In its 9th edition of the Google for India event, the tech giant unveiled a plethora of innovations, emphasizing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its products and services. From enhancing the digital credit landscape to empowering small businesses and bolstering online security, Google’s initiatives aim to improve the digital experience for Indian users. Let’s delve into the key highlights and updates from the Google for India 2023 event.
Google for India: Advancing Search with Generative AI for India
Google introduced the Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment in India, offering AI-powered information overviews. Building on this, SGE now incorporates images and videos, providing users with a more visual and immersive search experience. This feature includes visual guides for local places and activities, helping users explore their cities.
Furthermore, Google is making information more accessible by offering details on over 100 government schemes in English and Hindi. Google Lens, the company’s image recognition tool, is also getting an upgrade. Users can now visually search for skin conditions by uploading a photo, showcasing the versatile applications of AI-driven search technologies.
Digital Credit Revolution with Google Pay
Google Pay is embarking on a mission to revolutionize India’s digital payment ecosystem. In their quest, they are digitizing credit with robust privacy safeguards, with the aim of expanding access to formal credit. This move is geared towards serving a broader audience, including those with lower incomes. To achieve this goal, Google Pay is introducing various merchant offerings. This includes a credit line in partnership with ePayLater and sachet loans with DMI Finance.
Transitioning to the consumer side of their strategy, Google Pay is taking steps to expand its personal loans portfolio in collaboration with Axis Bank. Additionally, they are facilitating credit lines from banks on the UPI platform, forging a partnership with ICICI Bank in this endeavor. Notably, these offerings prioritize critical aspects such as data privacy, security, consent, and user control, underlining Google Pay’s commitment to a secure and user-centric financial ecosystem.
Google for India: Empowering Small Businesses with New Tools
Google recognizes the importance of empowering small businesses in India. To enhance the shopping experience, Google is introducing several features. When users search for products, they will now see a more visual feed with filters. They will find detailed product information, pricing, and the option to set price drop alerts. Business Messages in shopping on Search will enable users to ask questions about products, and nearby stores with highlighted listings will appear for physical inspection.
The new Google Merchant Center Next employs AI to assist small businesses by populating their online feeds with information from their websites and providing insights on top-selling products. These features aim to improve the overall shopping experience, benefiting buyers and sellers.
Enhancing Online Security with AI
In 2023, Google is strongly emphasizing online safety and security, particularly in India. Google Play Protect, a built-in security feature, is being upgraded. It will introduce real-time scanning at the code level to combat novel malicious apps that may employ AI to evade detection. Users will receive recommendations for a real-time app scan when installing apps that have not been previously scanned. Google remains committed to fostering digital security and protecting users from evolving scams, malware, and fraud.
Google’s Commitment to “Make in India”
As a momentous stride in its expansion strategy, Google has disclosed its ambitions to commence the production of Pixel phones in India. This initiative will commence with the eagerly awaited Pixel 8, slated for market debut in 2024. Within this strategic framework, Google’s Head of Devices, Rick Osterloh, has publicly confirmed the company’s intent to forge partnerships with global manufacturers. This would pave the way for the establishment of manufacturing facilities within the nation.
This strategic decision not only serves the immediate local demand for Pixel phones but also prominently underscores Google’s unwavering commitment to ‘Make in India,’ a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering and promoting local production.
