Google has added a shortcut to the beta version of its Chrome internet browser that allows users to easily and more quickly access its Gemini generative artificial intelligence platform.
The under-the-radar addition, first spotted by Windows Report, apparently allows users to send queries directly to Gemini through Chrome Canary's omnibox, or the URL bar.
Chrome Canary is the version of the popular browser for developers that lets them test features being planned or feedback purposes.
The report noted, however, that the shortcut is available only in select areas. The National was able to access the Gemini shortcut on Chrome Canary.
Chrome Canary users can activate the Gemini shortcut through the browser's settings.
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However, any queries typed in the URL just took the page to the Gemini AI website, without any results on requests. It is unclear if results indeed show up in other regions.
Google last week rebranded its generative AI platform Bard as Gemini and launched its top-tier Gemini Advanced, as it seeks to challenge OpenAI's ChatGPT and grab a bigger slice of the global generative AI market.
Gemini is also the name of Google's suite of large language models powering Bard that was introduced in December – at the time the platform's biggest update.
Coming with multimodal reasoning capabilities, the Gemini 1.0 model came in three sizes – nano, pro and ultra – so it can run on everything from resource-intensive data centres to small mobile devices.
Gemini Advanced features the Alphabet's subsidiary's largest model Gemini Ultra 1.0, which it describes as its “most capable” AI model.
It is “far more capable for reasoning, following instructions, coding and creative collaboration”, it “can understand, explain and generate high-quality code in many programming languages” and is designed for highly complex tasks.
It is unclear how long the testing phase will last and how soon Google plans to make the Gemini shortcut generally available for the stable Chrome browser.
Quicktake: Mere novelty or part of something bigger?
The addition of a Gemini shortcut on Chrome's omnibox “will significantly impact how people interact with Gemini, making it easier to send questions straight to the chat box without opening a tab and navigating to the Gemini website”, Windows Report said in an email to The National.
However, such a shortcut is easily comparable to just adding a bookmark on not just Chrome but any other browser, including Microsoft Edge and Apple's Safari, and clicking on it.
Google's move, however, is understandable, given that Microsoft, which is the biggest backer of ChatGPT creator OpenAI, added shortcuts for its own AI platform, Copilot, not just on Edge but across its Office suite of applications.
That the California-based company's decision was also the next logical move is stating the obvious, given that AI companies are racing to place the powerful technology within users' reach in easier and more convenient ways.
Indeed, Chrome is the world's most popular web browser, having captured nearly two-thirds of the market as of February, according to data from Statista. Safari is a distant second with more than 18 per cent and Edge is third with nearly 5 per cent.
OpenAI, based in San Francisco, and Microsoft already have Chrome shortcuts that can be activated by installing their respective extensions on the browser.
Google is also playing catch-up in the app game, as both ChatGPT and Copilot already have their apps available on iOS and Android.
The company said last week that the Gemini app for Android is now available for download, while those using Apple's iPhones can use the service through the Google iOS app. It did not give a date for the iOS launch.
Also, during last week's Gemini rebranding announcement, Google also said that the company will this week share “more details” for the cloud and developers. Although not officially announced, the Gemini Chrome extension seems to be lined up with this.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THREE
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
GAC GS8 Specs
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Honeymoonish
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
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Checking: the obsession or thoughts focus on some harm coming from things not being as they should, which usually centre around the theme of safety. For example, the obsession is “the building will burn down”, therefore the compulsion is checking that the oven is switched off.
Contamination: the obsession is focused on the presence of germs, dirt or harmful bacteria and how this will impact the person and/or their loved ones. For example, the obsession is “the floor is dirty; me and my family will get sick and die”, the compulsion is repetitive cleaning.
Orderliness: the obsession is a fear of sitting with uncomfortable feelings, or to prevent harm coming to oneself or others. Objectively there appears to be no logical link between the obsession and compulsion. For example,” I won’t feel right if the jars aren’t lined up” or “harm will come to my family if I don’t line up all the jars”, so the compulsion is therefore lining up the jars.
Intrusive thoughts: the intrusive thought is usually highly distressing and repetitive. Common examples may include thoughts of perpetrating violence towards others, harming others, or questions over one’s character or deeds, usually in conflict with the person’s true values. An example would be: “I think I might hurt my family”, which in turn leads to the compulsion of avoiding social gatherings.
Hoarding: the intrusive thought is the overvaluing of objects or possessions, while the compulsion is stashing or hoarding these items and refusing to let them go. For example, “this newspaper may come in useful one day”, therefore, the compulsion is hoarding newspapers instead of discarding them the next day.
Source: Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
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