At the **10th edition of the Google for India** event, held recently, Google celebrated significant milestones while unveiling an impressive array of **India-centric features** that demonstrate the company’s commitment to enhancing the user experience and addressing local needs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This year’s event marked a notable milestone for Google, celebrating **20 years of operations in India** as it continues to adapt its services to better serve the diverse Indian population.
A primary focus of this year’s event was **artificial intelligence (AI)**, specifically highlighting **Gemini**, which is described as “its most capable AI model yet.” This cutting-edge model has been designed with Indian users in mind, addressing linguistic and cultural nuances that make it particularly relevant in the Indian context. One of the standout features introduced was the availability of **Gemini Live** in **Hindi**, expanding on its previous support for English. Google reported that an impressive **over 40% of Gemini's Indian language users utilize voice input**, showcasing the increasing trend of voice-assisted technologies among Indian users, especially in regional languages. Furthermore, the announcement of support for **eight additional Indian languages** shortly indicates Google’s dedication to catering to India’s vast linguistic diversity and ensuring that its technologies are accessible to all.
In another significant move, **Google AI Overview**, which was already available in Hindi, has expanded to include **Bengali**, **Telugu**, and **Marathi**. This inclusion signifies a step towards making AI tools more widely accessible, reflecting Google’s commitment to enhancing user engagement in various regional languages and improving user interactions with its services.
Beyond language support, Google introduced two new **real-time weather updates** within **Google Maps**, aimed at increasing user safety by enabling users to report and receive alerts about hazardous conditions, such as **fog** and **flooding** on the roads. This feature is crucial, especially in regions prone to adverse weather, as it allows drivers to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions.
In a groundbreaking health initiative, Google announced plans to deploy AI models for **cancer and tuberculosis screenings** in collaboration with hospitals across India. By leveraging advanced AI technology, Google aims to improve health outcomes for countless individuals, particularly in underserved areas. The company expressed its commitment to offering these screenings for free over the next decade, which could significantly enhance healthcare accessibility and quality in the country.
In terms of financial technology advancements, Google emphasized its substantial impact through its payment services, asserting that it connects **35 million customers** in India. A notable feature introduced is **UPI Circle**, available on **Google Pay**, which allows users to request payments from others, simplifying transactions for individuals without bank accounts—such as children. This innovative feature enables families to manage payments more effectively, fostering financial inclusion among younger users. Additionally, Google announced an increase in its loan limits to **₹5 lakh** via Google Pay, along with the option to apply for **gold loans** of up to **₹50 lakh**, thereby expanding financial opportunities for users across the country.
Another noteworthy enhancement for businesses in India is a new feature that allows merchants to add their **WhatsApp contact** information to their Google business profiles. This development facilitates direct communication between customers and merchants, streamlining inquiries and interactions. Until this announcement, merchants could only include a phone number for calls, making this a significant step towards enhancing customer service in the digital age.
In alignment with its commitment to empowering women, Google revealed that it has trained over **80,000 women** as part of its **Internet Saathi** program. This initiative aims to enhance digital literacy among women, promoting greater participation in the digital economy. Additionally, Google launched the **AI Skills House**, a platform designed to foster AI literacy among students, educators, and the broader community. This initiative aims to reach **10 million Indians** and will initially offer courses in English, with plans to expand to seven Indian languages. Students who successfully complete these courses will earn **digital badges** to recognize their achievements, encouraging continuous learning and skill development.
Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm, also made headlines at the event by announcing a **$4 million** commitment towards expanding educational support in India. This initiative reflects Google’s dedication to contributing positively to the local educational ecosystem and enhancing access to quality education for underserved communities.
In terms of data privacy and management, Google announced that all companies operating in India, across various sectors, will soon have the capability to save their **Gemini 1.5 Flash data locally**. This move aligns with global trends towards improved data security and sovereignty, allowing businesses to better manage their information while complying with local regulations.
Looking ahead, Google revealed plans to launch an expanded **Safety Engineering System** in India by **2025**. This initiative is part of enhancements to **DigiKavach**, an anti-fraud service that was first introduced at last year’s Google for India event. The expansion of this system is aimed at providing users with greater protection against online threats and fraud, thereby fostering a safer digital environment.
Additionally, Google reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by setting ambitious **24/7 carbon-free energy goals**. The company recognizes the urgent need for clean air and sustainable practices and is working towards making clean energy accessible to all. As part of this effort, Google has already added **186 MW of clean energy** to the Indian grid and has partnered with the **Adani Group** to establish a solar farm in **Gujarat**. This partnership signifies Google’s dedication to promoting renewable energy and supporting India's transition towards a sustainable energy future.
The **Google for India 2024** event was not just a showcase of new features but also a testament to Google’s growing role in India and its unwavering commitment to leveraging AI innovations to meet local needs. The rollout of **Gemini Live** in Hindi and the forthcoming support for additional Indian languages exemplify Google’s dedication to tailoring its technology for the diverse linguistic landscape of India. The announcements of AI-driven health initiatives, enhanced payment features via **Google Pay**, and new tools for merchants reflect Google’s broader vision to deepen its impact on the country’s digital and technological ecosystem while addressing the specific challenges faced by Indian users.
