Google unveils Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a and AI features to search - Check price and other details

Google Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Tablet: Alphabet Inc's Google is rolling out more artificial intelligence for its core search product, hoping to create some of the same consumer excitement generated by Microsoft Corp's update to rival search engine Bing in recent months. At its annual I/O conference in Mountain View, California, on Wednesday (May 10), Google offered a new version of its namesake engine. Called the Search Generative Experience, the revamped Google can craft responses to open-ended queries while retaining its recognizable list of links to the Web.

Sundar Pichai, Alphabet's CEO, said at the event that Google is integrating generative AI into search as well as products such as Gmail, which can create draft messages, and Google Photos, which can make changes to images like centering figures and coloring in empty space.

Alphabet's shares rose 4 per cent on Wednesday. They are up 26 per cent so far this year, compared with the 8 per cent rise in the S&P 500 index in the same time frame. U.S. consumers will gain access to the Search Generative Experience in the coming weeks via a wait list, a trial phase during which Google will monitor the quality, speed and cost of search results, Vice President Cathy Edwards said in an interview.

Google's foray into what is known as generative AI comes after the startup OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, the darling chatbot of Silicon Valley that launched a furious funding race among would-be competitors. Generative AI can, using past data, create brand new content like fully formed text, images and software code.OpenAI, backed by billions of dollars from Microsoft and now integrated into Bing search, has become for many the default version of generative AI, helping users spin up term papers, contracts, travel itineraries, even entire novels.

For years the top portal to the internet, Google has found its own perch in question since rivals began exploiting the technology. At stake is Google's slice of the gigantic online advertising pie that the research firm MAGNA estimated at $286 billion this year.

As well, Google released a new foldable Pixel smartphone that lets consumers use the company's AI. To start the phone will be priced at $1799 or Rs 1,47,518 (approx) and come with a free Pixel Watch. Google also unveiled a $499 or Rs 40,918 (approx) phone called the Pixel 7A, available for order starting Wednesday.