Gemini Live: I got to use it before you and it’s the biggest threat to ChatGPT right now | Amznusa.com

Google just dropped its new Gemini Live feature today, but before it got announced, I got a chance to experience Google’s new ChatGPT Voice Chat competitor for a short spell — and it’s arguably the biggest threat to OpenAI’s popular AI tool.

I wouldn’t quite say that Gemini Live beats ChatGPT just yet. After all, I didn’t get enough time with Gemini Live to say that for sure. However, from what I saw at a recent press briefing with Google, OpenAI should be shaking in its boots.

Gemini Live can now have continuous conversations

As a Gemini Advanced subscriber, the premium version of Google’s AI chatbot, I couldn’t quite have a continuous voice conversation like I could with ChatGPT — until Gemini Live came along.

For example, with ChatGPT, listening mode can remain on as long as I’d like, allowing ChatGPT to converse with me without needing constant input, seamlessly responding to ongoing spoken interactions.

With Gemini Advanced, prior to Gemini Live, I couldn’t do the same. I’d have to tap the microphone button to get it to “listen.” Once I said my peace, listening mode would end in just a few seconds before Gemini jumped in with a response. This interaction is similar to what you’d experience with Siri or Google Assistant. You invoke it; it listens; you speak; it responds; and the conversation stops — that’s it. There was no uninterrupted conversation capability.

However, with Gemini Live, I got to experience a new-and-improved Google AI chatbot. Similar to ChatGPT, I was able to choose a preferred voice from 10 options. I rejected voices like “Lyra,” “Ursa,” and “Capella” because they were too bubbly for my tastes. In the end, I opted for “Orbit.” Why? Nothing more than I thought he sounded attractive. (What? I want my AI chatbot to sound hot.)

After selecting Orbit as my official Gemini Live voice, a Google rep hit the waveform icon at the bottom-right of the Gemini app (on one of the Pixel 9 phones that dropped today). Next, a glowy UI appeared, indicating that Gemini is listening and ready to have a conversation. Here’s what was said to kick off the interaction: “I’m looking to become more of a morning person. What are some ways I can get started?”

“That’s a great question!” Gemini said. “To start, try setting a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends. It helps regulate your body clock. Also, try getting some bright light as soon as you wake up. It helps signal your body that it’s time to be alert.”

Gemini Live has contextual continuity

Gemini Live also appeared to have great context retention. In other words, the chatbot was capable of building upon the context of our conversation based on our previous interaction.

For example, “And what about caffeine?” was the next question directed at the Google chatbot. Gemini continued the dialogue in a coherent manner, adding, “Caffeine can definitely help give you a morning boost, but if you’re sensitive to it, try limiting your intakes earlier in the day. Also, remember caffeine’s got a long half-life, so even a late afternoon coffee will keep you up at night.”

In response to “And what about working out?”, Gemini said, “Working out in the morning in the morning can make you feel more alert.”

Gemini Live can be interrupted

On the current iteration of ChatGPT that’s available to the general public, you can interrupt ChatGPT, but it’d require you to tap a button. On Gemini Live, we interrupted the Google AI chatbot with a question about sleep, sans tapping on any buttons, while it delved deeper into how exercising can aid with one’s “morning person” goals.

It trailed on for a bit, but it suddenly stopped mid-sentence before adding, “To improve your sleep, try to have a consistent bedtime routine. Maybe read a book. Take a warm bath. Or do some light stretching.”

Again, we didn’t need to press anything to interrupt it.

Similar to ChatGPT, you can find a transcript of your chat once you’re done speaking to Gemini Live.

Gemini Live will be able to “see” things soon

At the Made by Google event, it was revealed that Gemini Live will be able to “see” soon. Using your camera, you can, for example, point at math equations on a paper for homework help.

You can also have it “look” at your bedroom to get inspiration on how you can spruce it up. Gemini Live will also become a better researcher, offering multi-step plans on how to achieve your goals. For example, let’s say you want to open a restaurant business in New York City, but you have no idea how to even start. Instead of taking hours to research the steps you need to take, Gemini Live will outline a step-by-step plan for you, allowing you to figuratively get to where you want to go faster.

How to get Gemini Live

Gemini Live did a lot of catching up with ChatGPT. Gemini was behind when it came to voice capabilities, but this changes with Gemini Live, making it a true threat to OpenAI’s chatbot tool.

Curious about how you can get Gemini Live? You must be a Gemini Advanced subscriber to get it. It officially drops on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

 Gemini Live just dropped, and if I were ChatGPT, I’d be sweating bullets. 

The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior

The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.

Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges

The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.

Lower Barriers to Entry

One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.

FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.

Global Reach

The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.

Data and Analytics

Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.

Challenges for Sellers

However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.

Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.

Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice

The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.

Convenience and Speed

One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.

The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.

Broad Product Selection

Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.

This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.

Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing

Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.

This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.

The Role of Reviews and Ratings

Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.

The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.

Conclusion

The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.

As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.