Tag: google

  • Google’s Project Gameface : Control Cursor with Face Gestures

    Google’s Project Gameface : Control Cursor with Face Gestures

    Google announced on Tuesday that it has made the code for Project Gameface, a hands-free gaming “mouse” controlled by facial expressions, open-source for Android developers. This move enables developers to incorporate this accessibility feature into their applications. Users can manipulate the cursor using facial gestures or head movements, such as opening their mouths to move the cursor or raising their eyebrows to click and drag.

    Utilizes Device Camera and Facial Expressions Database

    Originally unveiled for desktops during last year’s Google I/O, Project Gameface leverages the device’s camera along with a database of facial expressions from MediaPipe’s Face Landmarks Detection API to control the cursor.

    “Through the device’s camera, it seamlessly tracks facial expressions and head movements, translating them into intuitive and personalized control,” explained Google in its announcement. “Developers can now build applications where their users can configure their experience by customizing facial expressions, gesture sizes, cursor speed, and more.”

    Expanding Beyond Gaming

    Initially designed for gamers, Google has teamed up with Incluzza, a social enterprise that focuses on accessibility in India, to explore extending Gameface to other scenarios such as work, school, and social activities.

    The inspiration behind Project Gameface came from Lance Carr, a quadriplegic video game streamer with muscular dystrophy. Carr partnered with Google on the project, aiming to create an affordable and accessible alternative to costly head-tracking systems.

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  • OpenAI Developing Alternative to Google Search, Hiring Googlers

    OpenAI Developing Alternative to Google Search, Hiring Googlers

    With the advent of ChatGPT, Google recognized the necessity to develop a comparable large language model, resulting in the creation of Gemini. OpenAI, in turn, appears to have drawn inspiration from Google’s own product, Google Search. Recent reports reveal that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is actively recruiting individuals from Google to work on incorporating a search functionality into ChatGPT, positioning it to rival Google Search.

    ChatGPT has been granted access to the internet by OpenAI for approximately a year now. This access, however, is limited to paying subscribers who can utilize the chatbot to obtain real-time information from the web. Additionally, an integrated version of Microsoft’s Bing web browser within ChatGPT can assist users in retrieving web-based information. Nevertheless, this implementation comes with its unique attributes and restrictions, setting it apart from the original ChatGPT experience.

    According to reports from Bloomberg, OpenAI is now focusing on enhancing ChatGPT by introducing a search feature that will scour the web for updated information, complete with proper citations. The company is actively recruiting engineers from Google’s search team for this project, although the exact number of hires remains undisclosed.

    Developing an alternative to Google Search poses a formidable challenge, yet OpenAI has cemented its presence with a sizable user base. Additionally, OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft could provide valuable computational resources for this endeavor. Meanwhile, Google is cognizant of the impending challenges and is reportedly working on making its search product more agile and adaptable to market changes. For instance, Google’s recent introduction of a generative AI feature, the Search Generative Experience, exemplifies its efforts. The evolution of Search in response to the competition between these tech giants promises an intriguing future ahead.

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  • Google Pixel Devices Eligible for Android 15 Update

    Google Pixel Devices Eligible for Android 15 Update

    Android 15 is set to launch later this year, with a sneak peek at new features and enhancements already available through developer previews and beta versions. The official release is highly anticipated, particularly for Google Pixel users, as they will be among the first to receive the Android 15 update, although it will be limited to select devices.

    Google Pixel Devices Eligible for Android 15 Upgrade

    When it comes to software updates, Android smartphone brands vary in their policies. However, Google Pixels stand out due to their consistent update approach. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are the oldest models confirmed to receive the Android 15 upgrade. This also extends to future releases like the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. While the Pixel 8 series and upcoming models are promised seven years of updates, older devices like the Pixel 5a will only have three years of support.

    List of eligible Google Pixel devices for Android 15 upgrade:

    • Google Pixel 8 Pro
    • Google Pixel 8
    • Google Pixel 7 Pro
    • Google Pixel 7
    • Google Pixel 7a
    • Google Pixel 6 Pro
    • Google Pixel 6
    • Google Pixel 6a
    • Google Pixel Fold
    • Google Pixel Tablet

    Android 15 Release Timeline

    The exact release date for Android 15 is yet to be announced, but the official timeline indicates that the beta phase will run until June. Following this, the new OS will move into the platform stability phase, where final adjustments and bug fixes will be made before the public launch. Given the precedent set by Android 14's release alongside the Pixel 8 series in October last year, it is likely that Android 15 will follow a similar schedule, possibly coinciding with the launch of the Pixel 9 series.

    Android 15: Top Features Known So Far

    • Satellite Connectivity Support: Android 15 introduces satellite connectivity for devices, enabling apps to detect satellite connections. This feature expands beyond emergency use, supporting SMS and RCS apps for messaging.
    • Partial Screen Sharing: Enhancing screen sharing capabilities, Android 15 allows users to share or record a single app instead of the entire screen.
    • Notification Cooldown: Addressing notification overload, the "Notification cooldown" feature reduces the volume of consecutive notifications from the same app.
    • Sensitive Notifications: Introducing enhanced security measures, Android 15 safeguards OTPs from malicious apps, offering protection against OTP fraud.
    • High-Quality Webcam: Android 15 enhances webcam functionality by adding a high-quality mode that disables power optimizations, improving output quality.
    • Universal Keyboard Vibration Control: Users can now globally disable keyboard vibrations with a toggle in Android 15, overriding individual app settings while still allowing control over haptics for each keyboard app.
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  • Microsoft’s Internal Emails: Competition with Google AI

    Microsoft’s Internal Emails: Competition with Google AI

    Microsoft‘s leaked internal communications reveal a strong emphasis on narrowing the gap with Google in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). In a 2019 email, Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott expressed serious concerns to CEO Satya Nadella and co-founder Bill Gates regarding Microsoft's lag behind Google in AI advancements. Scott admitted that Microsoft had underestimated the level of investment by its competitor and acknowledged that the company was "several years behind" in terms of machine learning capabilities.

    Google's Head Start

    Google's six-month lead enabled them to create larger models and surge ahead in the AI race. Microsoft faced challenges in keeping pace with Google, notably in replicating Google's BERT large language model. Despite having a model template, Microsoft's infrastructure constraints caused a training delay of nearly six months compared to Google. This delay allowed Google to enhance BERT, creating even larger models that significantly boosted search question-answering and Gmail's autocompletion functions, leading to a notable performance increase observed by Scott, who noted a 10-point jump in these areas for competitors.

    Strategic Partnerships and Investments

    Dr.iven by a sense of urgency, Microsoft forged a collaboration with OpenAI in 2019, investing $1 billion in the venture. Since then, their partnership has deepened, with Microsoft's total investment exceeding $13 billion as of May 1, 2024. This substantial financial commitment underscores Microsoft's determined pursuit of AI leadership, a critical domain for competing with Google and preserving its technological relevance.

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  • RealFill: Google’s New AI Image Expansion Trademark

    RealFill: Google’s New AI Image Expansion Trademark

    AI has become a ubiquitous presence in our daily lives, with numerous tech companies unveiling their AI-driven products. Recently, Google filed for a trademark that sheds light on a new project named "RealFill," as disclosed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO).

    RealFill Project Details

    RealFill is not expected to be a downloadable software; mirroring Google’s Magic Editor on Pixel phones, editing processes are performed not on the user’s device but on Google’s own servers, as noted by the Android Authority team.

    This upcoming AI feature bears resemblance to Adobe’s "Generative Fill" feature, but Google seems focused on refining photo quality by eliminating imperfections. Through RealFill, users will have the ability to create entirely new images using five existing photos as a foundation. By training the AI algorithm with these five base images, users can then apply image expansion to their target image.

    Google’s Advanced Image Expansion Algorithm

    Google’s AI algorithm under development aims to enhance image expansion accuracy by leveraging users’ diverse set of images. This approach minimizes the occurrence of unexpected or unrealistic objects during the expansion process, resulting in more authentic image outputs based on users’ reference photos.

    RealFill Limitations and Future Release

    While RealFill has not been publicly launched, it is not without its limitations. Significant disparities between the target image and the reference images provided by the user could lead to undesired outcomes in the final image. Demonstrations of RealFill showcase that the base photos are notably similar, almost resembling different angles of the same scene.

    Various AI-powered image expansion solutions currently exist, but their performance can be inconsistent, occasionally yielding disappointing results. The timeline for Google’s release of RealFill to the public remains uncertain; speculations suggest a potential integration in the Pixel 9 series, although details remain vague at present.

    RealFill: Google's New AI Image Expansion Trademark
    RealFill: Google's New AI Image Expansion Trademark
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  • Google Pixel Watch 2a Potential Launch: FCC Listing

    Google Pixel Watch 2a Potential Launch: FCC Listing

    A mysterious Google smartwatch has been sighted on the FCC certification website, with speculation pointing towards it being the anticipated Google Pixel Watch 2a. The launch of the Pixel Watch 3 is not anticipated until the annual October event held by the search giant.

    Mysterious Pixel Watch Emerges on FCC

    The mysterious smartwatch, believed to be from Google, has made an appearance on the FCC certification website. Identified by the model number G4SKY, the listing on the site, as noted by 9to5Google, does not explicitly name the device. Indications suggest that the upcoming smartwatch will likely operate on WearOS and will incorporate Bluetooth, WiFi, and LTE functionalities within a single model. Notably, this enigmatic smartwatch does not seem to include an enabled ultrawide-band connection, a feature that has been rumored for the Pixel Watch 3.

    Potential for an Affordable A-Series Smartwatch

    There is uncertainty regarding whether Google intends to introduce an affordable A-series smartwatch, akin to the Pixel A-series phones. If this speculation proves accurate, the device may be dubbed the Pixel Watch 2a. Further details about this wearable gadget are expected to surface in the coming days, with the possibility of Google revealing information about its mid-range smartwatch at the upcoming I/O Developer conference next month.

    Fitbit-Branded WearOS Smartwatch Possibility

    Another theory suggests that the smartwatch in question could potentially be Fitbit-branded and run on WearOS.

    Regarding the Google Pixel Watch 3, leaks and rumors hint at its availability in a larger size. A regulatory filing hints at a slightly larger battery capacity of 307mAh, compared to its predecessor. It is speculated that Google might provide a glimpse of this smartwatch during the upcoming I/O event.

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  • Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Upcoming Foldable from Google

    Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Upcoming Foldable from Google

    Last year, Google made its entry into the foldable phone market with the Pixel Fold. According to reports, recent developments indicate that they may already be working on its successor device – tentatively known as Pixel Fold 2, according to AndroidAuthority; instead it could likely become known as Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

    Google’s Next Foldable Device

    Google’s forthcoming foldable phone will be part of their Pixel 9 series, according to an anonymous source at Google. According to this publication’s knowledge from within Google itself, this foldable handset would join two existing phones known as “tokay” and “caiman”, respectively in this lineup of products.

    Codenames and Specifications

    As previously indicated by leaks and references in software for this year’s Pixel phones, “Komodo” and “comet” have become known to refer to both phones – respectively the Pixel 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold – under codenames Komodo and Comet, while leaks indicate that its design closely mirrors that of previous generation Pixel phones equipped with Tensor G4 chips such as Pixel 9.

    Rumors regarding Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold have indicated an 8.02-inch foldable screen internally and 6.29-inch cover display externally, along with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, and Google’s Pixie AI assistant. With its launch slated to occur sometime during October this year.

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  • Google Invests $1 Billion in Two Subsea Cables

    Google Invests $1 Billion in Two Subsea Cables

    Google is making a substantial investment in narrowing the digital gap across the Pacific region. Through their $1 billion Pacific Connect initiative, the tech giant plans to lay down two new subsea cables, a move that will significantly enhance connectivity between Japan, the US, and various Pacific Island nations.

    Enhanced Connectivity And Economic Impact

    This significant undertaking expands on previous initiatives introduced in October 2023, which primarily aimed at linking the US and Australia. The upcoming cables will stretch from Japan to the US, strategically connecting important locations such as Hawaii, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

    Strategic Partnerships For Robust Connectivity

    In collaboration with KDDI, ARTERIA, Citadel Pacific, and CNMI, Google’s objective is to improve the reliability and resilience of internet access throughout the region. The two cables, named Proa and Taihei, symbolize cultural and peaceful references while enhancing connectivity. Proa will connect Japan to Guam via CNMI, and Taihei will directly link Japan to Hawaii.

    Expansive Plans For Network Development

    Google’s initiative is not limited to the new cables. They intend to extend the existing Taiwan-Philippines-US (TPU) cable to CNMI and connect the Tabua cable (Australia-US via Fiji) to Hawaii. Additionally, an interlink cable between Hawaii, Guam, and CNMI is in the works to further optimize network performance.

    This ambitious project not only promises improved internet access but also significant economic benefits. Google estimates that their network investments in Japan over the past decade have contributed over $400 million to the GDP. Similar positive impacts, including job creation and skills development, are anticipated across the Pacific region. Governor Palacios of CNMI has lauded the initiative, emphasizing how the name "Proa" signifies connectivity and cultural heritage, aligning with their vision for a more interconnected Pacific.

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  • Google to Provide Free Magic Editor on All Androids with a Twist

    Google to Provide Free Magic Editor on All Androids with a Twist

    Google stands out in the smartphone manufacturing landscape with their innovation of computational photography – their Magic Editor feature allows users to apply portrait effects or remove elements from older photos that they no longer wish to include, initially only available with Pixel devices but now made available across Google One regardless of whether subscribers own one of those phones or not.

    Google’s Magic Editor Could Soon Become Available Free Of Charge

    Android Authority conducted an in-depth examination of an APK file’s code to reveal a possibility that Magic Editor could become accessible across all Android devices for free. New code found in version 6.78.0.622306643 of Google Photos indicates a feature called metered saves which might be introduced for use within Magic Editor, potentially providing free initial access but eventually require Google One subscription after exceeding a set limit of saves.

    Google One Subscription Benefits

    Google’s strategy of expanding access to its Magic Editor may be seen as an incentive to encourage more users to sign up for its Google One plan and benefit from increased Google Drive storage space and additional perks; especially notable is Magic Editor as an AI-powered image editing solution.

    Google to Provide Free Magic Editor on All Androids with a Twist
    Google to Provide Free Magic Editor on All Androids with a Twist
    Google to Provide Free Magic Editor on All Androids with a Twist
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  • Google Reveals Axion Processors: Custom Arm CPUs for Data Centers

    Google Reveals Axion Processors: Custom Arm CPUs for Data Centers

    Google recently showcased an unprecedented advancement in data center technology by unveiling their custom Arm-based CPUs known as Axion Processors. The processors boast industry-leading performance and energy efficiency compared with existing Arm options; up to 30% better when pitted against comparable x86 alternatives; outperforming them up to 50% in performance and an incredible 60% efficiency advantage!

    Google Titanium Optimizes Axion CPUs

    Google Axion CPUs are powered by Arm’s Neoverse V2 CPU cores, optimized to tackle general-purpose workloads. To enhance their performance further, Google integrated custom silicon microcontrollers known as Titanium into Axion to take on platform tasks such as networking and security; leaving Axion processors free to focus exclusively on core workloads. Furthermore, Titanium delegated storage functions to Hyperdisk: an innovative block storage service providing dynamic performance scaling.

    Sustainability Played an Essential Role.

    Google places great emphasis on sustainability, with their data centers already known for being energy efficient. Axion will raise this standard further while staying true to Google’s goal of carbon neutral operations.

    Ecosystem Compatibility And Assistance

    To address compatibility concerns, Axion was designed using Armv9 architecture for seamless integration with existing software and tools. Google actively contributes to Arm ecosystem through projects like Android and Kubernetes; working closely with partners to optimize software specifically optimized for Arm architecture – an initiative which supports Axion users as customers leverage it with various Google Cloud services such as Compute Engine or Kubernetes Engine while accessing Arm-compatible solutions readily accessible on Cloud Marketplace with migration tools to ease transition into Arm-based instances.

    Industry partners including Broadcom, CrowdStrike, Cybereason Datadog Elastic OpenX Snap and WP Engine have expressed excitement over Axion’s potential. All anticipate significant enhancements in terms of performance efficiency and sustainability as a result of adopting Axion technology.

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