Google I/O 2023: A Parade of AI with Questionable Utility

Google's I/O 2023 was more than just a showcase, it was a declaration. AI took center stage with every announcement seemingly connected to the latest in artificial intelligence. Yet, as with many tech extravaganzas, the question lingers: How much of this will actually translate into meaningful user benefits?

The AI Overload

From enhanced Google Bard capabilities to AI-driven features across Android, the sheer volume of AI integrations suggested a company leaning heavily into its machine learning prowess. Google is clearly betting big, but is it just a tech giant’s attempt to keep its AI credentials polished?

We witnessed a bunch of announcements about AI-infused Google Maps, AI-generated email drafts in Gmail, and even AI-enhanced photo editing. The potential is there, but if every app is AI-first, does it dilute the value of truly groundbreaking features?

Real Utility or Just Hype?

Google's newest AI features sound impressive at first glance, but the effectiveness of these tools in real-world scenarios isn't guaranteed. AI recommendations in Maps might save a few minutes, but will they become indispensable? And while AI-generated emails could make easier workflows, there's nothing revolutionary about automating mundane tasks.

Slapping a model on a GPU rental isn't a convergence thesis. For AI to truly impact our daily lives, it needs to offer more than incremental improvements or flashy demos. The intersection is real. Ninety percent of the projects aren't.

What Should We Expect?

Google is no stranger to ambitious AI promises that never fully materialize. The technology showcased might not be ready to revolutionize productivity or entertainment just yet. If the AI can hold a wallet, who writes the risk model? That’s the kind of impact AI should have, not just filling tech events with buzzwords.

Ultimately, the real measure of success will be how these AI technologies perform at scale and whether they genuinely enhance user experiences. Until then, it feels like Google is laying the groundwork, but the real test is yet to come. Show me the inference costs. Then we'll talk.