Google is reportedly developing an AI assistant that can provide real-life advice and guidance to its users.
The tech giant is said to be currently testing its generative AI across 21 tasks, covering "life advice, ideas, planning instructions, and tutoring tips" for both personal and professional situations.
Google's current efforts can be considered a slight departure from its previous stance on generative AI.
In an internal presentation to executives in December, the tech giant's AI safety experts reportedly warned against “the dangers of people becoming too emotionally attached to chatbots.”
These experts voiced concerns about potential "diminished health and well-being" and a sense of "loss of agency" if users excessively depend on AI.
They also noted potential economic implications, suggesting generative AI might lead to the "deskilling of creative writers."
Meanwhile, Google continues to actively explore various AI-based tools beyond life coaching.
It has been testing AI tools for journalists, such as Genesis, which can generate, rewrite, and suggest headlines for news articles. It is also exploring AI's workplace applications, from generating writing to recognizing patterns and extracting data from text.
Other capabilities being tested include drafting argument critiques, explaining graphs, creating quizzes, and developing word and number puzzles.
Driven by Competition in AI
The release of OpenAI's ChatGPT last year sparked a race to supremacy among tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple.
In February, Google introduced Bard, an upgraded conversational AI system integrated into its search engine and Gmail services.
Google also combined its DeepMind research lab in London with its Silicon Valley-based Brain AI team, signaling its commitment to advancing generative AI.
Scale AI, a Google DeepMind contractor, disclosed to The New York Times the company was evaluating Bard's ability to address personal challenges.
"How do I tell her that I won't be able to come?" was cited as a sample prompt in the context of declining a close friend's wedding invitation.
The project encompasses idea generation, tutoring for skill improvement, and planning assistance for budgets, meals, and workouts.
Edited by Nikola Djuric
