With AI searches are on the rise locally, Google's tailoring its solutions
Google has shared some interesting data as it relates to South Africa and the technology du jour – artificial intelligence (AI). Perhaps unsurprisingly the number of Google searches for AI has reached record levels across the globe and in South Africa too, the tech giant recently explained.
Increasing Interest in AI
Comparing AI searches from 1st January to 15th July between this year and last year have seen an increase for the former. Google reports that searches have more than doubled (120 percent-plus) since the same period last year. In South Africa, searches for “what is AI” increased by 20 percent, and searches for “how to use AI” increased by 70 percent.
South Africans Embracing AI
South Africans are showing a significant interest in AI, particularly in how it can be leveraged in their careers. The interest in utilizing AI to build careers and foster creativity is evident through trending searches such as ‘AI image generator’, ‘AI writer’, ‘online AI chat’, and ‘logo maker AI’ – all of which have shown substantial growth in interest.
Moreover, searches for ‘AI jobs’ and ‘AI course’ have nearly doubled, while searches for ‘AI and business’ and ‘AI and startups’ have also shown notable increases. This indicates South Africans' eagerness to enhance their AI skills and qualifications.
Google's Solutions and Initiatives
With access to extensive data on AI-related searches, Google is well-positioned to offer solutions to meet the growing needs and interests of users. In the enterprise space, Google provides free AI training programs through its Hustle Academy, aimed at entrepreneurs seeking to leverage AI to enhance their businesses.
Paul Mayanja, acting Google SA country director, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in creating opportunities for innovation, social progress, and economic growth. Google's commitment to empowering individuals with AI skills aligns with the aspirations of the South African populace to capitalize on this technology for personal and societal advancement.
Google's Innovation in AI
While Google faces stiff competition from the likes of OpenAI in the AI landscape, it continues to invest heavily in AI technology. The company's emphasis on utilizing search data to understand user preferences demonstrates its dedication to meeting evolving user needs.
Google's Gemini platform has rapidly evolved, with recent updates including its integration into various Google services and products. The company's strategic shift towards AI, as evidenced by developments such as Gemini Flash 1.5 model, underscores its commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions.
As South Africa embraces the possibilities of AI, Google remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to meet the needs of users.
