Google Simplify: AI-Powered Text Simplification on iOS

Google Introduces AI-Powered “Simplify” Feature for iOS

A new “Simplify” feature is being implemented within Google’s iOS application. This functionality leverages AI to render intricate or technically dense web content more accessible, directly within the browsing experience.

The Simplify feature utilizes a prompt refinement methodology originating from Google Research. It employs the Gemini model to enhance the digestibility of complex text, ensuring that crucial details are not lost in the process.

Testing conducted by Google indicates that users demonstrated improved comprehension and retention of information when presented with the simplified text versions.

Staying Within the Google Ecosystem

By integrating a feature like Simplify, Google aims to encourage users to remain within its suite of tools and services when encountering challenging subjects. This is a strategic move to potentially reduce reliance on external AI solutions, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Users can activate Simplify by selecting text on any webpage within the Google app. A “Simplify” icon will then appear, allowing for immediate access to the re-written content.

The simplified version will then be displayed, aiding in information absorption and continued reading.

An Example of Text Simplification

Google’s research blog provides a practical illustration of the feature’s capabilities. Consider the following original passage:

“The complex pathology of this condition involves emphysematous destruction of lung parenchyma, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, changes in the composition of lung immune cells, increased production of immunomodulatory factors, and the prominent remodeling of pulmonary vasculature.”

Simplify transforms this into:

“This complex condition involves damage to the lung tissue from emphysema, a disease that damages the air sacs in the lungs, and widespread scarring of the lung tissue, called fibrosis. The immune cells in the lungs change, and the body makes more immunomodulatory factors, substances that control the immune system. The blood vessels in the lungs also change a lot.”

Focus on Accuracy and Integrity

The core objective of Simplify is to facilitate understanding of complex topics encountered during online learning. Google emphasizes the importance of accurate paraphrasing.

“Our goal requires models to paraphrase complex ideas accurately without introducing errors or omitting key details,” Google stated in a recent blog post. “The rewritten text must help the reader understand challenging material without sacrificing the integrity of the original information.”

The rollout of Simplify to iOS users is commencing this week.