Google DeepMind CEO, Demis Hassabis, has announced that Google will be reintroducing its AI-powered image generation tool in the coming weeks, following its suspension last week due to inaccuracies in historical depictions.
The decision to pause the tool, which leverages Google’s Gemini AI models, came after users flagged instances of historical images being inaccurately generated. While Google initially offered image generation capabilities through Gemini AI earlier this month, concerns over the accuracy of historical depictions prompted the temporary suspension of the feature.
“We have taken the feature offline while we fix that. We are hoping to have that back online very shortly in the next couple of weeks, few weeks,” Hassabis stated during a panel at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. He acknowledged that the tool was not functioning as intended and that efforts were underway to address the issues.
Google’s pursuit of AI innovation has intensified since OpenAI’s ChatGPT launched in November 2022. In an effort to compete with Microsoft-backed initiatives, Google introduced its own generative AI chatbot, initially named Bard, a year ago. However, the release encountered criticism after inaccuracies were discovered in a promotional video showcasing the tool’s capabilities.
Renamed Gemini earlier this month, Google’s AI chatbot now offers paid subscription plans, allowing users to access enhanced reasoning capabilities. However, Reuters reports that despite these advancements, concerns persist regarding the reliability and accuracy of generative AI technologies.
As Google prepares to reintroduce its AI image generation tool, the company faces heightened scrutiny to ensure that historical inaccuracies are effectively addressed, underscoring the challenges and opportunities associated with advancing AI technologies in the digital age.
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
