Google's iOS app gets a new “Simplify” feature that makes it easier to understand complex or technical text on the web using AI.
Simplify features a rapid refinement approach developed by Google Research, which uses Gemini to make complex text easier to digest without losing important details. According to Google, the tests showed that simplified text allows users to better understand and retain the original information.
By providing built-in features such as Simplify, Google may want to stay within its ecosystem of tools and services to help with complex topics rather than relying on popular third-party tools such as Openai's ChatGPT.
You can use Simplify by selecting the text on a web page accessing the Google app and tapping the “Simplify” icon that appears. You will then see a simpler version of the text, allowing you to digest the information and continue reading.
Image credit: Google
Google's research blog shares examples of what this feature looks like. For example, “the complex pathology of this condition includes pulmonary air destruction of the lung parenchyma, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, altered lung immune cells' composition, increased production of immune modulators, and significant modification of the pulmonary vasculature.”
Subsequently, the simplified text includes damage to lung tissue due to emphysema, diseases in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged, and extensive scarring of lung tissue called fibrosis. The immune cells in the lungs change, and the body creates more immune regulators, substances that control the immune system. The blood vessels in the lungs also change dramatically. ”
Google says the idea behind this feature is to make it easier to grasp the complex topics they may come across when they try to learn something new on the web.
TechCrunch Events
Berkeley, California | June 5th
Book now
“Our goal is to ensure that models accurately rephrase complex ideas without introducing errors or omitting important details,” Google said in a blog post. “Rewritten text should help readers understand challenging material without sacrificing the integrity of the original information.”
Simplify is being deployed to iOS users this week.