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Tag: Google

  • Google introduces AI-generated answers in search results

    Google introduces AI-generated answers in search results

    In its bid to improve on its services, Google has said that it would introduce AI -generated answers to online queries, in one of the biggest changes to its world-leading search engine in 25 years.

    This innovation was made known by Google chief executive Sundar Pichai  at an event in California.

    “I’m excited to announce that we will begin launching this fully revamped experience, ‘AI overviews,’ to everyone in the US this week,”

    According to him, the innovation will spread to other countries, he added, making it accessible to more than a billion people.

    Google’s search results will feature an AI summary at the top of the page before the more typical unfurling of links.

    The AI blurbs generated by Google’s Gemini technology will offer succinct summaries of what it found on the internet with links to the online sources that supplied the information.

    “You can ask whatever’s on your mind or whatever you need to get done – from researching to planning to brainstorming – and Google will take care of the legwork,” said Google Search team boss Liz Reid.

    The change comes as Google feels growing pressure from AI-powered search engines like Perplexity, and from the repeated rumors that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is building its own AI search tool.

    Searches through AI chats have also appeared on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, with users able to get information from the web without Google.

    These alternatives are praised by some for their cleaner experience than the often cluttered results of a classic query.

    Creators and small publishers are nervous about the change, fearing users will no longer click through to websites to find information.

    Research firm Gartner predicts traffic to the web from search engines will fall 25 percent by 2026 because of AI bot use.

    Google pushed back at the suggestion that ChatGPT-style AI interactions could impact its business, which depends almost exclusively on advertising sales from its search engine.

    “We’ve found that with AI Overviews, people use Search more, and are more satisfied with their results,” Reid said.

    “You can ask your most complex questions, with all the nuances and caveats you have in mind, all in one go.”

    The company said such generative AI tools are making life easier for users, whether they’re looking for a yoga studio open on Sundays, planning a trip or preparing a meal with special dietary requirements.

    The company will also soon start testing applying AI to searches based on video content as the query source, according to Reid.

    As an example, this would allow users to ask Google to diagnose a broken appliance by filming it with a smartphone and get tips for getting it fixed.

  • 6 ways AI can boost music creativity – Google

    6 ways AI can boost music creativity – Google

    Google on Wednesday highlighted six ways Gemini could boost Africa music creativity, leveraging  Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, Gemini.

    Gemini,  formerly Bard is one of Google’s best artificial intelligence tool.

    The Communications  and Public Affairs manager, Google  West Africa, Taiwo Kola- Ogunlade  said in a statement  that becoming a global music star demanded talent, grit, and willingness to learn along the way.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that Gemini would not guarantee fame but could provide knowledge to  fuel creativity, and help one tap into the resources needed to propel  career forward.

    He said that in vibrant music communities like the ones in Lagos, Johannesburg and Nairobi, it was not just about who you know but how you connect, Gemini helped one go beyond networking.

    According  to him, it is also about  igniting  creative spark, Gemini can reignite inspiration, suggest lyrical rhymes for a song with an empowering theme.

    ‘’Gemini is your brainstorming partner, ready to push your artistic boundaries.

    ‘’Gemini can help you find your voice,  help to craft an artist’s biography that captures one’s  passion for social change through music.

    ‘’The music industry can feel like a maze – contracts, copyright laws, and navigating key players often requires insider knowledge, instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask Gemini to break it down,’’ he said.

    According  to him, Gemini  explains  answers to straight  questions in a very simple way.

    Kola-Ogunlade  said that  in the world of music, one’s style spoke volumes, Gemini helped one to  explore,  like Burna boy and Sho Majodzi,  were famed for their unique fashion sense, and helped find bold, colourful outfits inspired by their style.

    He said that beyond the music videos, in the digital age, visuals amplified one’s message, as  Gemini could spark one’s video concepts.

    According to him, the next time you are researching artist contracts, building your fan base  or brainstorming on your next music video, open your browser and type gemini.google.com, and Gemini will be your guide and partner in the thrilling musical adventure.

  • Google introduces two AI updates to search engine

    Google introduces two AI updates to search engine

    Google on Wednesday introduced two updates, Circle to Search and Multisearch in order to enhance the search experience on the search engine.

    Vice-President, Search at Google, Ms Elizabeth Reid, said in a statement that  the two updates, stemming from generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) testing, were aimed at making search more intuitive.

    Reid said that the Google mission was to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

    She also said that this had gone hand in hand with Google ongoing advancements in AI, which helped to better understand information in many forms, whether text, audio, images or videos.

    According to her, as part of this evolution, Google has made it easier to express what one is looking for in ways that are more natural and intuitive.

    “For instance, you can search with your voice, or you can search with your camera using Lens.

    “And recently, Google has been testing how generative AI’s ability to understand natural language makes it possible to ask questions on Search in a more natural way.

    “Ultimately, we envision a future where you can search any way, anywhere you want, as we enter 2024, Google  is introducing two major updates that bring this vision closer to reality,” she said.

    Reid said that Circle to Search was a new way to search anything on Android phone screen without switching apps.

    She also said with simple gestures, one could select images, text or videos in whatever way that comes natural like circling, highlighting, scribbling or tapping, and find the information needed.

    The vice-president said that starting from today, when one points a camera or uploads a photo or screenshot, and asks a question using the Google app, the new multisearch experience would show results with AI-powered insights that go beyond just visual matches.

    According to her, this gives one the ability to ask more complex questions about what one sees and quickly find and understand key information.

    AI powered search engine improves productivity, revenue, customer experience and among others.

  • Google empowers 15 Nigerian SMEs with N75m

    Google empowers 15 Nigerian SMEs with N75m

    Google has empowered 15 Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) under its Hustle Academy with the sum of  N75 million.

    The country Director, Google West Africa, Mr Olumide Balogun, said this at the Google Hustle Academy graduation on Thursday in Abuja.

    Balogun said the event was also to celebrate not only 5,300 graduands but the 10,000 businesses across Africa  and 4,400 bussiness in Nigeria that had been empowered so far by the academy.

    He said that the fund a combination of financial assistance, mentorship, and business tool would empower the NIgerian SMBs.

    “We are hopeful that this fund will further empower them to succeed and drive economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians,” he said.

    The country director said the graduates and fund recipients represent a diverse array of industries, with unique stories and vision for the future.

    He said in spite of the challenging environment, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) would still excel with the right tools, knowledge and funding.

    According to him, the passion and resilience shown by these SMEs are truly inspiring.

    ‘’The Hustle Academy is a testament  to what focused training and resources can achieve.

    ‘’We are not just celebrating their graduation today, we are recognising their potential to reshape and invigorate the Nigerian bussiness landscape,” he said.

    The Head, Brand and Reputation, Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, while presenting the 15  beneficiaries said they represent the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

    Aderemi-Makinde said the selection of the 15 recipients followed rigorous and careful process from 1,000 applications by a seasoned panel from private, government and trainers.

    She said the fund was not about Google but the impact it would create in the economy.

    In his keynote address, the Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, commended the graduates for their commitment throughout the programme.

    Odii announced the on-boarding of the Google Hustle Academy into SMEDAN licensed Business Decelopment Service Provides.

    He described SMEs as the lifeline of the economy with 96 per cent of businesses in Nigeria contributing over 49.78 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product and job creation for over 59 million people.

    ‘’Whatever learnt at the academy, the onus falls on the SMEs to go out there and reduce the high rate of unemployment  in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the  Vice President on Job Creation, Mr Tola Adekunle-Johnson, attributed youthful unrest in the country to unemployment.

    Adekunle-Johnson said the Federal Government would work with anyone or group that creates jobs for the teeming population.

    The recipients cut across various industries.

    The recipients include Ifeoma Augusta Anselem – Rae’s Clothing, Femi Bolaji – Wauley Projects Ltd., Nafisa Sabo– Pinch N’ Dash and Funmilola  Agbayewa – Segunfunmi foods Nigeria Limited.

    Others were Chigozie Bashua – The Nut Place Ltd., John Samuel Andefiki – Kita Farm, Hussaini Aliyu Baba – Lead Way Family Poultry, Aminu Abdulkarim – A.A.K. Shoes and Constance Edesiri – Stance Fashion Empire, among others.

    One of the fund recipients, Agbayewa said the Hustle Academy had equipped them with vital business knowledge and experience that would help in the growth and development of their business.
    Agbayewa, a cancer survivor, said the fund would be invested in her cancer centre foundation to address the needs of cancer patients

    The Hustle Academy is designed to address specific challenges faced by SMBs in Africa, offers practical skills and resources to help these businesses grow.

    The Hustle Academy Fund is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

  • Google introduces new Generative AI in search engine

    Google introduces new Generative AI in search engine

    Google has introduced a new Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) that transforms and creates new opportunities for content to be discovered on its search engine.

    This was made known at a media roundtable in Lagos focusing on introducing its Search Labs and Search Generative Experience (SGE) to the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region.

    The General Manager, Google Search, Africa, Ms Wambui Kinya, said at the roundtable that the SGE was a new generative AI experience in Search to help one get even more from a single search.

    Kinya said that with the new generative AI capabilities in Search, Google was taking more of the work out of searching.

    The Search Generative Experience (SGE) was initially introduced at Google’s I/O event, but was now being expanded to new locations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for an Opt-in experience in search lab.

    It is also being expanded to Spanish-speaking nations, including those in the United State of America.

    The general manager said that Google was reimagining a supercharged Search that does the heavy lifting in search engine, so one would be able to understand a topic faster, uncover new viewpoints and insights and get things done more easily.

    She said that the SGE was the first step taken in the experimental journey and a part of Google’s vision to make Search radically more helpful.

    “We are excited to bring this to the SSA region, and look forward to receiving feedback and iterating on the experience alongside our users over the next few months.

    “SGE first delivers an overview and beneath this, users will see suggested next steps where they can simply tap a query or type in a specific follow-up question.

    “This conversational experience enables people to intuitively learn more about the topic they’re exploring,” she said.

    According to Kinya, with new breakthroughs in generative AI, Google is reimagining what a search engine can do and is bringing these powerful new capabilities to Search in a bold and responsible way.

    She said that this new technology could unlock entirely new types of questions that Search could not previously answer, and transforms the way information is organised in Search to help people sort through.

    Kinya added that Google had designed the AI-powered experience to drive attention to content on the web for users to explore more on their findings.

    While speaking on the generative AI, she said ads are displayed to help people find relevant products and services.

    Kinya said: “This new generative experience search ads will continue to appear in dedicated ad slots throughout the page.

    “Google will continue to uphold its commitment to ads transparency and making sure ads are distinguishable from organic search results.

    “When Search ads do appear, they will continue to feature their industry-leading clear and transparent ad labels with the “Sponsored” label in bold black text.”

    The general manager noted that context would be carried over from question to question to help people more on their explorations.

    She said that Google had trained the models used in SGE to uphold Search’s high bar for quality, adding that this would continue to improve over time.

    According to her, these hallmark systems have been fine-tuned for decades, but will also have additional guardrails, like limiting the types of queries where generative AI capabilities will appear.

    She explained that Google was bringing the SGE as an experiment in Search Labs, available on Chrome desktop and the latest version of the Google app on Android and iOS.

    Kinya urged people to opt-in to try it out by simply tapping the Labs icon in the Google app or Chrome desktop.

  • Google celebrates Nigeria at 63 with doodle

    Google celebrates Nigeria at 63 with doodle

    Google is celebrating Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage.

    The doodle commemorates Nigeria’s Independence Day on Sunday, marking the country’s official emergence as a sovereign nation on this day in 1960.

    The doodle features Nigeria’s national flag waving against a bright blue sky to highlight the significance of Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    According to Google “ Independence Day celebrations, including the nationally televised broadcast by the President, military manoeuvres by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the raising of the Nigerian flag, and the cutting of an Independence Day cake.”

    Google also emphasized the cultural aspect of the celebrations, mentioning the popular Nigerian meal of plantains and chicken served with jollof rice, and enjoying the day with family and friends.

  • Google to support selected Nigerian SMEs with N75m grant

    Google to support selected Nigerian SMEs with N75m grant

    Google has perfected plans to support 15 Nigerian small business owners with 5 million naira through an arrangement known as Hustle Academy SMB Fund.

    According to its breakdown,  N75m equity-free fund has been dedicated to Nigerian Small and Medium-sized Businesses, an arrangement that allows 15 Nigerian small business owners to receive 5million naira each to support their businesses.

    In a statement, the firm noted that small businesses form the backbone of the country’s economy but had issues securing funding.

    The Head of Brand & Reputation, Sub Saharan Africa at Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said, “The Hustle Academy Fund is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. We are hopeful that this fund will further empower them to succeed and drive economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.”

    According to the firm, its hustle academy, introduced in 2022, has graduated over 4,000 SMEs in Nigeria.

    The Product Marketing Manager and the Hustle Academy Programme Lead at Google, Sinmisola Nojimu-Yusuf, added, “The Hustle Academy Fund provides SMBs with the resources and support they need to succeed. With equity-free funding, mentorship, and opportunities for increased visibility and networking, we are supporting SMBs to grow and thrive.

    “We are committed to supporting the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Hustle Academy Fund is a key part of that commitment.”

    The firm noted that to be eligible for the fund, businesses must be Nigerian-founded, have operated within Nigeria for 1-5 years, and have a clear and scalable business plan.
  • Google opens applications for N75m hustle Academy Fund

    Google opens applications for N75m hustle Academy Fund

    Google on Thursday called for applications for the Hustle Academy SMB Fund, a N75 million equity-free fund dedicated to the Nigerian Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs).

    Head, Brand and Reputation, Sub Saharan Africa, Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said in a statement that the initiative would offer N5,000,000 to 15 Nigerian small business owners.

    Aderemi-Makinde said that this initiative cemented Google’s unwavering commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria.

    She said that SMBs formed the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but consistently grapple with challenges, notably the perennial obstacle of securing vital funding.

    Aderemi-Makinde said that according to the World Bank, African SMBs faced a staggering finance gap of $330 billion.

    She said that additionally, only 25 per cent of SMBs in Africa had access to bank loans, a percentage that sharply contrasted the 50 per cent observed in developed economies.

    ‘’Hustle Academy Fund is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

    ‘’We are hopeful that this fund will further empower them to succeed and drive economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians,’’ she said.

    According to her, Google’s Hustle Academy, introduced in 2022, provides SMEs with business and management education, mentoring, and networking, with a particular emphasis on preparing them to package their businesses.

    Aderemi-Makinde said that it was in order to raise the necessary capital to take their businesses to the next level.

    She said that since its inception, the programme had graduated over 4,000 SMBs in Nigeria, with a notable 74 per cent from the first-year reporting marked business growth.

    According to her, the fund earmarks a N75 million pool exclusively for Nigeria to support 15 investor-ready SMBs through non-dilutive funding.

    She said that this commitment was further enriched with tailored mentorship, ensuring these businesses were primed for success.

    Also speaking, Product Marketing Manager and the Hustle Academy Programme Lead at Google, Sinmisola Nojimu-Yusuf, said that the Hustle Academy Fund provided SMBs with the resources and support they needed to succeed.

    Nojimu-Yusuf said: ”Wth equity-free funding, mentorship, and opportunities for increased visibility and networking, we are supporting SMBs to grow and thrive.”

    She said that Google was committed to supporting the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the fund was a key part of that commitment.

    According to her, to be eligible for the Hustle Academy SMB Fund, businesses must be Nigerian-founded, operating within Nigeria for 1-5 years, and have a clear and scalable business plan.

    She said that SMBs should have a track record of commitment to growth, operate in sectors aligned with the digital economy or have a digital enablement strategy.

    According to her, previous participation in the Hustle Academy programme is an added advantage.

    Nojimu-Yusuf said that applications for the fund would open on Tuesday and close on October 12th.

    She said that detailed insights into the fund and application procedures are on ‘google/hustleacademyfund’.

    Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information, make it universally accessible and useful.

     

  • Google celebrates 25 years of revolutionising information access

    Google celebrates 25 years of revolutionising information access

    Tech giant, Google is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of revolutionizing how people access and gather information.

    Starting as a modest search engine designed to help users locate answers to complex questions in an era when information retrieval meant reaching out to knowledgeable acquaintances or relying on printed materials, Google has evolved into a tech giant.

    At its core, Google’s success has been driven by users’ curiosity, as people have turned to the search engine to quench their thirst for knowledge, to seek answers to questions, and to navigate life’s complexities.

    The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, acknowledged the collaborative effort that has shaped Google’s progress, giving credit to the company’s employees, partners, and above all, its users.

    “It’s an enormous privilege to reach this milestone, and we haven’t done it alone. We may be a technology company, but Google is what it is today because of people- Our employees, our partners, and most importantly, all the people who use our products.

    “So as we celebrate our 25th birthday today, we’re also celebrating 25 years of your curiosity. After all, your curiosity is what has fueled us — and our progress,” Pichai said, noting that the evolution of Google Images was driven by users’ desire to find specific pictures.

    “Consider that in 2000 so many people rushed to Google seeking photos of Jennifer Lopez’s daring Grammy’s dress that it became the most popular search query. That search returned 10 blue links, but no green dress.

    “So our engineers went to work, brainstorming new ways to index images alongside webpages and Google Images was born, enabling you to find that one photo you’re in search of faster than ever before.

    “It’s a cycle that has repeated itself at Google time and time again over the last quarter century. Whether you want to learn how to knot a tie or plan where to tie the knot, stay healthy or stay informed — each chapter of our story has been co-authored by you,” he explained.

    Pichai also highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive progress and improve user experiences, asserting that the search for answers will propel significant technological advancements over the next 25 years.

    “Our homepage doodle today honors the evolution of the Google logo, and if you search for (or hum) birthday-related queries, you might see a little surprise. But mostly, we want to say thanks,” he added.

  • We will support Google to create 1 million jobs for Nigerian youths – Tinubu

    We will support Google to create 1 million jobs for Nigerian youths – Tinubu

    Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria will support global tech giant Google Incorporated to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by Google Global Vice President, Mr Richard Gingras.

    President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria has creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn, especially in this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.

    “I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

    “We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous,” the President said.

    On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared: “It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society.”

    In his address, the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for the West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

    He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

    Mr Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.

    He said that Google would help secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.