To mark the tenth anniversary of the “Google for India” event, the tech giant held an annual event on October 3, 2024 in Delhi.
During the event, Google made several crucial announcements regarding its AI tools, prolific partnerships, and more.
Key Highlights for Google for India 2024:
Some of the major updates that Google has revealed during the event include:
Gemini AI expansion:
Google announced that its advanced AI model, Gemini, will now be available in Hindi, with support for eight additional Indian languages expected soon. This expansion seeks to cater to the needs of over 40% of Indian users who interact with Gemini using voice input in their local languages.
AI Overviews
The AI Overview feature, which provides AI-generated answers for search queries, will now accessible in Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi, alongside Hindi.
Google Maps Enhancements:
Maps will now be able to generate a summary from billions of reviews and will provide alerts about weather conditions such as fog and flooding, which is particularly relevant given India’s diverse and extreme climate.
Google Pay Features:
Google Pay will have new functionalities, which include the UPI Circle, allowing users to request payments on behalf of others, and increased loan limits (up to ₹5 lakh for personal loans and ₹50 lakh for gold loans).
Data Localization:
The expansion of Google’s Gemini 1.5 Flash will allow companies to store data locally in compliance with India’s data protection regulations. Thus, it will enhance cybersecurity measures within the nation for the benefit of users.
Merchant Tools
Google has introduced new features for merchants which will enable them to add WhatsApp contact information directly to their business profiles, using messaging apps to facilitate direct communication with customers.
Open-Source AI Framework:
Google has announced a new Gemini-powered open-source AI Agent Framework in order to make AI accessible to everyone in India.
AI Skills House:
Google has introduced a new learning programme known as AI Skills House, which offers free courses on generative AI and responsible AI for students and professionals across various sectors.
Sustainability Measures:
Google has once again confirmed its commitment to sustainability by adding 186 MW of clean energy to India’s grid and partnering with the Adani Group in order to establish a solar farm in Gujarat.
Healthcare Initiatives:
Google has introduced new AI-powered tools for cancer and tuberculosis screening, which are currently being trialed in Indian hospitals. They aim to make these screenings free over the next decade, which will boost healthcare access across India.
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