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Google's Gemini Now Capable of In-depth Research

2024-12-11

Google is making significant advancements in its chatbot platform, Gemini. With the introduction of "Deep Research," users can now have a powerful research assistant at their fingertips. This feature uses advanced reasoning and long context capabilities to generate comprehensive research briefs. The briefs are not only presented in Gemini apps but can also be exported to Google Docs for further editing. Currently, Deep Research is exclusive to Gemini Advanced, available through the Google One AI Premium Plan at $20 per month.

Unlock the Power of Google's Gemini with Deep Research

How Deep Research Works

When a user poses a question, Deep Research creates a "multi-step research plan" that the user can either revise or approve. Once approved, Deep Research refines its analysis over a few minutes. It searches for potentially interesting information, saves it, and then initiates new searches based on what it has learned. This process repeats multiple times until a report of key findings is generated. Initially, Deep Research is only available in English on desktop and the mobile web, with plans to expand to Gemini mobile apps in early 2025. Users can access it by selecting the "Gemini 1.5 Pro with Deep Research" option in the model's drop-down menu.

For example, imagine a student working on a research project. By using Deep Research, they can get a detailed research plan and quickly gather relevant information from across the web. This saves them a lot of time and effort compared to traditional research methods. It acts as a valuable tool to assist in the research process and help students achieve better results.

Potential Harms and Ethical Considerations

While Deep Research is an impressive feat, it also raises several ethical questions. Just like all AI, it makes mistakes and can hallucinate. This can have serious consequences, especially in education. As Jessica Grose pointed out in a recent op-ed in The New York Times, students are increasingly relying on generative AI to outsource brainstorming and writing. This risks them losing the ability to think critically and overcome frustration with difficult tasks.

There is also a potential financial impact on publishers. By scraping information from websites and compiling it into briefs, Deep Research could deprive these sites of valuable ad revenue. One study has shown that since the launch of AI Overviews, publishers have seen a 5% to 10% decrease in traffic from search. An expert estimated that AI-generated overviews could lead to more than $2 billion in losses for publishers.

However, Google claims that Deep Research can "connect users to relevant websites they might not have found otherwise so they can dive deeper to learn more." It remains to be seen whether this promise will be fulfilled and if the feature will truly enhance the user's research experience without causing harm to publishers.

Gemini 2.0 Flash: The New Flagship AI Model

Starting today, both free and paying Gemini users will have access to Gemini 2.0 Flash, Google's newest flagship AI model. This is an experimental version optimized for chat, with the full version set to arrive in January. Google claims that 2.0 Flash should deliver better performance across various tasks and faster responses. Users can select it from the Gemini model drop-down on desktop and the mobile web (but not the mobile apps yet).

Although the company cautions that some Gemini features may not be compatible with the experimental model, it still offers exciting possibilities. For instance, in a chat-based scenario, users can expect quicker responses and more accurate answers. This could lead to a more seamless and efficient user experience.

AI Overviews, the summaries provided by Google for certain search queries, is set to handle more complex topics and multimodal/multi-step searches. The newly launched Gemini 2.0 model drives these expanded capabilities, which are expected to enhance search speed and quality. A limited test will start this week, followed by a broad rollout next year.

Unlock New Search Possibilities with AI Overviews

Expanded Capabilities Driven by Gemini 2.0

Google's AI Overviews is on the verge of handling more complex and diverse search queries. The newly launched Gemini 2.0 model plays a crucial role in this expansion. It is designed to deliver improved search speed and quality, enabling users to get answers more quickly. This is a significant step forward in the evolution of search technology.For example, advanced math questions and coding problems can now be addressed more effectively. Users will no longer have to struggle with finding the right information. The Gemini 2.0 model is like a powerful tool that empowers users to explore new frontiers of knowledge.

Limited Test and Broad Rollout

A limited test of the new AI Overviews feature is set to begin this week. This is an exciting development as it allows Google to gather valuable feedback and make any necessary adjustments. Once the test is successful, a broad rollout will follow early next year, making these enhanced search capabilities available to a wider audience.This gradual approach ensures that the technology is refined and optimized before being made widely available. It also shows Google's commitment to providing a seamless user experience. By starting with a limited test, they can identify and address any potential issues early on.

Controversies and Challenges

Since its launch this spring, AI Overviews has been the subject of much controversy. It has gone viral for its dubious statements and questionable advice, such as recommending adding glue to pizza. A recent report from SE Ranking found that it cites websites that are not entirely reliable or evidence-based, including outdated studies and paid product listings.The main issue is that AI Overviews sometimes has a hard time distinguishing between fact, fiction, satire, and serious information. Over the past few months, Google has made changes to how AI Overviews works, limiting answers related to current events and health topics. However, they acknowledge that the system is not perfect and is constantly evolving.Despite these challenges, Google believes that AI Overviews has led to a boost in search engagement, especially among the 18-24 age group, which is a key demographic for the company.

Monetization and Antitrust Concerns

Google recently took steps to monetize AI Overviews by adding ads on mobile for certain relevant queries. This has caused concern among publishers who say the feature is negatively affecting their traffic. Google, however, claims to be taking publishers' concerns into account in the development of its AI search experiences.AI Overviews is also a target in the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google. The DOJ aims to break up what a judge ruled to be an illegal monopoly in search. One of the key requests is that Google allow sites to opt out of AI Overviews without being penalized in search results.This highlights the complex issues surrounding AI in search and the need for careful regulation to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace. Google is facing significant challenges as it navigates the evolving landscape of search technology and user expectations.

ChatGPT has been making waves in the digital world, currently holding the top spot on the iPhone App Store in the U.S. However, it didn't claim the prestigious title of Apple's iPhone app of the year. Instead, that honor went to Kino, a relatively new app designed specifically for videographers. Launched this spring by Lux, the company behind the renowned professional photography app Halide, Kino is revolutionizing mobile video recording with its in-app lessons and unique features that empower iPhone owners to extract the maximum potential from their cameras.

Uncover the iPhone App Store's Hidden Gems

Kino: The New Star in Mobile Video Recording

Kino stands out as one of the three finalists for the top App Store award. Alongside Runna, an app for customizing running plans, and Tripsy, an app for organizing travels, Kino has made its mark. This app integrates in-app lessons that guide videographers through various techniques and features, helping them enhance their video production skills. For instance, users can learn how to capture stunning shots in different lighting conditions or edit videos with professional-level effects. The fact that Kino is able to offer such valuable resources directly within the app makes it a game-changer for iPhone users who are passionate about video.Moreover, Kino's features are designed to be intuitive and accessible. It doesn't require users to have extensive prior knowledge of video editing or cinematography. Instead, it provides a seamless learning experience that allows beginners to pick up the basics quickly and start creating professional-looking videos. This approach has attracted a large user base, as more and more iPhone owners are realizing the potential of their devices with the help of Kino.

AI in the App Store: A Mixed Bag

While AI-powered apps didn't make the cut for the iPhone app finalists, it turns out that AI couldn't be completely ignored. Apps integrating with AI technology did win in other categories. For example, Adobe Lightroom, the Mac App of the Year, boasts several AI features that enhance photo editing. Moises, the iPad App of the Year, offers AI tools for musicians, allowing them to create and produce music with greater ease. These apps focus more on artistic endeavors that are centered around human creativity rather than being fully powered by AI chatbots. This aligns with Apple's goal of showcasing how its devices are used by creative professionals.However, it's important to note that the integration of AI in these apps is not meant to replace human creativity. Instead, it serves as a tool to enhance and assist the creative process. For instance, in Moises, the AI tools can provide suggestions for chord progressions or help musicians experiment with different musical styles. This combination of human creativity and AI technology creates a unique and powerful experience for users.

Other Winning Apps: A Diverse Range

The App Store Awards also saw other notable winners. Apple Watch App of the Year went to Lumy, which offers a range of features and functionalities to enhance the user experience on the Apple Watch. Apple TV App of the Year was F1 TV, providing fans with an immersive viewing experience of Formula 1 races. Disney's What If…? An Immersive Story won the Apple Vision Pro App of the Year category, taking users on a captivating journey through different fictional scenarios.In the gaming category, AFK Journey was named iPhone Game of the Year, offering players an engaging and immersive adventure. Supercell's Squad Busters won the iPad Game of the Year, providing intense multiplayer battles. Panic's Thank Goodness You're Here! was crowned Mac Game of the Year, with its unique gameplay and storytelling. Puddle's THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey took the Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year title, offering a thrilling arcade experience. The Apple Arcade Game of the Year was Balatro+ from Playstack Ltd.

Cultural Impact Winners: Making a Difference

App Store editors also selected six cultural impact winners, representing other standout apps that Apple wanted to honor. Oko helps blind and low-vision users navigate with ease, providing them with a sense of independence and freedom. EF Hello, a language learning app, enables users to expand their linguistic horizons and connect with people from different cultures. DailyArt is an art exploration app that allows users to discover and appreciate art from around the world. NYT Games, a popular app, offers a wide range of engaging games that keep users entertained and informed. The Wreck, a cinematic and narrative game, tells a compelling story that touches the hearts of players. Do You Really Want to Know? 2, an educational app for people living with HIV, provides important information and support.These cultural impact winners showcase the diverse range of apps available on the App Store and their ability to make a positive impact on people's lives. Whether it's through accessibility, education, or entertainment, these apps demonstrate the power of technology to bring people together and enrich their lives.