Google’s has announced a series of new search features deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance access to health information and improve health outcomes for individuals.
At the Google Health Check Up event, various updates were announced to facilitate easier access to health information through visual means, better understanding of personal health data, and more. One significant update involves the enhancement of Google Search to provide more visual information.
Through Google Lens integration, users can now search for health-related concerns by capturing images, particularly beneficial for describing physical symptoms like skin abnormalities. Additionally, Google aims to make health information more digestible by incorporating high-quality images and diagrams into search results, aiding in understanding symptoms and conditions such as neck pain, migraines, kidney stones, and pneumonia. Images courtesy of Google YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, is also contributing to the dissemination of reliable health information.
The platform has developed an AI-powered dubbing tool called Aloud, which facilitates the translation of health-related content into multiple languages. This tool enables creators to reach broader audiences with vital health information, such as first-aid and chronic condition management videos. Furthermore, YouTube is offering educational content in Spanish, addressing implicit bias in clinical practice, to support health professionals in advocating for underrepresented communities.
In collaboration with Fitbit, Google is looking at ways to provide deeper health insights to users. Fitbit’s personal AI features aim to offer tailored insights based on individual health data and preferences. Fitbit Labs, available to Premium users, provides early access to experimental AI features, leveraging Google’s AI expertise to help users understand their health data better.
Additionally, Fitbit and Google Research are collaborating with health experts to develop a Personal Health Large Language Model, expected to enhance future AI features across their product portfolio.
Why is this important?
Overall, Google’s initiatives demonstrate a commitment from the tech giean to leveraging AI to improve search for reliable health information, facilitate language translation for broader accessibility, and offer personalised health insights to improve overall well-being.