How the Average iPhone User's Phone Usage Compares to Google's New Features for Journalists

How the Average iPhone User's Phone Usage Compares to Google's New Features for Journalists

In a new report published by gaming company SolitaireD, it has been revealed that the average iPhone user spends a whopping 39 hours and 54 minutes on their phones every week. This amount of time is roughly equivalent to a full workweek spread over seven days. The study, which collected data from 667 iPhone users between August 13 and August 18, 2021, also found that approximately 20% of smartphone users use their phones for eight hours or more each day.

On the other hand, Google has been introducing new features based on artificial intelligence (AI) that can be beneficial for journalists. One of these features is Google Perspectives, a new section in the search results page that aims to make it easier to find the opinions of journalists and experts on various topics on the internet. Initially appearing as a carousel in the search results, Google Perspectives has now been integrated into the interface separately. Users will see this new section at the top of the search results, alongside "News," "Images," and "Shopping." It presents a Pinterest-like feed with videos from YouTube, comments from Reddit and Stack Overflow, posts from personal blogs, and other content that Google's ranking system considers as real perspectives from real people.

Another noteworthy feature is Sidekick, a new panel in Google Docs that provides contextual suggestions as users write. It constantly reads and processes the document, offering suggestions relevant to the user's writing. Users can take advantage of these prompts and incorporate them into their document to provide additional context for better understanding. Furthermore, Sidekick can also suggest images generated by AI based on the content of the document, helping to illustrate the written story. These features have been consolidated into "Duet AI," which is a set of integrations within the Workspace. They include image generation for Slides, automatic creation of meeting summaries in Meet, and more. However, access to these new tools requires registration in Workspace Labs and joining the waiting list.

Google Search has also introduced the Search Generative Experience (SGE), which enables a conversational mode. This feature helps users narrow down their search results using natural language. The search provides next steps during the search process and offers links to dive deeper into the topic. When a user clicks on a suggested next step, the search system enters a dialogue mode where users can ask Google more about the topic they are researching. The context is carried over from question to question. Previously, if a user wanted to find out "what is better for a family with children under 3 and a dog, Bryce Canyon or Arches," they would have had to break down this query into smaller parts, sort through a lot of information, and put it all together themselves. Thanks to generative AI, the search engine can now understand this query and provide detailed information about the route or destination, as well as help with purchasing everything needed.

Additionally, Google has made its AI language model, Bard, available in three languages for over 180 countries worldwide. Initially only available in the United States and the United Kingdom, Bard now supports Korean and Japanese, with support for 40 of the most widely spoken languages in the world, including Ukrainian, coming soon. Bard can also export generated text to Gmail and Google Docs while preserving formatting, such as subject lines, and will soon add image support. In Sheets, AI helps with better sorting and organizing data and can transform Sheets into an organizer or calendar. Google Lens, the image recognition technology, will analyze images in queries, and Bard's responses can also include images. For example, if a user asks about tourist destinations, each suggestion will be accompanied by a photograph.

Lastly, there's Tailwind, an AI-powered "notebook." It gathers information from documents that users upload or save on Google Drive. Users can ask AI questions and receive answers in the context of their documents, including notes. Tailwind also provides buttons for "New Ideas," "Reading Test," and "Summary." Additionally, Tailwind cites all its sources within users' own documents.

In conclusion, while the average iPhone user spends a significant amount of time on their phones, Google's new features based on AI offer valuable tools for journalists. From finding different perspectives to receiving contextual suggestions and engaging in conversational searches, these features can enhance the journalistic process. To make the most of these advancements, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace Google Perspectives: Explore the new section in the search results to gain insights from journalists and experts on various topics. This can provide a broader perspective and enrich your reporting.

2. Utilize Sidekick and Duet AI: Take advantage of the contextual suggestions and image generation features in Google Docs. These tools can enhance your writing process and help you create visually appealing content.

3. Experiment with SGE and Bard: Try out the conversational mode in Google Search and leverage Bard's language capabilities. These features can streamline your research process and provide comprehensive information for your articles.

By incorporating these actionable tips into your journalistic workflow, you can optimize your productivity and leverage the power of AI to enhance your reporting.