Snapchat's My AI chatbot is now powered by Google's Gemini
What's the story
Snapchat has broadened its collaboration with Google Cloud, to enhance the generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of its My AI chatbot.
The chatbot will now utilize the multimodal features of Google's Gemini AI.
This advanced technology allows for the processing and understanding of various forms of data including text, audio, images, and videos.
Enhanced capabilities
Gemini AI powers new features in Snapchat's chatbot
Gemini AI is the driving force behind the Google Lens-like features that were recently introduced by Snapchat, at its annual Snap Partner Summit.
These new capabilities allow users to request My AI to translate an image of a foreign street sign, or choose the healthiest meal from a menu.
The integration of Gemini into My AI has resulted in over 2.5 times more engagement within the US, according to Google.
Strategic alliance
Snap CEO highlights benefits of partnership with Google Cloud
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized the significance of the company's partnership with Google Cloud in a press release.
He stated that this collaboration "reinforces everything that's so important to serving our community."
Spiegel further explained, "Snap is all about empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together."
User engagement
Google Cloud CEO praises Snapchat's user community
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian praised the Snapchat user community, for their role in adopting and interacting with the model.
He stated, "Snap's user community has really helped us not just adopt the model, but learn a lot by observing the way people talk to it."
Kurian also noted that since Snap began using Gemini earlier this year, there has been around three times more engagement from users, sending images and videos to its AI chatbot.
Future prospects
Snap considers expanding use of Gemini AI
Snap is contemplating the use of Gemini for additional features within its Spectacles smart glasses, a new augmented reality product unveiled last week.
The AR glasses are compatible with the My AI chatbot and connect to the Snapchat app.
The photo-sharing company plans to continue investing heavily in AI for other features, including better content ranking and recommendation, as well as targeted advertising.