Google Introduces Veo 2 and Enhanced Gemini Live to Accelerate AI Adoption
Google Introduces Enhanced Features for Gemini Users in India
Google is making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in India by unlocking new features for its Gemini platform. The company has also shared groundbreaking data regarding AI usage in the country, highlighting its efforts to integrate advanced capabilities that make technology more accessible and relevant for users.
New Features of Gemini
Google has introduced a two-pronged approach to enhancing the Gemini platform, which includes:
1. AI Video Generation
The latest addition to Gemini is the Veo 2 video generation model. This feature allows users to create detailed and natural-looking video clips based on prompts. The videos generated are short, with a maximum duration of eight seconds and a resolution of 720p, delivered in MP4 format. For the best results, Google emphasizes the importance of detailed prompts, as they can significantly affect the video’s quality. Currently, this feature is available exclusively to Gemini Advanced subscribers in India, costing ₹1,950 per month.
2. Gemini Live
Another exciting feature is Gemini Live, which is now available across Android devices, including Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. Gemini Live can understand the context of the user’s environment by accessing the phone’s camera or screen. This feature aims to assist users by troubleshooting nearby physical objects, organizing living spaces, or even providing advice on projects and calculations.
Expansion of AI Capabilities
Integration of Contextual Understanding
The contextual capabilities of Gemini stem from the Project Astra prototype, which aims to optimize how AI assists users. The new Gemini Live doesn’t require a subscription and works on various Android devices, although there’s currently no timeline for compatibility with Apple iPhones.
Support for Multiple Languages
Recognizing India’s linguistic diversity, Gemini currently supports several Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil. The goal is to eventually enable understanding of over 100 languages, making AI tools more relevant for users across the country.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
Despite its advancements, AI adoption among consumers in India is still slow. A recent survey conducted by Google and Kantar India revealed that 60% of respondents are unfamiliar with any AI tools, while only 31% have tried generative AI applications. This reflects a significant opportunity for Google to boost awareness and education about AI technologies.
Relevance of AI Tools
Manish Gupta from Google DeepMind mentions that creating relevance is key to promoting AI usage. Google’s models are designed to be multimodal and multilingual, reinforcing the idea that AI should cater to diverse types of users. Google aims to collaborate with Android device manufacturers to enhance the visibility and education of AI tools.
Positive Responses from Users
Interestingly, the same survey suggests that a large portion of respondents — 75% — are open to adopting AI as a tool to enhance productivity, creativity, and communication in their daily lives. Among users of the Gemini assistant, a staggering 93% expressed that it could help improve their productivity, while 85% believe it fosters creativity.
The Current AI Landscape in India
AI adoption shows a stark contrast between consumer and enterprise sectors in India. While consumer awareness remains low, a November report from the Boston Consulting Group indicated that around 30% of Indian enterprises are leveraging AI technologies, surpassing the global average of 26%. Particularly, sectors like fintech and banking are leading the charge.
According to a Visual Economy Report by Canva, 90% of surveyed businesses in India are initiating steps towards using AI for content creation and visual communication. This suggests that businesses are beginning to recognize the potential of AI tools, paving the way for future growth in this sector.
Conclusion
Through its latest updates and features, Google is strategically positioning itself to lead AI adoption in India. By enhancing the functionality of the Gemini platform, the company is not only making AI tools more accessible but also working to ensure they are relevant to a diverse audience. As awareness and understanding grow, there’s significant potential for AI to become an integral part of everyday life in India.
