Google has unveiled a new feature to let users talk to its generative artificial intelligence tool, Gemini, just as they would speak to a friend or an expert over the phone.
The new tool, Gemini Live, will allow users to have a back-and-forth conversation, where they can ask questions, brainstorm strategies, share ideas and even get advice in a natural and interactive way, the Alphabet-owned company announced on Tuesday.
The significance of the new feature lies in its ability to transform AI from a static or one-way conversational tool into a more integrated and responsive assistant.
Users can pause the conversation and return to it later, or interrupt to delve deeper into specific points of interest.
It is also available hands-free. Users can keep talking with the Gemini app in the background or even when their phone is locked, like a regular phone call.
“Gemini is becoming so much more than just a chatbot,” Amar Subramanya, vice president for engineering at Google Gemini, told media while introducing the feature.
“It is your well-trained personal assistant that is getting smarter day by day. It is fundamentally a different way of providing help to users in the moments that matter to them.”
Google said that while AI unlocks powerful new capabilities, it sometimes behaves in “unexpected ways or provides inaccurate information”.
Mr Subramanya said Google is working to minimise such cases by integrating user feedback and constantly evolving the technology.
The company, based in California, is competing with Microsoft-backed Bing and ChatGPT for a greater share of the generative AI market.
It had originally launched Gemini, previously known as Bard, in February last year.
In December, Google launched its first multimodal model, Gemini 1.0, in three sizes – ultra, pro and nano.
That was followed by an enhanced version, 1.5 Pro, with a one million-token context window. The latest 1.5 Flash is trained on up to a two million-token context window.
In natural language processing, a token refers to a single word or character.
Despite serious efforts and huge investment, Gemini has yet to show any significant contribution to the company's sales.
Google services business accounted for nearly 87.2 per cent of the company’s total sales in the second quarter of this year.
It added nearly $73.9 billion to overall revenue, nearly 11.5 per cent more on an annual basis. The company did not disclose the contribution of Gemini.
Who has access to it?
Gemini Live, first unveiled at the Google I/O conference in May, was introduced on Tuesday. At first, it will be available only in English and on Android smartphones.
The company said it plans to expand it to Apple’s iOS operating system and in more languages in coming weeks.
The company is trying to make interactions feel more natural and personalised.
It is offering Gemini Live in 10 different voices, with users able to select the one that best suits their preferences in terms of tone and style.
How much will it cost?
Gemini Live is available to users who have subscribed to the paid Gemini Advanced subscription.
To gain access to Gemini Advanced, users need to subscribe to the Google One AI premium plan that costs $19.99 a month.
It is available in 150 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Users can sign in with their personal Google account. They must meet minimum age requirement of 18 years or above to use Gemini Advanced.
Growing competition in generative AI market
The introduction of Gemini Live marked an important moment in the competitive generative AI market, particularly in Google’s rivalry with OpenAI's ChatGPT.
In May, OpenAI launched GPT-4o, an updated version of the underlying large language model technology that powers ChatGPT.
Google aims to differentiate Gemini Live from the latest version of ChatGPT by emphasising natural interaction and personalisation.
Its ability to offer real-time, conversational assistance, combined with customisable voices, places it as a formidable competitor in the AI assistant market. For users, this means more customised experiences.
Regional entities are also taking aim at the leaders. In May, Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute introduced the second version of its large language model, Falcon 2, to compete with models developed by Google and OpenAI.
In the same month, Core42, a unit of Abu Dhabi's AI and cloud company G42, launched a bilingual Arabic and English chatbot developed in the UAE, Jais Chat.
And then, there's xAI's Grok, from OpenAI's friend-turned-enemy, Elon Musk.
Grok's current version, Grok-1.5, is available only to subscribers of X's Premium+ tier, which starts at $16 a month, or $168 a year.
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
The view from The National
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advana, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Fourth-round clashes for British players
- Andy Murray (1) v Benoit Paire, Centre Court (not before 4pm)
- Johanna Konta (6) v Caroline Garcia (21), Court 1 (4pm)
How to vote in the UAE
1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/
2) Take it to the US Embassy
3) Deadline is October 15
4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alaan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Parthi%20Duraisamy%20and%20Karun%20Kurien%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%247%20million%20raised%20in%20total%20%E2%80%94%20%242.5%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20and%20%244.5%20million%20in%20a%20pre-series%20A%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
