Year: 2024

  • Google DeepMind Scientists in Talks to Launch AI Startup in Paris

    Google DeepMind Scientists in Talks to Launch AI Startup in Paris

    Two eminent scientists from Google DeepMind, Alphabet’s artificial intelligence division, are discussing with investors the creation of an AI startup in Paris.

    Laurent Sifre and Karl Tuyls, currently scientists at DeepMind, are considering a financing round that could exceed 200 million euros, a considerable sum in the vibrant AI sector.

    Sifre and Tuyls, renowned for their significant contributions to AI research, did not respond to requests for comment. A representative from DeepMind refrained from commenting on the startup plans. Both scientists have given notice to leave the company, according to an internal source.

    Sifre’s work includes co-authoring DeepMind’s 2016 research on the game of Go, demonstrating for the first time a computer system’s ability to beat masters of this ancient game, sparking international frenzy over AI.

    Tuyls has focused on game theory and multi-agent reinforcement learning, a branch of AI exploring interactions among autonomous actors, often through video games.

    The substantial financing sum being discussed underlines investor interest in the technology, especially in France, where venture capitalists and magnates have been investing in emerging startups from Parisian universities and Silicon Valley’s AI hubs.

    The new French startup, currently known as Holistic, differs from Holistic AI, a London-based enterprise software company.

    Sifre and Tuyls might focus on developing a new AI model.

    Google DeepMind has long been at the forefront of AI innovations, gaining attention in 2016 when one of its systems defeated a world champion in the strategy game Go. Therefore, when one of DeepMind’s co-founders speaks about the future of AI, it’s important to listen, especially for startup entrepreneurs.

    Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and now CEO of Inflection AI, a small California-based machine intelligence company, suggested that AI might soon be able to devise a company, manage it, and successfully sell products, potentially even as open-source systems.

    However, these considerations remain purely theoretical. Suleyman also pointed out that an AI’s ability to act as an entrepreneur might raise complex legal issues, such as whether an AI can own or patent intellectual property. Indeed, a recent UK ruling determined that an AI cannot hold a patent.

    This development marks a significant step in the AI world and raises new questions about the impact of technological innovation in the entrepreneurial sector and beyond.

  • Is the quality of Google Search results decreasing?

    Is the quality of Google Search results decreasing?

    In an era where the Google search engine has become a fundamental element in almost everyone’s life, being used billions of times a day, we are witnessing a worrying decrease in the quality of its results. Lily Ray, Senior Director of Search Engine Optimization at digital marketing agency Amsive Digital, states, “This is the worst quality of Google results I have ever seen in my 14 years of career.”

    This degradation manifests with a proliferation of pop-ups, dubious product ads, and links that seem to hide malware. While these issues are common on the Internet, one would not expect to find them among Google’s results. However, with billions of searches per day and countless websites, Google can only catch a portion of these cheaters.

    The problem seems to stem from an update to Google’s algorithm, aimed at promoting user-generated content in search results. The goal was to further democratize the web, reducing the power of gatekeepers like news sites. However, this led unscrupulous sites to exploit this new policy by inserting spam links in positions favored by the algorithm.

    A recent German study confirms these observations, showing that the highest-ranked pages tend to have lower-quality texts and numerous affiliated links. Google still outperforms its competitors in terms of the quality of results and mitigation tactics, although scammers continually find new ways to circumvent them.

    The so-called “SEO parasites” latch onto legitimate web pages to take advantage of affiliate links, a common online practice that allows a website to earn commissions for products sold via its links. Therefore, achieving high positions on Google can be very lucrative. The problem is exacerbated when reliable sites lease space on their domain to third parties for sponsored content, exploiting the reputation of the host site to promote affiliate links.

    This approach exploits gaps in Google, which finds itself in a continual battle against these tactics. AI, warned from its early days as a potential tool to facilitate scams, has allowed scammers to produce junk content on a large scale, further complicating Google’s search results.

    Google is working to address these issues, likely through updates to its user policy and algorithm. Despite the challenges, Google continues to provide higher-quality results than competitors and is committed to improving.

  • TikTok Overtakes Google Among Generation Z for Online Searches

    TikTok Overtakes Google Among Generation Z for Online Searches

    TikTok, known as an epicenter of entertainment, is gaining ground as a search engine, becoming a preferred source for information, recipes, music, and much more, according to a recent Adobe study.

    About 10% of Generation Z users now choose TikTok over established search engines like Google for their searches, indicating an increase in trust and use of the platform as a reliable source of information.

    This follows the discovery by a HerCampus study that 74% of Generation Z internet users use TikTok for searches and 51% prefer it over Google, mainly due to its short-form video format.

    TikTok is embracing this trend: in September, it began testing third-party functionalities, such as integrating Google Search and incorporating Wikipedia entries into its search results, to expand its offering beyond short-form videos.

    The importance of this phenomenon in the digital landscape cannot be underestimated:

    The study shows that 40% of consumers use TikTok for information, and the app is especially popular among younger generations, with 64% of Generation Z and 49% of millennials using it for this purpose, highlighting TikTok’s importance for businesses targeting these demographics.

    TikTok is not limited to a specific niche; it has become a go-to platform for a wide range of topics. From cooking recipes, favored 29% more by Generation Z than millennials, to music, DIY ideas, fashion, and more, TikTok caters to a broad variety of interests.

    This versatility makes it a one-stop destination for users seeking various types of information. The study emphasizes that video tutorials are the top choice for 62% of TikTok users, with 39% and 38% favoring reviews and personal anecdotes, respectively.

    This underscores the need for engaging video content on TikTok. In the future, over 53% of businesses plan to increase their investment in TikTok marketing, recognizing its effectiveness despite challenges in engagement and content creation.

    The increasing use of TikTok for search signifies a fundamental shift in how people find information and interact with content. Its personalized approach, diverse content, and trustworthiness fuel its rapid growth.

    For businesses, TikTok offers a valuable avenue to connect with younger audiences and establish themselves as industry authorities.

    TikTok’s transformation into a search engine isn’t a passing trend; businesses and content creators can use it to stay relevant.

    Prioritizing user experience and creative content will likely translate to success.

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 introduces Google’s “Circle to Search” for instant screen searches

    Samsung Galaxy S24 introduces Google’s “Circle to Search” for instant screen searches

    “Circle to Search” and the updates to Google Lens represent a significant step forward in human-technology interaction, offering an increasingly smooth and intuitive user experience.

    In the increasingly interconnected world of mobile technology, Samsung and Google are taking a significant step forward with the introduction of the new “Circle to Search” feature on the Samsung Galaxy S24.

    This innovative feature, recently announced in a press release by Google, will allow users to conduct more intuitive and powerful Google searches directly from their smartphone screen.

    “Circle to Search” enables the activation of Google within any app, allowing users to circle or highlight any text or object on the screen and, through artificial intelligence, receive instant results.

    This advanced version of visual search will be available starting January 31 on the new Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 line.

    The innovation of “Circle to Search” lies in its simplicity of use: for example, if you view a TikTok featuring unique corn dogs, you can simply bring up the Google app and circle the food item with your finger.

    Google’s AI will provide detailed information about Korean corn dogs, including their cultural significance in the current gastronomic context.

    The power of this feature lies in the ability to search for any object or text displayed on the screen, without the need to switch between different apps.

    The announcement of this functionality comes alongside Samsung’s announcement of introducing “Circle to Search” in its new Galaxy S24 line.

    At present, no other phones have been announced with this more advanced in-app version of Google Search.

    This move by Google follows the growing trend in the use of artificial intelligence, especially after the success of ChatGPT in 2022, which revolutionized the concept of online searching.

    Unlike traditional Google search, which offered unique and filtered responses, ChatGPT pushed both Google and Microsoft to introduce AI-based chatbots to remain competitive.

    Since then, Microsoft’s investments in AI have catapulted the company to become the most valuable in the world, surpassing Apple. Google, in turn, is integrating artificial intelligence into many of its products, from the search experience itself with Generative Experience to the camera app on its Pixel devices.

    Considering that generative AI could generate up to $4.4 trillion annually, according to McKinsey, companies are racing to maintain their market dominance.

    In addition to “Circle to Search,” Google announced that multisearch in Google Lens is also receiving an AI-powered upgrade. In the past, Google Lens could identify an object, like a dress, allowing you to then search for color variations. Now, these visual matches will offer AI-powered insights, allowing for more nuanced questions. An example given by Google is the ability to identify a board game found at a yard sale without the box and to ask for the name of the game and how it is played.

  • The Revolutionary Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Science: Lila Ibrahim of Google DeepMind

    The Revolutionary Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Science: Lila Ibrahim of Google DeepMind

    In the fascinating context of the World Economic Forum in Davos , Lila Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Google DeepMind, shared with Axios’ Alison Snyder a thought-provoking perspective on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in science.

    According to Ibrahim, AI is offering a “completely different understanding of what exists” and is revolutionizing fields such as materials science and biology.

    Why is important?

    In 2023, Google DeepMind made a significant breakthrough, unveiling its AI tool, GNoME, capable of discovering 2.2 million potential new materials.

    This discovery is not only a scientific achievement, but opens the door to revolutionary innovations in areas such as semiconductors, batteries and solar panels.

    The company also accelerated computer coding and developed AlphaFold, another AI tool that solved a decades-old biological problem: understanding and predicting the exact shape of proteins, essential for the functioning of all living things.

    Ibrahim’s words

    Ibrahim says he is now “more optimistic” about AI than both last year, when ChatGPT’s arrival dominated the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, and 2018, when it merged with DeepMind.

    In 2018, “AlphaFold was just an idea that hadn’t been realized yet,” Ibrahim recalls. Today, however, 200 million proteins are known.

    The last year has seen rapid progress in collaboration between AI developers, government and managing the risks associated with the technology.

    Ibrahim believes it will be easier to teach young AI users an ethical framework for the technology than older generations, who have become digitalized through the internet and social media.

    What awaits us in the future?

    According to Ibrahim, it is essential to “work with experts in their fields” to think about how to transform their respective fields. Ibrahim’s recipe for increasing trust in AI includes reaching those left behind by previous technical and economic advances.

    In conclusion, Google DeepMind’s approach to AI is not limited to pure technological innovation, but embraces a broader and more inclusive vision, aiming for a future in which AI is a catalyst for accessible and responsible progress for all.

  • Worldline and Google partner to revolutionize digital payments with cloud technology

    Worldline and Google partner to revolutionize digital payments with cloud technology

    Worldline (Euronext: WLN), a global leader in payments services, and Google, today announced a strategic partnership to leverage Google Cloud’s innovative cloud technologies to further power Worldline’s digital transformation.

    This is what we learn from an official statement from Worldline .

    The agreement also sees Google work with Worldline to deliver seamless online payment experiences to Google’s European customers.

    Together, the partners will drive joint market opportunities and deliver new and improved digital experiences for merchants and financial institutions.

    Worldline chooses Google Cloud technology to power its digital transformation

    Since 2022, Worldline has initiated a “Move to Cloud” program that includes the use of the cloud to accelerate its transformation into a world-class global paytech company. By leveraging Google Cloud’s secure, high-performance and low-latency infrastructure, Worldline aims to improve operational efficiency, optimize costs and enhance its strategic positioning.

    Additionally, Worldline will use Google Cloud’s data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to take advantage of its data and develop new payment products and services. The choice of Google Cloud is also the result of Worldline’s long-standing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the low-carbon options offered by Google Cloud, a leader in sustainability.

    Google strengthens its partnership with Worldline for seamless payments in Europe

    As part of the expanded collaboration, Worldline will also serve as one of Google’s primary payments providers in Europe and across multiple geographies.

    Worldline aims to provide Google customers with more advanced payment options, support for a greater variety of payment networks, better cross-border conversion and a smoother customer experience.

    Union of skills for the benefit of traders and financial institutions

    The strategic partnership between Google and Worldline will create a powerful ecosystem of improved product offerings, bringing added value to merchants and banks, and setting a faster pace for continued innovation.

    By combining their expertise, specialized knowledge and resources, Google and Worldline will be able to deliver improved payment experiences for their respective customers, accelerating time to market.

    “Our partnership with Worldline highlights the wide range of opportunities that secure and reliable cloud technology, data analytics and AI can bring to merchants and financial institutions. By combining the strengths of our two companies, we can accelerate innovation in the payments industry,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud .

    “Innovation and advanced technology are at the heart of Worldline’s DNA. To pioneer the changing payment environments and not only meet but anticipate customer expectations, it is critical that we match our Paytech DNA with the technological capabilities of a true market leader. We are very proud to expand and strengthen our partnership as a payments provider for Google in Europe. Our deep understanding of market infrastructure, combined with the technological expertise and scale of Google Cloud, will accelerate our time to market and bring tangible success to our customers and markets, ” said Gilles Grapinet, CEO of Worldline .

  • Slowed down videos on Youtube. Google: slowdowns not linked to AdBlocks

    Slowed down videos on Youtube. Google: slowdowns not linked to AdBlocks

    Google recently denied that the slowdowns observed on YouTube are linked to its fight against AdBlock, programs that inhibit advertising.

    Google recently denied that the slowdowns observed on YouTube are linked to its fight against AdBlock, programs that inhibit advertising.

    Google’s statement follows a series of user complaints, particularly on Reddit , regarding slowdowns on YouTube over the past week. Users have reported issues both with and without using AdBlock, including among YouTube Premium subscribers.

    Surprisingly, Google has clarified that AdBlocks are not responsible for these inconveniences. “We want to clarify that the recent loading issues on YouTube are not related to our efforts to identify ad blockers,” Google said on Android Central.

    Advice for users

    Google recommends following the troubleshooting steps available on the YouTube Help Center . However, it is important to note that using AdBlock can impact site performance.

    Furthermore, recent versions of AdBlock and AdBlock Plus are suspected to play a role in these issues.

    Final Remarks What do you think? Have you noticed slowdowns on YouTube due to AdBlocks? Share your experiences!

  • Digital Markets Act: EU Users Can Unlink Google Services

    Digital Markets Act: EU Users Can Unlink Google Services

    The EU Commission designated Google as one of the “gatekeepers” that need to be regulated to ensure the openness of digital services. In response to this designation, Google has announced some changes ahead of the EU’s Digital Markets Act taking effect on March 6, 2024. One of the major changes is the ability for European users to unlink some of Google’s services to prevent data sharing between them.

    The list of Google services that EU users will be able to link or unlink is detailed on a support page. These include Google Search, Google Shopping, Google Maps, Google Play, YouTube, Chrome, and ad services. European users can choose to keep them all linked as they are today, unlink them entirely, or keep only some of them linked together. Google has explained that when services are linked, they can share data with each other and with all other Google services for certain purposes, such as content and ad personalization based on user settings.

    However, if users choose to unlink some of Google’s aforementioned services, it could impact some of their features. For example, Google mentioned that reservations made on Google Search will not appear on Google Maps, and search recommendations will become less relevant after unlinking Search, YouTube, and Chrome. Nevertheless, Google emphasized that “aspects of a service that don’t involve data sharing won’t be affected.”

    Good news for EU users is that they will have the option to manage their linked services at any time in their Google account settings. The option is not available yet but will appear in a new section called “Linked Google Services” on the Data & Privacy page of account settings.

    This change harks back to the time when Google attempted to force users to centralize all their personal information via their Google+ identity. This move was met with significant user resistance, and Google eventually withdrew its Google+ platform. While the DMA will only apply to users in Europe, it represents a positive change for those concerned about privacy and data sharing.

    The EU’s DMA will also compel Microsoft and Apple to make changes to their platforms starting in March. For example, Microsoft will allow EU users to uninstall Edge from Windows and choose alternative search providers other than Bing in Windows Search.

  • Is Google’s Artificial Intelligence in hospitals more humane than doctors?

    Is Google’s Artificial Intelligence in hospitals more humane than doctors?

    In a recent study, Google researchers say they have developed artificial intelligence (AI) that surpasses real doctors in accuracy and empathy, raising questions about the potential humanity of AI in healthcare.

    Google AI development

    The company has created an advanced language model called AMIE (Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer) , powered by real data from medical records and doctor appointment transcripts. This system has been used to conduct medical interviews, as reported in a January 11 study on the preprint site arXiv .

    Methodology of the study

    In the study, twenty actors pretending to be patients participated in text-based online medical consultations, without knowing whether they were interacting with an AI or real doctors. Surprisingly, the AI ​​outperformed real doctors on 24 of 26 conversational measures, showing greater empathy, courtesy and the ability to put patients at ease. Additionally, AI matched or exceeded primary care physicians in all six diagnostic categories examined.

    What we read in AMIE’s study

    “At the heart of medicine is the doctor-patient dialogue, in which skillful medical history paves the way for accurate diagnoses, effective management and lasting trust.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of diagnostic dialogue could increase the accessibility, consistency and quality of care.

    However, bringing the expertise of doctors closer together is a great and exceptional challenge.

    Here we present AMIE (Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer) , a Large Language Model (LLM)-based artificial intelligence system optimized for diagnostic dialogue.

    AMIE uses a novel autonomous play-based simulated environment with automated feedback mechanisms to adapt learning to different disease conditions, specialties and contexts.

    We designed a framework for evaluating clinically significant axes of performance, including medical history, diagnostic accuracy, management reasoning, communication skills, and empathy.

    We compared the performance of AMIE with that of primary care physicians (PCPs) in a double-blind, randomized crossover study of text-based consultations with validated patient actors in the style of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

    The study included 149 case scenarios from clinical providers in Canada, the United Kingdom and India, 20 PCPs for comparison with AMIE, and assessments by medical specialists and patient actors.

    AMIE demonstrated greater diagnostic accuracy and superior performance on 28 out of 32 axes according to medical specialists and 24 out of 26 axes according to patients.

    Our research has several limitations and should be interpreted with due caution. Clinicians were limited to unfamiliar synchronous text chats that allow for large-scale LLM-patient interactions but are not representative of usual clinical practice.

    While more research is needed before AMIE can be translated into real-world settings, the findings represent a milestone toward conversational diagnostic AI.”

    Precautions and limitations

    The researchers stressed that the technology is still experimental and has not been tested on real patients. Additionally, the study has not yet been peer-reviewed.

    Statements and interpretations

    Alan Karthikesalingam , MD, PhD, clinical research scientist at Google Health and co-author of the study, told Nature in a January 12 article :

    “We want the results to be interpreted with caution and humility. This in no way means that a language model is better than doctors at taking medical history.”

    He noted that GPs involved in the study were likely not used to interacting with patients via text chat, which could have affected their performance.

    He also noted that AI might seem more thoughtful than humans because, unlike humans, it doesn’t get tired.

    Future potential of AI in healthcare

    Despite the caveats, the researchers point out that the tool demonstrates “significant potential” to transform medical history collection and diagnostic conversations in healthcare.

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