Google announced a slew of new features for Android centered around artificial intelligence (AI) at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona. Despite concerns of Google’s Gemini platform generating troubling responses to user queries, the tech giant is pushing full steam ahead with updates for Android.

Among the new additions to Google’s Android is the Chat with Gemini feature, which allows users to access the AI platform within Messages to draft messages, plan events, brainstorm ideas, or “have a fun conversation” without leaving the app. Also announced for Android is the ability to hear auto-generated AI-generated image captions through Google Lookout for photos, online images and pictures included in messages. The update was designed with blind and low-vision communities. 

One particular criticism of Google Gemini lately is its troubles around generating inaccurate images, an issue that the company said it is addressing immediately. The statement also asserted that the image generation function is “missing the mark.” Such instances are an indication of how real-world applications of generative AI still have a long way to go as it relates to reliability. 

Additional features within Android’s updates include an update for Android Auto to leverage AI to summarize texts or busy group chats while a user is driving. Android Auto will also suggest relevant replies and actions, with the user able to tap once to send a message, share their ETA or start a call. Another update includes enhanced screen reader support for Lens in Maps to help users explore and find places like ATMs and restaurants. Now, users can point their phone’s camera at their surroundings and the TalkBack solution will read a location’s information, like its business hours, out loud. 

Android already holds a much larger share of the market than Apple’s IOS and these updates are only setting Android apart from its competitors further. This begs the question: will Apple join the AI race? Regardless of who creates the next AI and what update comes next, AI is a long way from being perfect or dependable.

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