Gemini is taking over Google | The Vergecast
20 Aug 2024 (1 month ago)
Google's AI Strategy and Platform Shift
- Google emphasizes the significance of AI, particularly Gemini, positioning it as a higher priority than Android or Pixel. (00:06:22)
- Google highlights its distribution advantage with AI, primarily through Android, and takes subtle digs at Apple's AI capabilities and data handling practices.
- Platform shifts occur when there are significant changes in how people interact with computers, such as the transition from text-based computing to graphical user interfaces and the rise of touchscreens.
- While AI allows for voice interaction with computers, it is not necessarily a platform shift in itself, as it is simply a different input method.
- The true platform shift in AI will occur when it can seamlessly interact with applications on the user's behalf, such as using apps to complete tasks or provide information.
- AI technology is not currently at a stage where it offers substantial real-world utility for users.
- Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant on Android devices. (00:20:15)
- Gemini is replacing Google Assistant despite not having all of its features, such as app access, turn-by-turn directions, and the ability to provide weather and podcast information.
- Google prioritizes Gemini's ability to perform basic interface tasks over these missing features, evidenced by its release preceding the anticipated iPhone launch.
- Google needs to effectively market its products, such as Gemini, to the public.
- Rick Osterloh, in an interview with Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal, argued that the public isn't ready for AI tools like Gemini, comparing the situation to the shift from handwriting to email.
- A Google ad featuring Gemini writing a letter to an athlete for their child was pulled due to public perception that such tasks should be done personally, not by AI.
AI Image Manipulation and its Implications
- Google's new Pixel camera focuses on capturing the feeling of a memory rather than an accurate depiction of reality, as explained by Google PM Isaac Reynolds to journalist Julian Chokkattu. (00:23:48)
- People will be able to manipulate images easily on their smartphones, for example, adding a crowd to an empty field on a Samsung phone or adding people to photos using a Google Pixel.
- Google is marketing these new AI tools as features that enhance creativity by allowing users to alter images to reflect desired memories rather than reality.
- While these AI tools are technically impressive, they essentially composite images, similar to what has been done for years in Hollywood magazines and movie posters.
- Some people believe that the ability to manipulate photos realistically and cheaply will lead to widespread belief in misinformation.
- Google Pixel 8's photo manipulation capabilities were met with pushback when they were first announced, but this year's model has even more advanced features, suggesting that concerns about photorealism were ignored.
TV Technology and Trends
- The author participated as a judge in the 20th annual TV shootout at Value Electronics in Scarsdale, New York. (00:33:59)
- Professional calibrators, who ensure accurate display across devices, have observed Sony a95 LS TVs being used as reference displays for studio executives.
- Calibrators noted the superior performance of LG G4 TVs in 55-inch and 77-inch and above sizes, while the 65-inch model performed worse.
- A reference display is the most accurate representation of content, ideally identical to the display used by the colorist on a movie.
- QD-OLED displays can display a wider array of colors than reference displays.
- Samsung mini-LED displays experience blooming due to latency in the back screen matching the display screen.
- Sony's mini-LED displays are brighter than OLED displays because they use an LED backlight. (00:45:24)
- The LG OLED TV was the cheapest TV on display.
- The LG G4 883 and the Sony mini 85 were very price competitive.
- The Samsung QD OLED the S 95d and the Sony led were tied in the final ranking.
- Sony held an event to showcase their TVs.
Apple's App Store Policies and their Impact
- Apple has been charging a 30% fee on in-app purchases, including creator subscriptions, which has impacted companies like Patreon.
- Patreon has been operating in a gray area with Apple for years, not charging the 30% fee, but other companies like Fanhouse have protested this policy.
- Apple's potential motivation for strictly enforcing App Store fees, even for platforms like Patreon, might be to demonstrate consistent application of their rules to regulators.
- Apple's recent concession to allow Spotify to display subscription prices within their app in the EU, while a regulatory victory, resulted in a seemingly insignificant change to the app's interface. (01:00:42)
- The speaker questions the value proposition of Apple's 30% fee for Patreon creators, highlighting that Patreon, not Apple, provides the platform and value in this scenario.
- Apple's services revenue and profits are significantly influenced by a $20 billion annual payment from Google.
Google's Legal and Regulatory Challenges
- A judge ruled that Google's Play Store operates as a monopoly and will face structural changes to promote openness.
- The outcome of the upcoming Google adtech case in September is uncertain, but it has the potential to be significant due to the involvement of internal Google communications.
Tech News and Innovations
- Realme, a Chinese phone manufacturer, has introduced 320-watt fast charging technology, claiming to charge a phone battery in 4 minutes and 30 seconds. (01:10:09)
- Realme refers to their new charger as the "pocket cannon".
- A new feature in the Halide camera app, Process Zero, allows users to capture photos with no processing, providing a near film camera experience.
- This feature gives users more control over their images and allows for greater experimentation with photography on smartphones.
- There is a resurgence of interest in point-and-shoot digital cameras, particularly among younger generations, as a response to the increasing heavy processing found in smartphone cameras.
- The iPhone camera has a tendency to overexpose images, eliminating shadows and making photos appear gray and flat.
- This over-processing for brightness results in a loss of dynamic range and makes photos less interesting, despite being technically "good".
- Flipboard now allows users to follow Fediverse accounts, including Mastodon, demonstrating the platform's ability to aggregate content from various sources. (01:21:19)
- Flipboard has redesigned its app around ActivityPub and open protocols, potentially representing a significant shift in how information is shared online.
- Threads is gradually implementing federation, addressing technical challenges related to data management and moderation across different servers.
Eric Schmidt's Controversial Statements and Google's Past Practices
- Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, made controversial statements attributing Google's lag in AI to employees prioritizing remote work and perks over competitiveness.
- If TikTok was banned, entrepreneurs should clone it, steal its users and music, and release it quickly.
- Google, under Eric Schmidt's leadership, built its success on copyright infringement, later using legal teams to resolve issues.
- While this strategy worked for Google in the past, AI companies attempting the same approach won't find the same success due to the current cultural climate and their established positions.
Podcast Studio Updates
- David Pierce was absent for two weeks while the studio was being renovated. (00:00:41)
- The studio is shared with other podcasts, including one hosted by Megan Rino and Sue Bird.