Google revealed an internal restructuring of its Assistant program as it emphasizes advancing AI technologies, according to internal memos. Around a dozen changes to the voice tech departments were implemented, with some employees laid off. Execs proclaimed that they intend to "rev up" Assistant through the use of Google's new large language model, Palm 2. with 'Hey Google'
Google has expressed its ambition to "supercharge" its seven-year-old smart assistant with the exploration of large language model (LLM) technology. Peeyush Ranjan, the company's Vice President of Engineering for Assistant, shared the news in an email to staff on Monday. The update will involve a few layoffs and the search for other positions within Google for the affected employees. Ranjan highlighted the possibility of generative artificial intelligence to transform the lives of people and pointed out the immense potential of what a 'supercharged' Assistant, run by LLM technology, will look like. The company has already initiated the process and a part of the Assistant division is now focused on the new project.
Coinciding with the reorganization, twelve changes were made to the company's "Speech" team that handles voice commands. Francoise Beaufays, who had been the head of Speech, is now working under Sissie Hsiao, the Executive in charge of Bard and Assistant. With the rapid evolution of generative AI, Google seeks to embed the technology into as many products as possible, particularly for smaller devices like smartphones and home assistants. Jennifer Rodstrom, a Google spokesperson, stated that the company is "excited to explore how LLMs can help us supercharge Assistant and make it even better".
The focal point of this development is to give people high-quality experiences with the speech products. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft are also embracing the capabilities of generative AI, which responds to text-based queries in a creative manner and can convert text to images. Therefore, Google is committed to a high-quality experience with its Assistant and Speech technology.
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