Google enhances weather forecasting, Messaging, and Photo management with AI updates

With several new AI-powered features and updates, Google is making significant strides in weather forecasting, messaging tools, and photo management. Here’s a quick overview of the latest advancements:

1. GenCast AI: A Leap in Weather Forecasting

Google’s GenCast is an advanced AI weather model that improves accuracy and reliability. Built on diffusion technology, similar to what powers AI for generating images and videos, GenCast adapts to Earth’s spherical geometry to predict complex weather scenarios.

• How It Works: GenCast produces an ensemble forecast of 50+ predictions, offering a range of possible weather outcomes. This helps express uncertainty better, making predictions more balanced and accurate.
• Performance: Compared to the ECMWF’s ENS system, GenCast provides better forecasts for regular weather and extreme events like cyclones up to 15 days in advance. It was found more accurate in 97.2% of tested scenarios from 2019 data.
• Efficiency: GenCast takes only 8 minutes on a Google Cloud TPU v5 to generate a 15-day forecast, significantly faster than traditional supercomputer systems.
• Open Access: Google has made GenCast’s code and weights available, allowing researchers and organizations to integrate these forecasts into their workflows.

2. Gemini Extensions for Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp

Google has begun rolling out Gemini AI-powered extensions for its messaging and calling apps, including Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp.

• Messages Integration: Gemini can help compose, rewrite, and send messages using simple prompts. It supports conversational commands like drafting a haiku or sending a congratulatory message. However, it cannot read or summarize incoming messages.
• Phone Calls: The Phone extension enables natural voice-driven call handling. Gemini can summarize reviews, call businesses, or assist in tasks like negotiating over the phone.
• WhatsApp Support: For the first time, Gemini integrates with a third-party app, allowing users to make calls or send messages via WhatsApp using AI-driven commands.

These extensions are enabled by default but may require a restart of the Gemini/Google app to appear.

3. Google Photos: Undo Backup and Improved Features

Google Photos is introducing a new “Undo Device Backup” feature, giving users control over their backed-up media:

• How It Works: This option removes photos and videos from Google Photos without deleting them from your device. It helps users who no longer want their device media backed up.
• Steps to Undo Backup:
  1. Open Google Photos > Profile > Settings > Backup.
  2. Tap “Undo backup for this device.”
  3. Confirm the action, and backup will be disabled automatically.
• Partner Sharing Update: Google has stopped automatic sharing of third-party app photos with partners, reducing clutter and enhancing feed focus.

Additionally, Google is working on simplifying the process of setting wallpapers from Google Photos. A future update will add a “Set as wallpaper” option in the toolbar, streamlining the current multi-step process.

4. Transitioning to Google Messages from Verizon Message+

As Verizon Message+ sunsets, Google offers a guide for users switching to Google Messages:

• Customizations: Change conversation colors, adjust notification sounds, and pinch-to-zoom for font size.
• Features: Schedule messages, pin favorite conversations, and manually save media to your device.
• RCS Support: Google Messages works over mobile data and Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless communication.

Google’s continuous AI innovations are enhancing user experience across various services. Whether it’s accurate weather forecasting, smarter messaging tools, or better photo management, these updates reflect the company’s commitment to integrating AI into everyday tools.