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Latest Google Artificial Intelligence Development - Language Models and Competitive Landscape

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Google Using Internal Resources to Test and Develop AI Language Models

Google is leveraging its internal resources and employees to test and develop advanced AI language models like LaMDA. After their latest earnings call, it became clear that Google is asking all employees to use LaMDA and provide feedback to improve the model.

In addition, Google-owned DeepMind, known for algorithms like AlphaGo that beat the world's best Go players, has also been asked to get involved with improving language AI. While Google's investments in AI are less than Microsoft's, they are still significant and show Google's commitment to developing industry-leading language AI.

Employees Testing LaMDA and Other Models

Specifically, Google has asked all employees to start interacting with and testing LaMDA, their latest conversational AI model. By having thousands of employees provide real-world feedback on LaMDA's responses, Google can identify areas for improvement and continue advancing the technology. This move to leverage Google's large workforce to test AI models internally allows rapid iteration and demonstrates that language models like LaMDA still require significant improvement before being consumer-ready.

Leveraging DeepMind and Other Acquisitions

In addition to internal testing, Google is tapping AI leaders from its subsidiaries to accelerate language AI development. DeepMind, acquired by Google in 2014, has some of the most advanced algorithms like AlphaGo and AlphaFold. Now DeepMind has been asked to assist with improving language models as well. Between extensive internal testing and incorporating breakthroughs from DeepMind, Google aims to compete with Microsoft and other tech giants racing to develop and commercialize advanced AI language models.

Comparing AI Leaders - Google, Microsoft, Amazon

When it comes to leading the artificial intelligence industry, experts believe it is still an 'open competition' between the major tech companies. While recent stock jumps for AI-related companies indicate excitement about the immense business potential, commercially viable language AI is likely still years away.

Microsoft, Google, and Amazon each make massive investments in AI research and development each year. Ultimately the company that can best integrate AI into its existing commercial products and services is likely to become the leader, though it is still too early to predict.

Current AI systems still have many limitations and narrow capabilities - they can generate news articles about basketball but cannot be trusted for most business or personal needs today. But rapid progress is being made, and AI will eventually transform industries like search and e-commerce in currently unforeseeable ways.

Current Limitations and Future Impact of AI

While AI systems like LaMDA show promise in specific domains like conversing about movies or answering simple questions, experts note AIs still have severe limitations relative to human intelligence.

In the next few years, AI will primarily replace or augment narrowly-defined jobs involving information processing rather than deeply creative, strategic, or interpersonal roles. The largest near-term impact will likely be on retraining the workforce as AIs handle more routine analytical and document processing tasks but cannot match human judgment and reasoning abilities even in specialized domains.

Real World AI Applications

Although AI systems do not yet have the flexibility or contextual understanding of human experts, many companies are already benefiting from applied AI in areas like:

  • Healthcare: Identifying disease risks, optimizing treatment plans

  • Finance: Detecting fraud, analyzing economic trends

  • Retail: Predicting demand, targeting advertising

  • Transportation: Scheduling routes, monitoring equipment

Training Data Scientists for an AI Future

While breakthroughs in deep learning and neural networks receive the most media attention, developing impactful AI solutions relies on interdisciplinary teams of data scientists, engineers, designers, and domain experts.

There is a global shortage of professionals with modern data science skills - both utilizing AI tools and knowing their limitations. Educational companies are rapidly developing programs, fellowships, and apprenticeship to meet the demand across industries for data scientists well-versed in AI.

FAQ

Q: How is Google developing AI language models internally?
A: Google is having employees test models like LaMDA and utilizing resources from DeepMind and other AI acquisitions.

Q: Who is leading in AI - Google, Microsoft or Amazon?
A: It's still an open competition between these tech giants in developing and commercializing AI.

Q: What can current AI models do?
A: They can handle basic natural language tasks but cannot be fully trusted or replace humans yet.

Q: How is AI used by companies today?
A: It helps drive decisions and solve problems in sectors like healthcare, finance, retail and more.

Q: Do data scientists need new skills for AI?
A: Yes, upskilling is required to apply AI to real world business problems.