This week has been exciting when it comes to AI technology. OpenAI introduced its new GPT-4o hardware, and Google wasn’t far behind, introducing Astra. The two new AI assistants showcase similar capabilities and move us into the next generation of generative AI. But they also have some differences. Let’s get to know them.
Video interaction
Both assistants have the ability to interact via video. In other words, the user just has to open the camera app to act as another data source for these assistants.
However, there is a crucial difference here. According to Fortune’s website, GPT-4o is only capable of working with still images; In practice, it’s like taking a screenshot of the object so you can discover and understand it.
Astra works differently. As we saw at I/O, this assistant handles video motion well. It can accommodate small differences in real time and process information smoothly.
Less latency time
This isn’t exactly a difference between the AI assistants, because the two companies ended up not disclosing specific numbers at this point.
Both Astra and GPT-4o are known to offer lower latency, i.e. they respond faster to maintain a smooth conversation with the user.
Both Google and OpenAI highlighted the decrease in response time per interaction, but neither company provided data on how much faster their AI assistants are now.
Each with its own use
Although these advances are impressive, the way in which they can be applied to a user’s routine is crucial to their success. In terms of type of use, companies have followed different paths.
OpenAI has targeted GPT-4o in the fields of education and entertainment. In the videos released by the company, we saw the assistant playing the role of a mediator in a game, in addition to teaching some mathematical operations.
But it looks like OpenAI has plans moving forward. The company aims to integrate search tools into its generative AI assistant and compete with its rival in the search space.
In return, Google wants its AI assistant to perform tasks like online shopping and making reservations for a trip, among other proactive functions.
Availability: OpenAI is faster
There’s another related issue that separates the two new AI assistants we met this week. OpenAI was quick to announce the immediate availability of GPT-4o text and voice features on ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Team plans.
The company intends to integrate GPT-4o into the free platform as well. However, new features should arrive limited in the potential number of interactions.
For its part, Google announced that Astra will be available later this year through a new interface called Gemini Live. The first to receive the resources will also be subscribers to paid plans, but there are no specific dates for this launch yet.
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