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Google introduced a range of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies specifically designed for developers in India. These offerings were announced at the inaugural I/O Connect event held in Bengaluru.
The company made its quicker, more accurate large language AI model accessible to Indian developers via PaLM API, Makersuite, and features on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.
Google Cloud has officially announced a new program in conjunction with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to assist merchants in building and scaling commerce platforms across the country. Using retail AI technology and the PaLM API, the company is open-sourcing a ready implementation of ONDC infrastructure and core APIs to assist scalability and security.
Additionally, the technology giant announced a new start-up credit program in which companies that use ONDC can apply for a $25,000 grant.
Google is also open-sourcing research models and its first datasets for the benefit of Indian developers through various initiatives. Google’s collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science as part of Project Vaani will result in the release of the first batch of speech data comprising over 4,000 hours in 38 languages.
In an effort to enhance urban planning and infrastructure, Google has introduced address descriptors in their Maps Platform. This India-first experiment, available in 25+ cities, simplifies address search and navigation using landmarks and area names. Additionally, the company has provided Open Buildings information for 200+ million locations, aiding organizations in planning social and infrastructure projects in bustling urban areas.
Google will launch a Trusted Tester program to provide developers access to its healthcare AI model APIs, which can recognize pharmaceutical names in handwritten prescriptions.
Aside from these, the opening address highlighted many new AI-powered products, such as Studio Bot, which would assist developers in coding more simply, and emphasized Google’s intention to extend its footprint in India’s smart watch and smart TV segments.
Manish Gupta, director of Google Research India, told Business Standard during a Google Meet that the company will open-source the SeeGull Database to evaluate and mitigate biases in Natural Language Processing. The SeeGull Database is a global stereotype benchmark with broad geo-cultural coverage, including Indian stereotypes.
Gupta added, in response to Nasscom’s recent guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI, “We welcome efforts by policymakers around the world to develop proportional, risk-based regulations that promote reliable, robust, and trustworthy AI applications.” We were one of the first firms to publish a set of AI principles (2018), and we detect and manage risks using an AI risk-assessment approach. Responsible AI development requires a collaborative effort from government, businesses, universities, and others to help translate technology advancements into widespread benefits while reducing hazards.”
