Google is making strides in the healthcare sector, unveiling plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its Fitbit app with the introduction of a personal health chatbot, among other innovations discussed at its annual event, The Check Up.

One of the notable announcements from Google's event was the revelation of an experimental AI feature for Fitbit users, previously hinted at last year. 

Google Fitbit AI Chatbot

Fitbit Labs will enable users to analyze and interpret health data collected by their wearable devices, allowing them to draw correlations and gain insights into their well-being. 

A chatbot embedded within the mobile app will facilitate natural language interactions, assisting users in understanding their health data through personalized charts.

According to Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer at Google, Fitbit is enhancing its platform with AI-driven features tailored to individual needs and preferences. 

Fitbit Labs will provide early access to experimental AI capabilities for Premium subscribers, enabling them to explore and provide feedback on new features. Leveraging Google's AI expertise, Fitbit Labs aims to empower users with comprehensive insights derived from their health data.

Furthermore, Google and Fitbit are collaborating with health experts, doctors, and certified coaches to develop a new model for health and wellness. This Personal Health Large Language Model, fueled by AI, will underpin future features across their portfolio, enhancing the user experience and promoting overall well-being.

Improving Visual Search Capabilities

At The Check Up event, Google also highlighted efforts to improve access to health information through visual search capabilities. For instance, Google Lens enables users to search for information based on images captured with their smartphone cameras. 

This AI-powered feature, available in over 150 countries, assists users in identifying skin conditions and abnormalities by providing visually similar matches from the web.

Additionally, Google is enhancing the presentation of health information by incorporating images and diagrams from reputable sources into search results. By leveraging visuals, text, and video content, Google aims to improve comprehension and accessibility of health-related information for users worldwide.

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YouTube's AI-Powered Dubbing Tool Aloud

Meanwhile, YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, is working to expand access to authoritative health content and bridge language barriers through innovative tools. 

The AI-powered dubbing tool, Aloud, facilitates the translation and dubbing of health-related videos, enabling creators to reach wider audiences. Institutions like Mass General Brigham have utilized Aloud to translate first-aid videos into Spanish, thereby disseminating potentially life-saving information to more viewers.

Furthermore, YouTube is launching a new animation-style course on the Stanford Medicine Continuing Medical Education channel, aimed at helping healthcare professionals recognize and address implicit bias in clinical practice.

By leveraging AI-powered dubbing, the course will be available in Spanish, ensuring broader accessibility to vital healthcare knowledge among Spanish-speaking communities.

"At Google, we believe AI has the potential to transform health for everyone, everywhere, not just some people in some places. These are just a few ways we are using AI to improve health by bringing high-quality information to people around the world through the products and tools they use everyday," DeSalvo said in a blog post.

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