Google Reshuffles Assistant Unit to ‘Supercharge’ Products with A.I.

Google, the tech giant known for dominating internet search, is making moves to “supercharge” its smart assistant using advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent major reorganization of the Assistant unit, Google is aiming to incorporate large language model (LLM) technology into its voice-powered software, similar to Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa.

Peeyush Ranjan, Google’s Vice President of Engineering at Assistant, announced the reshuffle in an email to employees. The reorganization will involve a small number of layoffs, as the company focuses on delivering high-quality product experiences and harnessing the potential of generative AI to transform users’ lives.

Ranjan emphasized the opportunity to explore what a “supercharged” Assistant powered by LLM technology could achieve. A portion of the Assistant team has already started working on implementing these advancements.

Generative AI has rapidly developed in recent years, enabling intelligent and creative responses to text-based queries and the conversion of text into images. This progress has prompted Google to embed the technology into as many products as possible.

Google’s Assistant is used across various devices, including mobile and home devices like Pixel smartphones, Nest smart speakers, smart displays, smartwatches, TVs, and vehicles through the Android Auto platform.

As part of the reorganization, Google’s executives announced a dozen changes to the company’s Speech team, responsible for voice commands. Francoise Beaufays, the former head of Speech, will now work under Sissie Hsiao, who oversees Bard and Assistant.

The changes reflect an exciting moment for AI, with the demand for world-class AI-driven Speech in nearly every product. Some members of the Speech team will focus on Bard, a key component of Google’s Assistant.

The Assistant division believes that these changes will enable them to move with “speed and focus.” Google spokesperson Jennifer Rodstrom expressed the company’s excitement about exploring how LLMs can enhance Assistant and provide high-quality experiences for the hundreds of millions of people who use it every month.

The emergence of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing, both powered by generative AI models, has given users alternative ways to search for answers. This has raised the stakes for Google, as it seeks to maintain its dominance in internet search.

Google has been continuously refining Bard, which was launched publicly in March. The company has expanded Bard to over 40 languages in more countries and introduced features like audio responses, thanks to advancements in LLM technology, such as Palm 2.

Google’s reorganization and focus on incorporating generative AI technology throughout its products highlight the company’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of artificial intelligence. By leveraging LLM technology, Google aims to enhance its Assistant and provide users with even better experiences.

With hundreds of millions of people relying on Google Assistant each month, the company is dedicated to delivering high-quality experiences and exploring the transformative potential of generative AI. Google sees the profound impact that AI can have on people’s lives and is excited to harness this technology to create a surpercharged Assistant.

Google’s recent reshuffling of its Assistant unit and the incorporation of generative AI technology demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and providing cutting-edge experiences for its users. By leveraging advancements in LLM technology, Google aims to supercharge its Assistant and maintain its position as a leader in the AI industry.

FAQs

Q: What is Google’s Assistant unit? A: Google’s Assistant unit is responsible for developing and improving Google’s voice-powered software, similar to Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa.

Q: What is generative AI? A: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence technology that can generate intelligent and creative responses to text-based queries and convert text into images.

Q: Why is Google incorporating generative AI into its products? A: Google aims to embed generative AI technology into its products to enhance user experiences and stay at the forefront of AI advancements.

Q: What are some devices that use Google Assistant? A: Google Assistant is used in a variety of devices, including mobile phones, smart speakers, smart displays, smartwatches, TVs, and vehicles through the Android Auto platform.

Q: How is Google refining its Bard technology? A: Google has been continuously refining Bard, introducing features like audio responses and expanding its language capabilities. The advancements in LLM technology, such as Palm 2, have enabled these updates.

First reported by CNBC.