Google’s Cloud Next 2024 event is happening in Las Vegas until Thursday, bringing a lot of updates related to the cloud. This includes news about Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, as well as other AI topics, devops, and security.
The previous year marked the first in-person Cloud Next event since 2019, where Google highlighted its commitment to AI. This included introducing Duet AI for Gmail and new features, such as adding generative AI to its security offerings and updates aimed at businesses.
Can’t catch the entire Google keynote event? No worries; we’ve got a summary of the key highlights below, plus some extra insights from the TechCrunch crew who were there.
Besides the updates from Tuesday, Google also shared content for those not at the event with a developer-focused stream on Wednesday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. PT.
Google Vids
Big Tech is focusing on using AI to assist clients in making imaginative content, and on Tuesday, Google launched its own solution. Called Google Vids, this new AI-driven tool for making videos is now part of Google Workspace.
Google says with this tool, users can create videos while using other Workspace applications such as Docs and Sheets. The tool includes features for editing, scripting, and producing videos. Plus, it allows real-time teamwork with others through Google Vids.
Gemini Code Assist
If Google’s new Gemini Code Assist, a tool designed for businesses to help with coding and providing assistance, seems familiar, you’re not mistaken. According to TechCrunch’s Senior Editor Frederic Lardinois, Google had a similar service before, known as Duet AI, which is no longer available.
Now, Gemini has taken its place. Code Assist is competing directly with GitHub’s Copilot Enterprise. Here’s the reason.
Furthermore, in the latest episode of TechCrunch Minute, Alex Wilhelm discusses how Gemini Code Assist stacks up against Copilot, including what it could mean for developers in terms of challenges and advantages.
Google Workspace
Google has introduced several new updates, including a voice command that activates the AI-driven “Help me write” feature in Gmail for users on the move. Another update for Gmail allows users to quickly refine draft emails into more complete versions.
In Sheets, there’s a new option to send a customized notification when specific data changes. Additionally, new templates are now available to simplify the creation of spreadsheets.
For those who use Docs, tab support has been added, which Google says helps keep information organized within one document rather than having to link to several ones or sift through Drive. These updates are initially available to subscribers.
Moreover, Google plans to offer two of its latest AI functionalities within the Google Workspace suite as paid additions, at a rate of $10 per month per user.
One is an AI tool for meetings and messaging that can take notes, summarize meetings, and translate content into 69 languages. The other is an AI security feature designed to help administrators enhance the security of Google Workspace content.
Imagen 2
In February, Google introduced an image creation feature within Gemini, its AI chatbot, but quickly withdrew it after it mistakenly added unwanted details related to gender and race in images of people, leading to inappropriate results.
As we awaited its comeback, Google launched a more advanced image creator, Imagen 2, as part of its Vertex AI platform, targeting business users. Imagen 2 is now widely available and introduces exciting features such as inpainting and outpainting.
It also introduces what Google terms “text-to-live images,” allowing the creation of brief four-second video clips from text descriptions, similar to AI video-making tools like Runway, Pika, and Irreverent Labs.
Google Vertex Al Agent Builder
Introducing Google’s Vertex AI Agent Builder, a new tool designed to assist businesses in creating AI agents.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian explained, “With Vertex AI Agent Builder, creating conversational agents is straightforward and fast.
This tool enables the creation and deployment of conversational agents powered by generative AI. These agents can be trained and directed just like people to enhance the accuracy and quality of their responses.”
The tool uses a technique known as “grounding” to ensure that the responses are based on reliable information. In this instance, it uses Google Search as the basis for accuracy, though the reliability of the information can vary.
What we think?
I think Google’s Cloud Next 2024 is going to be huge. They’re showing off new AI stuff like Google Vids for making cool videos and Gemini for coding help.
They’ve also updated Google Workspace with smart features to make work easier. Plus, there’s Imagen 2 for making pictures and even short videos from words, and a new tool called Vertex AI Agent Builder for smart chat agents. It sounds like a lot of new tech to explore!