Tech Desk 
Jun 25, 2024
Google is reportedly developing a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) programme designed to allow users to engage in conversations with celebrities, YouTube influencers, and fictional characters. This innovative project is poised to revolutionise user interaction by providing customisable chatbot experiences for entertainment purposes.
According to inside sources, the new AI programme will enable users to create their own chatbots, tailoring them by describing specific personality traits and appearances. Once created, these chatbots can be interacted with for a variety of entertainment purposes, offering a unique and personalized conversational experience.
This new initiative is set to be distinct from Google's existing customisable chatbots known as Gems, which are part of the Gemini AI programme. While Gems are designed to perform singular tasks like assisting in cooking or coding, the new chatbots will focus on emulating specific personas for more dynamic and engaging interactions.
Google’s move appears to be a strategic effort to compete with Meta, which has already introduced its own AI celebrity chatbots, and Character.AI, an AI service that offers a similar concept. The new programme suggests that Google is keen on enhancing its AI offerings to provide more believable and relatable chatbot personas.
The project is being led by a dedicated ten-member team within Google Labs, headed by Senior Google Doodle designer Ryan Germick. The team is working on refining the chatbots to ensure they emulate specific personas more convincingly, aiming to create a seamless and engaging user experience.
Rather than being a standalone product, the new AI chatbots may be integrated into YouTube. This integration would allow content creators to release AI versions of themselves, potentially boosting engagement and reach. Notably, YouTube star Mr Beast already has an AI avatar on Meta’s platforms, showcasing the potential for increased audience interaction and website visits.
The project is still under development and must pass through the Google Labs team for approval before it can be released. Google has a track record of integrating experimental tools into its mainline products, as seen with AI Overviews. This new AI initiative aligns with Google's ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its suite of AI-powered tools.
As Google continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, users can look forward to more interactive and personalised digital experiences, heralding a new era of engagement in the digital landscape.
