Annual Developer Conference Announcement: Search Like Chatting with a Chatbot
Collaboration on Smart Glasses with Samsung Following XR Headset
Google, the world's largest search engine company, has announced plans to introduce features that allow users to search not only by entering keywords, but also using voice and video, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). The company is also developing smart glasses in partnership with Samsung Electronics and the Korean fashion eyewear company Gentle Monster.
'AI Mode' Enables Search by Voice and Video
On May 20 (local time), Google held its annual developer conference (I/O) in Mountain View, California, and unveiled new search features that incorporate generative AI on a large scale.
Google has renamed its AI-powered search summary feature from 'AI Overview' to 'AI Mode' and significantly expanded its capabilities. AI Mode is powered by Google's latest AI model, Gemini 2.5. Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, stated in his keynote speech, "AI Mode is a new feature designed for users who want AI to handle everything from search and analysis to summarization and delivering results," adding, "It represents the future of search, moving from information to intelligence."
AI Mode features multimodal capabilities, combining various types of information such as text, photos, videos, and voice. Users can interact with the AI chatbot as if having a conversation, not only by entering search keywords but also by typing sentences and follow-up questions.
The 'Search Live' feature, which enables real-time search using a smartphone camera, has also been added to Google Search. When users show something they are curious about to the camera, the AI instantly provides relevant information or explains it via voice. The 'Deep Search' function, which allows the AI to understand user queries and autonomously explore vast amounts of information to deliver comprehensive reports or in-depth answers, has also been integrated. Additionally, agent features such as ticket booking, restaurant reservations, and service requests are included. AI Mode is now available to all users in the United States and will be expanded to other countries in the future. However, the specific timeline for expansion to other countries has not been disclosed.
Developing Smart Glasses with Samsung Electronics and Gentle Monster
Google announced that it is developing smart glasses through a technology partnership with Samsung Electronics. The two companies are already working together on an extended reality (XR) headset and are now expanding their collaboration to smart glasses. The glasses are being designed with the help of Korea's Gentle Monster and the American eyewear brand Warby Parker. Shahram Izadi, Vice President of Android XR at Google, said, "Wearing these glasses will give you superpowers," and added, "We are bringing the power of Gemini Live?a natural form for AI?to wherever you are." Gemini Live enables AI to recognize video in real time and converse with users, just as people see and interact with the world around them.
On this day, Google also demonstrated the smart glasses. The smart glasses, connected to the user's mobile phone, displayed information through a lens-embedded display. Google Maps could be shown right in front of the user's eyes, allowing them to navigate without checking their smartphone. During conversations with foreigners, real-time translated text appeared in speech bubbles. The AI, using the camera in the glasses, recognized the surrounding environment and even remembered objects passed during recording, notifying the user later. The smart glasses are equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker. They are linked to the user's mobile phone, enabling users to answer calls, send messages, and use applications without taking their phone out of their pocket.
In addition, Google unveiled 'Veo 3,' an upgraded version of its existing video generation AI model 'Veo 2' with added audio capabilities. The company also introduced 'Imagen 4,' the latest image generation AI model with maximized clarity. Furthermore, Google announced the launch of 'Flow,' an AI filmmaking tool that integrates Veo, Imagen, and Gemini to create cinematic scenes and stories. Google has released the 'Google AI Ultra' package in the U.S. market, which allows users to access Veo 3, Imagen 4, and Flow together for $249.99 per month (approximately 350,000 won).
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