Weekly Tech Recap: Meta AI Launches in India, Google Translate Adds 7 New Indian Languages, and More

Keeping up with the latest tech news can be challenging amidst our busy lives. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of this week’s top tech stories. From Meta’s AI assistant debuting in India to Google Translate expanding its language support, here’s what you need to know.

1) Meta AI Launches in India

Meta has introduced its AI chatbot, Meta AI assistant, to users in India. You can now access it through WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, as well as a dedicated website at Meta.AI. Although Meta AI was unveiled over two months ago and made available in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, India was initially left out, possibly due to the Lok Sabha elections.

Meta AI can be used for searches on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. It also provides real-time search results from Microsoft and Google, making it useful for group chats to plan trips or find the least crowded routes.

2) Google Translate Adds 7 New Indian Languages

Google has significantly expanded its Google Translate service by adding support for 110 new languages, making it the largest update in the tool’s history. The total number of supported languages is now 243.

This expansion was made possible by Google’s in-house PaLM 2 large language model (LLM), which uses AI to learn new languages, especially regional dialects. The seven new Indian languages added are Awadhi, Bodo, Khasi, Kokborok, Marwadi, Santali, and Tulu.

3) OpenAI Develops CriticGPT

OpenAI has announced a new AI model called CriticGPT, designed to identify and fix mistakes in code generated by GPT-4. According to a blog post, CriticGPT uses the reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) framework, which combines machine output with human input to improve AI systems.

Although still under development and not yet available to users, CriticGPT aims to enhance the quality of AI-generated code. OpenAI’s tests showed that people using CriticGPT to review code performed better 60% of the time compared to those who didn’t use it. The research findings have been published in a recent paper.

4) Amazon’s Metis AI Chatbot

Amazon is reportedly working on a new AI chatbot project called Metis, which aims to compete with existing models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. According to Business Insider, Metis is expected to revolutionize user interaction with advanced AI capabilities.

Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Metis is set to debut at Amazon’s annual Devices and Services event in September 2024. The chatbot will use Amazon’s proprietary AI model, Olympus, which promises enhanced functionality. Unlike traditional models, Metis will be accessible via web browsers, making it widely available.

5) Made by Google 2024 Event Announced

Google has announced that its “Made by Google 2024” event will take place earlier than usual, on August 13. Traditionally held in October, this year’s event has been moved up by two months, sparking excitement about early product launches, especially the anticipated Pixel 9 series.

The event will be held at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, instead of the usual New York venue. It will start at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST). While live stream details are yet to be shared, the early announcement has already set high expectations. According to 9To5Google, the event will focus on “Google AI, Android software, and the Pixel portfolio of devices,” likely introducing the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. A brief teaser video has already confirmed the Pixel 9 Pro’s launch.

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