If you need a reminder that Google is not Apple, just take a look at how the search giant conducted its Made By Google Pixel product fest rollout on August 13. Instead of regaling us with four new Pixel phones, two new Pixel Watches, and a new Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google spent the first 30 minutes talking almost exclusively about Gemini.
If you’ve been paying attention, this should come as no surprise. Google filled the Paris Olympic airwaves with quick video ads showing Olympic athletes using Gemini (along with one ill-fated ad about a dad perhaps overusing it), and Gemini-assisted AI Overview answers now appear atop 70% (at least) of my Google search queries. For Google, there is no more important technology, and Google used its biggest product event of the year to demonstrate and tout it.
It’s not just the focus on Gemini but how Google did it. Imagine Apple showing off Apple Intelligence, Siri, or some other core technology on someone else’s hardware. I know, a ludicrous idea. However, Google really leaned into how Gemini runs on multiple Android phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Â Motorola Razr, and the Samsung Galaxy S24.Â
Again, Google went much further than a mere mention. It demonstrated core capabilities like using Gemini to analyze a photo and, through prompts, take action, in this case, reading the text off of a concert poster and then asking Gemini a detailed question about the show date and how it works with their calendar.
The demo failed twice, but Google doggedly persisted with yet another Samsung phone until they finally got it to work. Undaunted, Google also demonstrated the Gemini writing assistant on the S24.Â
Friends of Google
Google likes to demo Gemini on partner devices. (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Why would Google spend so much time demonstrating these powerful Gemini capabilities on another company’s phone? Because Gemini is an AI ambassador for countless Android phones around the world. Unlike Apple, which only has to think about its vertically controlled ecosystem, Google thinks in at least two dimensions. It has its own growing stack of software, silicon, and hardware, and then it has the circle of Android phones that are adopting a sometimes slightly more limited set of Gemini capabilities.
Google essentially used the first part of the Made By Google event as a signal or beacon for Android partners and Android phone owners so they know the word of Google Gemini is open and ready to live on many of their phones.
However, when Google finally started talking about its new hardware, it didn’t feel underplayed. Sure, aside from the Tensor G4 chip, Google spent precious little time on detailed specs for the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The fully reimagined Pixel 9 Pro Fold got a more detailed look, but these devices feel more like vessels for a Gemini soul.
To be fair, many of these Gemini capabilities are exciting and even inspiring. Add Me is the biggest thing that has happened to group photography since the selfie stick. Gramps and Aunt Betty will never be left out again. Cousin Jeff is another matter.
Gemini is exciting enough
Google building a new kind of tech stack (Image credit: Google)
The Screenshots app is one of the smarter uses of generative AI in that it applies a truly useful solution to a very relatable problem. Good luck finding someone who doesn’t take screenshots to remember or organize. An app to do that leg work for you is brilliant.
Google’s overriding theme for Gemini Nano (the flavor of Gemini that lives on Pixel Phones) is less flash and weirdness and more usefulness. I see Call Notes in much the same way. Remembering conversations and keeping track of phone interviews is hard. Call Notes could make it child play, with the significant caveat that everyone has to be comfortable with call recording (and yes, everyone does get notified).
If there is a downside to Google’s inverted approach, it’s that without Gemini, the new crop of hardware (maybe except the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) might seem underwhelming.Â
Google didn’t push the boundaries of photographic excellence with new, huge lenses and more megapixels than you can shake a stick at (most of the best new bits are all thanks to Gemini and an improved image pipeline. The Tensor G4 chip sounds like it might be powerful, but Google made no direct comparisons to either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple’s A17 Pro, and one has to wonder if, once again, there’ll be a performance gap.
Google’s done much to elevate the design of all its phones, so much so that the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL look quite a bit like an iPhone, except for that massive camera band. I’m still not a fan, but I appreciate Google’s Commitment to this design element.
To recap: Made By Google was, perhaps, never referring to all the hardware unveiled on Tuesday on Mountain View and is, instead, all about a Gemini, powerful Generative AI software platform that is slowly but surely eating Google alive.
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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.
