Google for India 2024: Latest AI Features and Other Announcements

To mark the tenth anniversary of the "Google for India" event, the company held an annual event on October 3, 2024, focussing on AI advancements tailored for India, including updates on Android, Google Assistant, and other tools.

The company announced new advancements and features, such as Gemini Live and AI Overviews on Search, to expand its support for Indian languages.

Additionally, Google is introducing new features in India to enhance the user experience and combat scams. Users can now search with video using Google Lens, get AI-generated summaries of reviews on Google Maps, and receive real-time weather alerts. 

Indian businesses can use AI to create product videos and generate descriptions. To protect users from scams, Google is testing a new feature called enhanced fraud protection. This tech giant has also partnered with several Indian companies for various initiatives.

Key Highlights for Google for India 2024

1) Gemini AI Expansion

Google announced that its advanced AI model, Gemini, is now available in Hindi, with support for eight additional Indian languages expected soon. This expansion aims to cater to the needs of over 40% of Indian users who interact with Gemini using voice input in local languages.

2) AI Overviews

The AI Overview feature, which provides AI-generated answers for search queries, is now accessible in Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi, alongside Hindi. This feature aims to enhance the user experience by delivering localised content.

3) Healthcare Innovations

Google is introducing AI-powered tools for cancer and tuberculosis screening, currently being trialled in Indian hospitals. The goal is to make these screenings available for free over the next decade, significantly improving healthcare access in India.

4) Google Maps Enhancements

Updates to Google Maps include real-time alerts about weather conditions such as fog and flooding, which are particularly relevant given India's diverse climate. Users will also benefit from features that summarise places and reviews.

5) Google Pay Features

Google proudly connects 35 million customers through its payment services, making it easier and more convenient for everyone. New functionalities in Google Pay 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.

6) Merchant Tools

Google introduced features for merchants, enabling them to add WhatsApp contact information directly to their business profiles. This will facilitate direct communication with customers via messaging apps.

7) Data Localisation

The expansion of Gemini 1.5 Flash allows companies to store data locally in compliance with India's data protection regulations, enhancing cybersecurity measures within the country.

8) Sustainability Initiatives

Google reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by adding 186 MW of clean energy to India’s grid and partnering with the Adani Group to establish a solar farm in Gujarat.

9) AI Skills House

A new learning programme called AI Skills House was introduced, offering free courses on generative AI and responsible AI for students and professionals across various sectors.

Conclusion

The Google for India 2024 event showcased the company’s dedication to enhancing the digital experience for Indian users through innovative technologies. 

With the expansion of its Gemini AI model into multiple languages, improvements in healthcare screening, and new features in Google Maps and Google Pay, Google aims to cater to the diverse needs of the Indian population. 

Additionally, the focus on sustainability and local data storage reflects a commitment to responsible growth. Overall, these announcements highlight Google's ongoing efforts to empower individuals and businesses in India while embracing the future of technology.