I’m not a big fan of AI lately. It seems to pop up everywhere online, often without much thought. But I have to hand it to Google—they’re finding smart ways to use AI to really improve their products.
Take Google Home, for instance. With their new Gemini feature, it offers impressive tools. For example, you can now label footage from your Nest cameras and easily search through it using natural language. Instead of scrolling for ages, you just ask a question in the Home app. This shift saves time and makes the technology feel more accessible.
It’s not without its hiccups; it still needs some refinement. However, the overall improvements have made using Google Home more enjoyable.
Then there’s the revamped Fitbit app. It now includes an AI coach who helps you reach fitness goals through simple conversations. I’ve started using it myself. As someone who struggles to include strength training in my routine, the Fitbit Coach has helped me stay on track. If I’m sore or have other plans, I can just let the coach know, and it quickly adjusts my plan. This flexibility makes it user-friendly—everything is designed to feel straightforward.
Both examples show that AI can shine when it’s used thoughtfully. Instead of feeling like a gimmick, these features actively enhance our daily lives.
Interestingly, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that while many people appreciate the benefits of AI, 64% feel it poses risks that could outbalance its advantages. These mixed feelings are something Google seems to be addressing by focusing on practical uses of AI.
In a world that’s always changing, it’s refreshing to see technology like what Google is doing with AI genuinely improving how we interact with our devices.
For more on the state of AI and how companies are adapting, check out this Pew Research study.
