Here are the top five tech news highlights in India for today, October 9, 2024:
- Google’s AI Initiatives: At the Google for India 2024 event, several AI-focused announcements were made, including the launch of the Google Safety Engineering Center to tackle fraud and scams in India. Additionally, Google introduced the AI Skills House to provide free AI training through YouTube and Google Cloud, focusing on empowering students, merchants, and professionals.
- Amazon Great Indian Festival: The Amazon Great Indian Festival is ongoing, with huge discounts on Diwali decor items such as lamps and chandeliers, offering over 70% off. This festive sale is a major event for tech shoppers, including deals on gadgets and home electronics.
- Satellite Texting via iPhone: Apple has announced a feature for iPhone users that allows them to send text messages via satellite in cases where cellular service is unavailable, such as during natural disasters like Hurricane Milton.
- AI Literacy Expansion in India: Google’s partnership with the Central Square Foundation and Rocket Learning is aimed at enhancing AI literacy across India’s educational sector. The goal is to introduce an AI tutor to help children learn basic skills like reading and writing.
- Open-source AI Framework: Google also announced an open-source AI agent framework powered by its Gemini AI model. This aims to make AI more accessible to the general public in India, streamlining the availability of information across various domains.
These developments reflect India’s growing focus on AI integration, digital infrastructure, and consumer technology upgrades.
Google has launched several AI-focused initiatives as part of its Google for India 2024 event. Here are the key highlights:
- Google Safety Engineering Center (GSEC): Google is setting up this center in India to address fraud and online scams. The GSEC will involve safety engineers, policy experts, and local authorities to bolster user protection and combat online threats.
- AI Skills House: This initiative provides free AI training to students, teachers, merchants, and professionals across India. Courses will be available on platforms like YouTube and Google Cloud Skills Boost, aiming to improve AI literacy and skills for diverse groups.
- AI Tutor for Children: In collaboration with the Central Square Foundation and Rocket Learning, Google is working on an AI-powered tutor. This tool will help children develop foundational skills like reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Open-source AI Agent Framework: Google also introduced an open-source framework powered by Gemini AI. This platform will offer users access to a range of services such as job opportunities and product information, all in one place.
These initiatives reflect Google’s push to make AI more accessible and beneficial to the Indian population, supporting education, security, and digital public infrastructure.
The Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024 is currently underway, offering significant discounts across various product categories, including electronics, home decor, and gadgets. This sale has emerged as a go-to event for shoppers in India during the festive season, particularly for Diwali.
Key Highlights:
- Massive Discounts: The festival provides up to 70% off on a wide range of products, including Diwali decor items like lamps and chandeliers.
- Tech Deals: Gadgets such as smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches are seeing notable price cuts. The festival often includes exclusive launches and significant discounts on brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple.
- Bank Offers: Partnering with major banks, Amazon is offering additional savings through cashback and no-cost EMI options for customers using specific credit and debit cards.
- Extended Dates: The sale runs through much of October, offering new deals every day and flash sales on popular items, ensuring there’s something for everyone throughout the event.
With heavy promotions and discounts, this sale is one of India’s biggest shopping events, catering to the demands of tech enthusiasts and festive shoppers alike.
Apple has introduced a new satellite texting feature for iPhone users, aimed at keeping people connected during emergencies when cellular service is unavailable. This service allows users to send text messages via satellite, which can be particularly useful during natural disasters like hurricanes, where mobile networks and Wi-Fi might be down.
Key Points:
- When Cell Networks are Down: The feature is designed to help users stay connected in critical situations where standard communication channels are disrupted.
- Emergency Connectivity: The satellite texting service will enable users to communicate with emergency services or loved ones even when in remote areas or during network outages.
- Use Cases: It’s especially relevant in disaster-prone areas, where maintaining communication is vital for safety and rescue operations.
This feature enhances the iPhone’s utility in emergency preparedness and disaster management, aligning with Apple’s focus on user safety and connectivity innovations.
Google is actively working to expand AI literacy across India, targeting various segments of the population, including students, teachers, and professionals. This initiative is part of Google’s broader AI-driven vision to empower individuals and communities with the necessary skills for the future.
Key Initiatives:
- AI Skills House: Google introduced this platform to offer free AI courses to students, teachers, merchants, and professionals. These courses are accessible via platforms like YouTube and Google Cloud Skills Boost, allowing widespread access to advanced AI training.
- AI Tutor for Children: In collaboration with the Central Square Foundation and Rocket Learning, Google aims to create an AI-powered tutor. This tool will help children learn fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. The focus is on making education more engaging and accessible through AI.
- Partnerships for AI Awareness: Google.org is funding efforts to enhance AI awareness, focusing on educational institutions and organizations. These partnerships are crucial in spreading AI knowledge and integrating it into India’s education system.
This push for AI literacy aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global leader in AI and digital infrastructure, preparing the next generation with the skills required in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Google has introduced an open-source AI Agent Framework powered by its Gemini AI model as part of its Google for India 2024 initiatives. This framework is designed to democratize AI by making it more accessible to individuals, businesses, and developers in India.
Key Features:
- Open-source Accessibility: By making this AI framework open-source, Google is encouraging widespread adoption and customization. Developers can build on this platform to create tailored AI solutions for various needs, such as automating tasks or enhancing customer service.
- Gemini-powered: The framework is powered by Google’s Gemini AI, which enhances its ability to understand and process vast amounts of data, making it ideal for services like job listings, product information, and more.
- Comprehensive Services: The AI Agent Framework will allow users to access diverse services, such as discovering job opportunities, navigating complex information systems, and receiving personalized recommendations. This can potentially streamline services across different sectors.
Google’s initiative to open-source this framework reflects its commitment to fostering AI development and enabling innovation at a grassroots level, especially in a rapidly digitizing market like India.
