and the ability to search for specific experiences, not just locations. The company said it is analyzing billions of reviews and images to turn Maps into a discovery platform that could change the way people explore local businesses and attractions.
The company also aims to introduce new AI-powered tools for Indian retailers to make it easier to build a digital presence. The company said Merchant Center offers features such as static product photos to AI-generated video animations to help businesses create more attractive online profiles.
Google also plans to launch an automated system that will convert photos of restaurant menus into formatted online listings. “By linking your social accounts through your Google Business Profile, you can also showcase deals from your social media posts alongside deals from popular aggregators like Zomato, Swiggy, EazyDiner, MagicPin, etc.,” the company said. states.
Additionally, merchants will be able to add chat options using SMS and WhatsApp directly to their search list.
Google on Thursday also proposed a set of frameworks (PDF) outlining proposals it says will help India make the most of AI opportunities. The technology giant estimates that AI could help India unlock around $4 trillion in economic value by 2030. The proposal calls for modernizing skills programs, as well as investing in computing power and open datasets. We also advocate for comprehensive AI access and increased adoption by governments and small businesses.
“We are at a pivotal moment in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in India. India’s outstanding technology talent, growing economy and vibrant startup ecosystem are poised to position the country as a global leader in AI. “This means that he is well positioned to fulfill his leadership potential,” the company said in a summary document.