Residents of Santa Cruz, California, have been experimenting with the AI capabilities of the Google Pixel 9 smartphone, showcasing a mix of fascination and concern. As Google and Apple continue to integrate AI into their products, the devices are undergoing a transformative phase that is central to modern life.
During a visit by AFP to the coastal city, passersby were invited to test out the features of the Pixel 9. Matthew Day, one of the participants, expressed his satisfaction with the smartphone’s ability to provide quick answers to his questions, comparing it favorably to his current device.
California Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin also put the Pixel through its paces and acknowledged the incredible tools and information-gathering capabilities it offers. However, she voiced concerns about potential nefarious uses of AI and emphasized the need for regulations to prevent misinformation and deepfakes. Pellerin is supporting state legislation aimed at addressing these issues.
University of California, Santa Cruz computer science professor Leilani Gilpin questioned the necessity of embedding AI in smartphones and raised concerns about the accuracy of the information provided by the software. Gilpin highlighted that different language models may generate inaccurate information, leading to potential misinformation.
While some individuals found the AI features impressive, others expressed reservations. Igor Gaspar and his friends utilized the “Add Me” tool to create a group photo, prompting Gaspar to consider switching phones due to the futuristic aspect of the technology. He expressed concerns about the potential loss of control over advanced AI features and its impact on privacy.
Companies like Google are taking steps to avoid controversy surrounding AI integration. The Gemini AI-powered digital assistant on the Pixel refrains from discussing elections or politics, and the image generation tool explicitly states that it will not depict real people.