Huge AI Upgrade Coming to Android: What's New With Google Messages?

In the ongoing battle for supremacy among tech giants - Google, Apple, and Facebook - a new and exciting twist is emerging, particularly for Android users.

According to the reports, a free AI upgrade awaits the Android users. This could mean seeing new improvements for Google Messages, Google Bard, and ad-driven AI search.

Innovation Beyond Encrypted Messaging

The fierce competition between these industry behemoths has largely focused on securing users' messaging loyalties.

Apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Google Messages have become the epicenter of our social connections. While end-to-end encryption has become standard, the challenge lies in further innovation beyond this fundamental feature.

According to Forbes, there's currently an ongoing AI space race which permits smartphones to be more efficient in daily tasks. As such, the prime example is Samsung Galaxy S24's mobile AI with Galaxy AI.

While features like Microsoft's Co-pilot and Google's Bard have shown promise, they need to be more prominently positioned to drive the next wave of user engagement.

Leveraging LLM Integration in Messaging

Google, having positioned its Messages app as the default Android alternative to iMessage, is now set to introduce a groundbreaking AI upgrade.

The upgrade involves the direct integration of Google's LLM (LaMDA Language Model) into the messaging platform itself. Unlike standalone apps or complex extensions, this promises ChatGPT-like simplicity pre-installed on every Android smartphone.

Connecting Users with Google's AI

The evolution of Google Messages as the default Android messaging app has been marked by significant milestones, including end-to-end encryption and RCS implementation.

With these achievements in place, Google's AI upgrade aims to connect Messages users not only with each other but directly with Google's advanced AI capabilities.

Bard Integration Unveiled

Recent findings from decompiling the latest Google Messages release reveal that Bard, Google's AI language model, is set to be integrated into the platform. This move aims to assist users in writing messages, translating languages, identifying images, and exploring their interests - a multifaceted enhancement beyond basic messaging functionalities.

Unlocking Advertising-Driven AI Search

The strategic move positions Google Messages as a potential shop window for its advertising ecosystem. The integration of Bard introduces a new dimension to advertising-driven AI search.

Users can seamlessly explore their interests, creating an immersive advertising experience directly within their messaging platform.

While the initial phase may involve AI text composition, image recognition, and basic information requests, the ultimate prize is AI chatbot-driven search, per 9to5Google.

As the technology advances, users can expect some nice tweaks toward turning casual chats into commerce-driven search requests, unlocking new possibilities for businesses and advertisers.

How Will Apple and WhatsApp React?

The spotlight is now on Apple and WhatsApp to respond to Google's innovative move. While Apple has integrated Siri with iMessage to some extent, the potential for a more direct comparison exists. WhatsApp, under Meta's umbrella, could leverage its recent NVIDIA acquisition to introduce similar AI-driven features.

Of course, this AI implementation won't be easily rolled out. The integration of a powerful AI chatbot by an advertising giant raises concerns about an independent user experience. Moreso, Google's approach hinges on the advertising-driven business model, where advertisers pay to reach users, and services remain free.

When Can We See Bard in Google Messages?

While no official release date has been announced, Bard is expected to make its debut in Google Messages sometime in 2024.

As the industry gears up for this transformative shift, users are encouraged to exercise caution regarding data security, as Google Messages chats with Bard lack end-to-end encryption.