Google set the AI world alight last week with the reveal video for Gemini, their latest super-powered AI model. The video highlighted a multimodal chatbot that could react in real-time to various prompts and changes to the environment.
In the video, Gemini could recognize pictures and physical objects, while also being able to tell the difference between the two. The video highlighted the conversational ability of Gemini to verbally communicate and answer voice prompts. One of the most impressive parts of the showcase was the instantaneous connection between what Gemini was shown and told, and the response it was able to give back.
It was an impressive show of how humanity and AI can work seamlessly together. The only problem was that it was all a fallacy. Following the release of the video, Google later confirmed that the elements of the video were not conducted in real-time, nor was it responding to video cues, but static images and text prompts.
This has caused a lot of controversy, with many complaining about being misled by the product. While they have a reason to feel aggrieved, the truth is that the principles of the video should not be discounted. While what was shown may not be available when Gemini launches on December 13th, the truth is that this is a glimpse into what will be possible in the coming months and years.
The reality is that what was shown in the video is so far advanced compared to what we have seen to date. Additionally, the implications of such technical capabilities will have broad-reaching implications on how humanity interacts with AI moving forward. The challenge will be how we can effectively harness AI, like Gemini, in the real world.
It has only been roughly a year since ChatGPT was first launched for public use, and we have seen so much more come out, as AI has evolved and grown. This video will invariably become a true showcase of the technology, likely sooner than we think. Gemini appears to be another giant leap towards a new AI-powered world, and one that in all honesty, we are not yet ready for. Without solid tech solutions to harness the full power of Gemini, regulations to restrict some capabilities and ensure privacy and security are maintained, and with most consumers still in a state of nervousness and fear when seeing AI functionality, we need more time to get everything in place before something like the prospect of Gemini can come in and overhaul parts of our lives.