Google's head of Android responds to criticism over the Gemini ad
Google's head of Android, Rick Osterloh, recently addressed the criticism surrounding the tech giant's "tone deaf" Gemini ad that aired during the Paris Olympics. During an interview with WSJ's Joanna Stern, Osterloh acknowledged that while the market may not be fully prepared for all the changes that come with AI, he believes in the potential of AI, specifically gen AI, to enhance productivity.
The ad in question featured a father utilizing Google's generative AI, Gemini, to compose a letter to his daughter's idol, track athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. However, many viewers expressed disappointment at the portrayal of AI taking over a traditionally human and sentimental task like writing a letter. Some critics argued that the father should have encouraged his daughter to craft the letter herself, rather than resorting to AI.
Shelly Palmer, a professor of advanced media at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, criticized the ad in a blog post, stating, "The father in the video is not encouraging his daughter to learn to express herself. Instead of guiding her to use her own words and communicate authentically, he is teaching her to rely on AI for this critical human skill... Google should be ashamed of this messaging."
Despite the backlash, Osterloh stood by Gemini's capabilities, emphasizing its efficiency as a tool for enhancing productivity. He shared a personal anecdote, highlighting how technology has evolved over time, stating, "In the past, my parents expected handwritten thank you notes, but today, I opt for emails. I can accomplish ten times more emails than handwritten notes." Osterloh expressed confidence that as people become more accustomed to technologies that aid in productivity, they will embrace them to achieve more and connect with others effectively.
While acknowledging that the ad may have missed its mark, Osterloh reiterated the intention behind promoting technologies like Gemini, emphasizing the goal of helping individuals accomplish more efficiently and meaningfully. He expressed optimism that with time, people will recognize the value of such technologies in enhancing productivity and human connection.
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