YouTube tests 'conversational AI' on TV apps (9to5google.com)

Google is testing a new "conversational AI" tool for YouTube on its TV apps, allowing users to interact with content using voice commands. This feature introduces an "Ask" button, which lets viewers pose questions about the videos they are watching by using their microphone. The AI, powered by Google's Gemini, processes these inquiries to deliver relevant information, such as recipe ingredients or song lyrics, enhancing the viewing experience. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it demonstrates the potential of conversational AI to bridge the gap between passive content consumption and interactive engagement on larger screens. The tool is currently being trialed with a limited user group and supports multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean. By expanding conversational capabilities to smart TVs and gaming consoles, Google is not only enriching the user experience but also exploring how AI can facilitate deeper connections with digital content.