Google AI & device event underway: Here's what to know

The Google AI and device event highlights the launch of Google Live, a new conversational chatbot that integrates with various apps and services, showcasing Google’s focus on practical AI applications through its Gemini model. The event emphasizes Google’s commitment to responsible data handling and contrasts its software-centric AI strategy with Apple’s hardware-dependent approach, positioning Google as proactive in the competitive AI landscape.

The Google AI and device event is currently taking place, with Google’s shares experiencing a notable increase of nearly 6% over the past week. The event is focused on artificial intelligence, showcasing Google’s new conversational chatbot, Google Live, which integrates with various apps and services on users’ devices. This chatbot is designed to function similarly to OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.0, emphasizing the practical applications of AI in everyday tasks.

Google’s head of devices highlighted that the primary concern for users regarding AI is its utility—essentially, what AI can do for them. The centerpiece of Google’s AI strategy is a model called Gemini, which is being integrated into the entire operating system. Unlike previous events, the demonstrations at this event are live, albeit with some glitches, showcasing a personal assistant capable of performing more complex tasks, such as creating calendar events based on email content.

A significant aspect of the event is Google’s commitment to responsible data handling, especially as users share more information than ever. Google Live is currently available to advanced subscribers, while Apple’s AI features are expected to be released later, potentially in spring or fall of the following year. This timing difference highlights Google’s proactive approach in the AI space.

The discussion also touches on the differences between Google’s and Apple’s AI strategies. While Apple relies on specific hardware capabilities within its devices to enhance its AI offerings, Google is focusing on software that can be deployed across a wide range of devices. This approach allows Google to leverage its Android operating system, which holds a substantial market share, making its AI features accessible to a broader audience.

In conclusion, the event underscores the competitive landscape of AI technology between Google and Apple. Google’s strategy emphasizes immediate availability and integration across various devices, while Apple’s approach is more hardware-dependent and limited to specific models. As the keynote continues, further insights into Google’s AI strategy and its implications for the tech industry are anticipated. CNBC’s Deirdre Bosa joins ‘The Exchange’ to discuss the latest developments happening in technology.