Are you ready to explore the most exciting and recent updates in the world of AI, Security, and apps? In this news roundup, we’ll bring you the latest Google Cloud Next 2023 highlights, Meta and Google security enhancement plans, and some new updates in the world of apps. Stay tuned and keep reading.
AI
This year, from August 29th to 31st, thousands of eager attendees gather in San Francisco for an exciting glimpse into the latest innovations and advancements at Google Cloud Next 2023. Let’s dive in and explore some of the groundbreaking innovations that Google has already unveiled.
Google’s AI-driven search extends its reach beyond the U.S. to India and Japan
Google’s AI search, SGE, is expanding beyond the U.S. to India and Japan. SGE offers conversational search and now supports videos, images, and more. It integrates ads and introduces a feature to access web pages related to AI responses.
In Japan, it supports the local language; in India, it’s available in English and Hindi with voice input. Users can click an arrow icon to see supporting web pages, allowing them to directly access the AI’s information source for more details on their questions. It is initially coming out in the U.S., then in India and Japan next weeks. Younger users prefer SGE’s conversational style. Access SGE in the Google app on Android, iOS, or Chrome.
Google’s Duet AI offers automated presentations, improved meetings, and intelligent note-taking
Google is adding a smart helper called Duet AI to Gmail that has many interesting new features. For instance, it can assist you in writing emails by understanding what you want to say. You’ll see a “Help me write” button that offers suggestions, like making your email sound formal or shorter. There’s also a fun option called “I’m feeling Lucky” for different styles. This feature will be in Google Docs too, so you can change your writing style and more. You can even tell it how you want things done. It’s like having a writing assistant!
Duet AI will also automate tasks like creating presentations using text, charts, and images from your Google Drive and Gmail. It will also enhance Google Meet by improving video and sound quality, offering dynamic video tiles and real-time translated captions. Moreover, Duet AI will take meeting notes, send recaps, and even attend meetings on your behalf. It will also assist in creating speaker notes for Google Slides presentations and provide real-time teleprompting in Google Meet.
Google introduces BigQuery Studio: a fresh approach to data handling
Google has introduced BigQuery Studio, a service within its BigQuery data warehouse, to help users work with massive data volumes more efficiently. BigQuery Studio simplifies data analysis and machine learning tasks by providing a unified environment for programming languages like SQL, Python, and Spark. It supports data discovery, exploration, analysis, and prediction. Users can also integrate it with Google’s Vertex AI for advanced machine learning. This initiative aligns with Google’s strategy to assist businesses in transitioning to cloud-based AI solutions, given the growing importance of AI in IT infrastructure.
Google Cloud unveils the 5th iteration of its tailored TPUs
Google Cloud has unveiled its fifth-generation tensor processing units (TPUs) for AI training and inferencing at its annual conference, Cloud Next. This iteration emphasizes efficiency, boasting a 2x improvement in training performance per dollar and a 2.5x improvement in inferencing performance per dollar compared to the previous generation. Google also enables users to scale their TPU clusters more extensively, spanning multiple clusters cost-effectively. The company aims to provide customers with the flexibility to handle various AI workloads effectively. Additionally, Google will soon offer Nvidia’s H100 GPUs to developers as part of its A3 series of virtual machines.
Apps
Samsung introduces Samsung Food: Your ultimate meal planning and recipe guide
Samsung has launched Samsung Food, a meal planning and recipe discovery platform available in over 104 countries. It’s based on the acquired company Whisk and offers 160,000+ recipes in eight languages. Users can find recipes, create shopping lists, and plan meals. The platform integrates with e-commerce for easy ingredient shopping.
Samsung Food is accessible on Samsung’s Bespoke refrigerators and plans to integrate with other kitchen devices. It features “Food AI” for recipe personalization and aims to integrate with Samsung Health for nutrition tracking. In 2024, “Vision AI” will enable food recognition via smartphone cameras.
WhatsApp introduces the official macOS app
WhatsApp has launched a native Mac app for users to make video calls with up to 8 people and audio calls with up to 32. The app, available for download from WhatsApp’s website and soon on the Apple App Store, offers a Mac-friendly design, simplified file sharing, and an extended chat history view. WhatsApp has been testing this native Mac client, first in public beta for Apple Silicon and macOS 11 Big Sur users. This move follows WhatsApp’s release of a Windows client with similar group-calling features and its ongoing efforts to enable multi-device linking.
WordPress offers 100-year domain
WordPress now offers 100-year domain registrations, suitable for preserving family history and documenting a company’s journey. However, this extended lease comes at a hefty one-time cost of $38,000. The package includes a century-long domain registration, automatic backups, advanced ownership and hosting tools, and round-the-clock support. WordPress hasn’t clarified how it will adapt to evolving internet trends or handle domains if the program ends. While some companies have endured for over a century, the digital landscape remains uncertain.
Security
Meta aims to introduce built-in end-to-end encryption for Messenger
Meta plans to introduce default end-to-end encryption for Messenger by the end of the year, expanding its testing to more users. Previously, such encryption was optional. The move comes amidst growing pressure to safeguard user chat messages from external access. The decision follows a case where Meta provided user data to law enforcement.
Meta’s deputy privacy officer mentioned that implementing encryption took longer due to engineering challenges. The company had to rework its server architecture and adapt over 100 features. The rollout will extend to Instagram DMs after Messenger. This move aligns with efforts to protect user privacy and resist potential regulatory measures affecting encryption in messaging apps globally.
Google elevates security with generative AI
Google Cloud is introducing generative AI enhancements to its security products. These upgrades aim to simplify security data analysis through natural language queries. Duet AI, part of Mandiant Threat Intelligence, offers concise threat summaries. It also helps analyze threats in Chronicle Security Operations and Security Command Center. These features can aid less-experienced analysts in understanding and responding to threats, although the quality of answers matters. Google is aware of challenges tied to large language models “hallucinating” data and is working to mitigate this issue. The products are available in preview, with full releases later this year.
