Get All Access for $5/mo

7 Big Announcements From Google I/O 2023: Google Isn't Holding Back On AI Along with announcing a new smartphone and tablet during its annual Google I/O developer conference, the company also unveiled a series of AI-powered updates that will be integrated in search, Google Workspace, and more.

By Madeline Garfinkle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The Washington Post | Getty Images
CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at the Google I/O annual developer conference at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California on Wednesday May 10, 2023.

Artificial intelligence is the buzzword of the spring season, and as tech giants race to compete in a new technological frontier, Google isn't holding back when it comes to bolstering its systems with AI updates.

During the company's annual Google I/O developer conference, a series of new updates and products were announced, nearly all of which incorporated some element of machine learning technology — from an "AI-first notebook" to a "Sidekick" in Google Docs. Here's a rundown of the conference's biggest announcements:

Magic Editor

In Google Photos, the new Magic Editor feature has the ability to recreate portions of an image that may have been cut out of the frame. During CEO Sundar Pinchai's demonstration, he used an example of a child holding a bundle of balloons, however, some are cut out.

"This is a great photo," he says, "but as a parent, you want your kid at the center of it all."

Pinchai demonstrates how users can now shift the position of people or objects in a frame to fill in parts of a scene that were not captured in the original shot.

More to come with Bard

Google is expanding the abilities of its prompt-driven chatbot, Bard, most notably making the experience more "visual." Bard will now be able to generate images from text as well as generate text from images uploaded by a user.

Additionally, Google announced that it will be removing the waitlist, as well as making Bard available in 180 countries and territories.

Generative AI

Google announced the integration of generative AI in both search and Workspace systems.

For Sheets and Docs, users can select a portion of text for image generation in a sidebar. Additionally, there will be a side panel in Docs, called "Sidekick," which will have the ability to instantly read and process the document and then offer suggestions.

One of the biggest changes Google is taking in regard to AI integration is its upcoming presence in its search engine. Google is introducing an "integrative search results page" that will give users an overview of a topic searched, as well as take on a more conversational tone by incorporating options to ask a follow-up question or view some of the search engine's suggested next steps. If you're in the U.S. you can join the waitlist for the new feature with Google Labs.

Project Tailwind

Google announced its "AI-first notebook" for Google Drive, touted as Project Tailwind. Users will have the ability to select files from Drive, and the system will generate personalized and private AI expertise on the information given, as well as pull out key concepts and questions.

Pixel Fold

The company's new smartphone, the aptly named Pixel Fold, is a foldable cell that can double as a compact tablet. The phone's ability to unfold into a tablet also allows for a split-screen feature. Its release date is June 27.

Related: Google Just Unveiled Its New Phone — and It Might Take You Back to the '90s

Pixel Tablet

Designed specifically for use in the home, Pixel Tablet offers features beyond the standard for smart tablets. The device will have the ability to sync compatible devices to turn off lights, control locks, and adjust the thermostat. It's available for preorder.

Responsible AI

While Google has embraced AI at a rapid rate, the company also stated it is committed to approaching the technology responsibly.

"While I feel it's important to celebrate the incredible progress in AI and the immense potential it has for people in society everywhere, we must also acknowledge that it's an emerging technology," said James Manyika, Google's senior vice president of technology and society, at the conference. "That's why we believe it's imperative to take a responsible approach to AI."

The company also announced two new safety features for AI in the context of evaluating images. It will be rolling out an "About This Image" feature where users can find important information about images as well as see when similar and relevant images were first uploaded. Additionally, Google announced that all of its AI-generated images will have metadata and markup, ensuring that users will have context if they encounter one of its AI photos outside of Google platforms.

Related: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Says There Is a Need For Governmental Regulation of AI: 'There Has To Be Consequences'

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Living

70% of Small Business Owners Experience Monthly Burnout. Follow These 3 Rules to Avoid the Same Fate.

Here are three guidelines to help entrepreneurs achieve balance, growth and success in both their professional and personal endeavors.

Side Hustle

At Age 15, He Used Facebook Marketplace to Start a Side Hustle — Then It Became Something Much Bigger: 'Raised Over $1.6 Million'

Dylan Zajac, now a 21-year-old senior at Babson College, wanted to bridge the digital divide.

Franchise

Kick-Start Your Small Business With These Cost Effective Strategies

Starting a small business is an exciting adventure, brimming with both opportunities and challenges. A key to success is effectively managing costs from the outset.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.