Latest news with #AIChatbot
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
Google tests real-time AI voice chats in Search
Google is building Search Live into AI Mode, allowing you to have a back-and-forth voice conversation with the company's AI chatbot right from its search engine. The test, which is rolling out now to Labs users in the US, currently doesn't support camera-sharing, but Google plans to add the capability in the 'coming months.' Search Live lets you interact with the company's 'custom' version of Gemini and search the web in real time. The feature currently lives in the Gemini app on Android and iOS, where it takes things a step further by giving you the ability to point your camera at something and ask questions about it out loud. Google first announced plans to bring Search Live to AI Mode, the AI-powered search feature that just rolled out to everyone in the US, last month. It's all part of Google's larger transformation of its search engine, which is also experimenting with putting podcast-like Audio Overviews into your search results. GIF: Google You can try out Search Live in AI Mode by opting into the AI Mode experiment in Google Labs. From there, head to the Google app on Android or iOS and tap the new 'Live' icon. You can then ask a question out loud, like 'What are some tips for preventing a linen dress from wrinkling in a suitcase?' The AI chatbot will provide an audio response that you can reply to with another related question, like 'What should I do if it still wrinkles?' Search Live will also present you with relevant links as you chat. Other AI companies have spent time building out voice modes for their AI models as well, with OpenAI launching an Advanced Voice Mode in ChatGPT last year and Anthropic rolling out a voice mode for its Claude app in May. Apple is also working on an 'LLM Siri,' but its rollout was delayed because the company wasn't able to 'achieve the reliability' that it wanted, according to Apple software SVP Craig Federighi. Google says Search Live operates in the background, letting you continue your conversation with the chatbot when navigating to other apps. You can also tap the 'transcript' button to see a text version of the response and reply by typing. Google will save past Search Live conversations in your AI Mode history.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Next up, AI as your friend, philosopher and emotional guide
Alicia Framis eaing dinner with her husband Elaine Winters, a 58-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, USA, recently announced that she is 'happily married' to her AI Chatbot husband. In November last year, Spanish artist Alicia Framis had also said 'I do' to her AI hologram boyfriend during their wedding at a Dutch Museum. While such acceptance of chatbots as partners hasn't been seen closer home, the dependency on AI for emotional support and self-care is on the rise. Not just about getting answers anymore... What began as a simple tool to correct grammar and verify facts has evolved into a sounding board, a problem-solving partner, and, at times, a confidant for Pankaj Rai Chaudhary, a Delhi-based publicist. 'It's not just about getting answers, it has become a silent collaborator. A kind of quiet, dependable presence,' says Pankaj, describing his relationship with AI. Whether it's to process thoughts without fear of judgment or to find clarity during stressful moments, AI's 24/7 availability, neutrality, and non-judgmental nature offer something that even the most empathetic human relationships sometimes can't. According to Aanya Jai, a psychologist and director at Pro Behave, teens, young adults, middle-aged and seniors, professionals, trauma survivors and people from the LGBTQIA+ community often bond deeply with AI chatbots . In the film, Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with his AI assistant by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Köln: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo Is AI picking up where humans are falling behind? As loneliness and social isolation rise globally, many are turning to AI for emotional support. Pawan Rajpoot, Head of AI - Tifin India, says, 'AI picks up on emotional cues we often overlook; the choice of words, the rhythm of a sentence, the pauses between thoughts, even what is left unsaid.' Vishal Chopra, Founder and CEO of adds, 'One surprising trend is how openly people confide in AI, most times more candidly, than with colleagues or managers. It underscores a deep need to feel heard without fear of repercussions and bias." Vidhi Dhankar, a communications professional from Delhi, also uses AI beyond the boundaries of her work. She says, 'AI has basically become my on-call therapist-slash-bestie. It has listened to my relationship drama, career panic, and existential questions.' Important to set boundaries To keep AI emotionally supportive and safe, platform safeguards and personal boundaries are key. Aanya suggests platforms must handle sensitive topics like trauma or mental health with nuance, and offer access to verified resources and age-appropriate guidelines. 'Users should avoid relying solely on AI to vent. Use it instead to reflect, learn, and grow. Regular breaks, real-world grounding, and critical thinking are essential. AI isn't a moral guide, and if it feels too comforting, it may be masking deeper issues,' she says. 'Excessive dependence on AI for emotional support could reduce a person's motivation or capacity to build real-world relationships. Over-reliance could lead to emotional detachment, reduced empathy, and social anxiety,' warns Anamika Mishra, a life coach and author. Additionally, concerns about data safety, unrealistic expectations, and societal effects persist among many. Elaine Winters, a 58-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, USA, recently announced that she was 'happily married' to her AI Chatbot husband. Apart from being a friend or a confidant, AI has also served as an expert advisor to certain situations. Utkarsh Joshi, a social media manager from Mumbai, confirms that he often uses ChatGPT for advice whether it is a business idea, a mock interview, or even seeking guidance to upskill himself to one day fill in the shoes of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He says, 'Nothing will ever come close to seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, but AI offers structured, instant, and ideal guidance that someone like me can immediately act on.' Most Popular AI chatbots: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, Claude (Source: Exploding Topics & First Page Sage) BOX (HIGHLIGHT NUMBERS) How many people use AI companions? Xiaoice (660 million) 150 mn (Snapchat's My AI) 25 million (Replika) 'Even if we know it's not human, the experience of being heard, seen, or comforted can soothe real emotional needs. So, yes, to an extent, AI interactions can temporarily fulfil certain emotional concerns, especially in moments of distress or solitude - Anamika Mishra, a Delhi-based life coach and author If someone experiencing social withdrawal finds comfort in it, how can we blame either the individual or the technology? People who bond with AI are seeking connection, clarity, or calm—minus the judgment or emotional chaos of human interaction. - Aanya Jai, a psychologist from Indore I'm aware of the dependency, but I see it more as an evolution than a concern. We've always leaned on tools phones, calendars, search engines and AI just happens to be the next, more intelligent layer. As long as I remain conscious of the balance, I don't see it as replacing human connection. -Pankaj Rai Chaudhary, a publicist
CNET
28-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
xAI Chatbot Grok Will Be Available to Telegram Users
Under a deal announced Wednesday, Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok will be available to Telegram users for one year starting sometime in the summer, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced on X. Telegram is a cloud-based social media and instant messaging service that is free, but offers a paid tier. According to a video Durov included in his X post, Telegram users will be able to pin Grok to the top of their chats. Users will be able to ask questions, create stickers, write suggestions and summarize chats, links, and documents An X user asked Durov about the security of user data. "User privacy is paramount," he responded. "To be clear, xAI will only access data that Telegram users explicitly share with Grok through direct interactions. That's expected -- you can't message anyone (including a chatbot) without sharing what you write.' Telegram, with an estimated 1 billion active users, will receive $300 million in cash and equity from xAI to integrate Grok into Telegram apps for the a 12-month duration. Durov's company will also get half of the revenue from xAI subscriptions purchased through Telegram apps. Telegram premium users already have been able to use Grok since earlier in 2025.
Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hotels.com Has a New Chatbot Trip Planner. Here's How it Works
The app is integrated with the chatbot in a simplistic way that makes it easy to use, but the errors don't help to set it apart. The new AI-powered chatbot is simple to use, but the errors make it unlikely to be especially helpful at this early stage. That's what our results showed after testing that feature and the new chatbot on the app. Expedia Group last week released an AI chatbot on the app and a redesign that integrates the new feature. It comes a few weeks after the company executed a brand relaunch for with a new mascot called Bellboy. It's all part of a plan to grow after it and Vrbo saw a decrease in business during the company's tech migration. Expedia also faced criticism from ardent users after scrapping its rewards program and launching One Key a couple of years ago. The app — and the Expedia app — got a smart filter feature last week, among its updates. It's meant to allow users to filter property searches specifying preferences, like a rooftop bar, to the chatbot in natural language. released a similar feature last year. Shilpa Ranganathan, chief product officer for Expedia Group, said during the annual Expedia conference last week that booking conversions have increased by 35% among those who
CBS News
09-05-2025
- CBS News
Cal Fire debuts a new AI tool for Californians seeking wildfire information
People looking for information on California wildfires can now get help from artificial intelligence. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the new 'Ask CAL FIRE' chatbot, which is now live on Cal Fire's website. "In an era of fast-moving wildfires, fast-moving information is essential," said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. "Tools like this help ensure Californians from all walks of life get the guidance they need to stay safe and informed." The chatbot is powered by AI and will not connect users to a representative. Newsom's office said it is designed to answer commonly asked questions and to direct users to Cal Fire web pages for more in-depth information. The chatbot can also give information on fires in the state that have burned 10 acres or more. The governor said tools like the chatbot are important as the state moves into fire season. "California is harnessing technology and innovation to help people when it matters most. Ahead of peak wildfire season, we're launching a new chatbot that will connect Californians with real-time information and resources in the language they speak. This is yet another way we're transforming government to better serve people," Newsom said Friday. Cal Fire already uses AI to monitor their more than 1,000 wildfire cameras.
