Google partners with The Associated Press to deliver real-time information for the Gemini app, improving its usefulness for users seeking current data. This collaboration enhances their long-standing relationship focused on accurate journalism. Google has worked with news organizations globally for over two decades to grow audiences and revenue, while exploring AI's potential in journalism through initiatives that support local projects.
Google has updated NotebookLM with interactive audio features and a premium subscription service. Users can now interact with AI hosts during Audio Overviews and ask questions using voice commands. A new three-panel interface improves content management. The premium service, NotebookLM Plus, offers higher limits, customizable responses, and team sharing. Gemini 2.0 Flash enhances AI capabilities, but some features may have delays.
Google Cloud is introducing AI tools for retailers, including Google Agentspace for building intelligent agents that enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Vertex AI Search has been improved for better product discovery, while Connected Stores enhances the omnichannel experience. Retailers like Wayfair are leveraging these tools for efficiency. Partnerships with NVIDIA and Everseen focus on optimizing marketing and in-store experiences.
Google is launching a new Search Labs experiment called Daily Listen, which provides a daily audio overview of stories and topics of interest in under five minutes. It uses user preferences from Discover and Search to create personalized episodes. Available in the Google app on Android and iOS, it features a fullscreen player, text transcripts, and playback controls. Users can give feedback and explore related stories. The rollout begins today.
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Google completed its final spam update of 2024 on December 26, following a week-long rollout that began on December 19. This update was the third spam-focused algorithm change of the year and the seventh overall update in 2024. It targeted various spam tactics, not just link spam, and did not involve automated site reputation policies. The timing during the holiday season led to significant ranking fluctuations for many websites, affecting their search visibility.
2024 was significant for Google AI, featuring updates like Circle to Search and NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews. Key highlights included the launch of Gemini 1.5, advancements in health AI, and new generative tools. Major events included Google I/O, where AlphaFold 3 was introduced, and the Made by Google event showcasing new hardware. December marked the introduction of Gemini 2.0 and a quantum chip. Google aims to maintain this momentum into 2025.
Google has submitted a proposal to address the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit alleging monopolistic practices in search. While planning to appeal the court's decision, Google must first outline remedies. The company argues that its success is due to innovation and competition, not coercion. The proposal focuses on search distribution contracts, allowing browser companies flexibility and device makers to preload multiple search engines.
Google has introduced an experimental AI model named Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental in AI Studio, designed for multimodal understanding, reasoning, and coding in complex fields. It self-fact-checks but typically takes longer to provide answers. Initial tests showed issues, such as miscounting letters. While many companies are developing reasoning models, there are concerns about their high costs and whether they can sustain their performance over time.
Google updated its Generative AI Prohibited Use Policy to clarify acceptable use of its AI tools. The revised policy, modified on December 17, 2024, categorizes prohibited behaviors into dangerous activities, security concerns, content restrictions, and misinformation. It prohibits child exploitation, terrorism, hate speech, and fraud. Exceptions may apply for educational, documentary, and artistic purposes while maintaining core protective measures.
