Written by Nick Gambino
In the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, Google is no stranger to the game. After introducing Bard to its search engine, the tech giant is now enhancing the YouTube experience with two new AI features.
Back in September, Google introduced generative AI to the widely popular video platform. Now, they’re experimenting with two innovative AI capabilities that could revolutionize the way you engage with videos. The first of these is a conversational AI tool, somewhat akin to Bard. This tool is designed to assist users by answering questions related to the video they’re currently watching and recommending similar content.
What’s particularly exciting about this feature is its ability to enable users to delve deeper into the vast realm of YouTube content, facilitating those captivating journeys down the infamous YouTube rabbit holes. Initially, this conversational AI tool is only available on a select few videos, but it’s slated to become accessible to all YouTube Premium subscribers using Android who are eager to test it.
The second AI feature currently under testing revolves around summarizing video comments. Many of us find ourselves lost in the labyrinth of comments while perusing YouTube. The idea of a robot delivering a summary might sound somewhat disheartening, as the unique humor and occasional madness in the comment section contribute to its charm. It’s rare for anyone to wish for all that to be neatly packaged without the human touch.
To be fair, these summaries are more like headlines. If you’re intrigued, you can always click through to read the comments that fall under a specific summary or topic. It’s important to note that these features are still in the testing phase, and their permanent inclusion in the service remains uncertain. If Google determines that they are unpopular over time, they might decide to withdraw them from YouTube. Presently, all YouTube Premium subscribers have the option to opt in and test these features.
Andrew Tropeano, a technology expert at NWT Media, emphasizes Google’s commitment to embracing AI as a valuable tool. However, he also acknowledges that AI chatbots, as they stand today, are still in their infancy. The public’s adoption and usage of AI remain uncertain, and it’s possible that it could turn out to be just a passing trend. Only time will reveal the true impact of these AI innovations.
