Google reportedly plans to introduce chatbots that mimic interactions with celebrities and fictional figures, using its sophisticated generative AI technology, Gemini. The project intends to highlight the versatility of its AI and attract a wider audience, reports The Information.
Celebrity Collaborations and Expected Release
The company is said to be actively engaging with celebrities and social media influencers to create these virtual avatars and in discussions with several prominent personalities to ensure their participation. The chatbots are slated for a 2024 debut, positioning Google in direct competition with Meta, which recently launched similar features on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, featuring stars like Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Brady.
Meta AI´s celebrity chatbots are based on 28 unique AI personalities that users can engage with on popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. Each of these AIs is akin to virtual companions, each with their own distinct backstory and persona. They also each have profiles on Instagram and Facebook, so users can engage with them via social media.
User-Created Custom Chatbots
In addition to celebrity chatbots, Google also reportedly plans a tool for users to create their own customized chatbots. This feature mirrors the services from Character.AI, allowing users to design and interact with personalized chatbot personas. Reports indicate that this could be integrated into YouTube, potentially boosting user engagement and activity on the platform.
There is speculation about whether Google will implement charges for these services. One potential avenue is including access to the celebrity chatbots within the Google One subscription. Currently, Google One offers the Gemini Advanced model under its AI Premium plans, which could be a pathway for monetizing the new chatbot functionalities.
The development is said to be led by Ryan Germick, a seasoned Google executive known for his role in creating Google Doodles, along with a team of ten. These chatbots will utilize Google’s Gemini language model family. Initially, these bots might be part of an experimental rollout, potentially limited to Google Labs, the company’s platform for testing new products.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:47 pm CET
