July 2023 Summaries

Google Cloud Champion Innovators are a network of over 500 non-Google professionals who are experts in various Google Cloud products and services, each specializing in one of nine technical categories. David Cardozo, a Machine Learning Scientist and member of the Kubeflow Community, discusses his passion for machine learning and his involvement in open-source projects, such as developing Elegy, a high-level API for Deep Learning in JAX. He actively participates in working groups and communities to deepen his understanding of cutting-edge technology and enjoys exploring new services and tools through reading and collaboration. Cardozo is also working on his Bachelor's degree in history and aims to make historical research more accessible by developing an AI project to summarize lengthy documents. His journey into the Innovators program stemmed from a desire to engage more deeply with the Cloud community, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions, and to help others overcome challenges, filling the mentorship gap he experienced. He encourages utilizing open teaching resources in Computer Science and recommends engaging with communities and projects like Elegy for learning and contribution opportunities.

Google Workspace is enhancing its suite of productivity and collaboration tools by offering a variety of APIs, SDKs, and no-code/low-code solutions to facilitate app creation and workflow integration. Recent announcements at I/O’23 introduced new features such as third-party smart chips in Google Docs, allowing developers to build integrations that display crucial information from partners like Figma and Atlassian directly within documents. The Google Chat REST API enables developers to create Chat apps and automate workflows, while improvements to the Workspace UI-kit and the introduction of Google Meet SDKs and APIs provide developers with tools to enhance user experiences across platforms like Meet. Additionally, updates to the Google Calendar API and the launch of tools like the Google Workspace API Dashboard and APIs Explorer aim to streamline API management and exploration. AppSheet, the no-code solution builder, is being upgraded with features such as Duet AI for easier app creation, and the Google Workspace Marketplace now includes an Intelligent Apps category to highlight AI-enabled tools. These advancements aim to support developers in building more integrated and efficient applications within the Google Workspace ecosystem.

Passkeys offer a passwordless authentication method, allowing users to create and access online accounts with device screen locks, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, enhancing both security and convenience. Developed in collaboration with the FIDO Alliance, Google, along with Apple and Microsoft, has integrated passkeys into its infrastructure, enabling Android and Chrome users to sign in seamlessly across devices. In May 2023, Google introduced passkeys for Google Accounts, emphasizing ease of use and security to facilitate user transition from traditional passwords. The user interface is designed to familiarize users with passkeys, highlighting the convenience and security benefits, while also keeping passwords as a backup option. Google’s approach involves strategic exposure to the term "passkeys," associating them with familiar security experiences to build user trust. The introduction of passkeys is tailored to individual user readiness, and Google offers extensive support and educational resources to address potential questions and concerns. As Google continues to evolve this technology, the focus remains on refining the user experience by leveraging feedback and research to ensure a smooth adoption process.

The second quarter of 2023 witnessed significant activities and achievements within Google Machine Learning communities worldwide. Over 35 communities hosted ML training campaigns, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Highlights included presentations on Keras and TensorFlow, such as image segmentation using fully-convolutional networks, and the introduction to KerasCV. Notable projects involved integrating machine learning into Android apps, leveraging MediaPipe and ML Kit, and exploring advanced techniques like Temporal Latent Bottleneck Networks and PaLM2 API for creating intelligent applications. The period also saw discussions on emerging trends in generative AI, with workshops focusing on tools such as Hugging Face Transformers and LangChain. Kaggle competitions encouraged practical ML skills, while talks and tutorials covered topics from deepfake detection to recommendation systems, showcasing the innovative use of TensorFlow, JAX, and other frameworks. These efforts underscored the importance of openness and collaboration in MLOps, with various events, meetups, and educational sessions supporting the global ML community's growth and development.

During Google I/O 2023, Google announced several new features for Google Wallet aimed at enhancing user experience and security. One key update is the introduction of generic private passes, which protect sensitive information by requiring user authentication via methods like fingerprint sensors or passcodes. This is particularly useful for industries like healthcare. Google also introduced Demo Mode for easier pass development, allowing developers to test and differentiate between demo and publishing environments. Security improvements include rotating barcodes, which update at set intervals to prevent misuse, and account-restricted passes that ensure passes are only added to Google Wallet if the user's email matches their Google account. Additionally, a new pass builder provides a real-time preview and styling options to align passes with brand guidelines, with JSON format support for easier API integration. Future updates include the ability to save and verify IDs within Google Wallet, enabling use cases like age and identity verification.

Google Chat has expanded its capabilities with the general availability of APIs that allow developers to programmatically manage spaces, memberships, messages, reactions, and attachments, enhancing its utility as a connectivity and workflow tool for hybrid organizations. These APIs, initially in Developer Preview, now enable the creation of user-facing apps that integrate workflows directly into Chat, providing users with contextual information and streamlining communication. Companies like LumApps are utilizing these APIs to improve collaboration by enabling direct messaging from user directories based on attributes like job titles or departments. Additionally, the Developer Preview program introduces "import mode" spaces, which allow developers to import user data from other enterprise messaging platforms into Google Chat, maintaining historical data context without disrupting users. This development aims to enhance productivity by allowing users to efficiently manage tasks and information within the Google Chat environment.

Women have made significant contributions to AI/ML technology, particularly through open-source projects, which have been spotlighted by Google Dev Library. Notable figures include Suzen Fylke, a machine learning engineer passionate about aiding socially conscious companies, and Aqsa Kausar, Pakistan's first Google Developer Expert in machine learning, who emphasizes inclusive community building. Both have shared insights and experiences in developing and documenting AI/ML projects, highlighting the importance of technical documentation, community collaboration, and practical applications. They encourage aspiring developers, especially women, to contribute to open source by engaging with projects, reporting bugs, and sharing knowledge. Margaret Maynard-Reid, another prominent figure, focuses on applying AI/ML in real-world scenarios and underscores the rising importance of open source in the field, offering advice on prioritization and collaboration. These women exemplify how active participation in open-source communities can drive technological advancements and foster inclusive environments.

University students from Google Developer Student Clubs worldwide participate in the annual Solution Challenge, where they develop innovative solutions using Google technologies to address the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023, the top 10 teams, selected from 100 global contenders, will present their projects during a live Demo Day event on YouTube, where judges will evaluate and select the top three winners. The projects cover a wide range of issues, such as mosquito-borne disease prevention with Buzzbusters, agricultural assistance with FarmX, women's empowerment through the Femunity platform, dementia patient safety with HeadHome, and water pollution tracking with Project REMORA. Other initiatives include assisting deaf parents with HearSitter, supporting organ transplant recipients with ReVita, improving campus transit with SlugLoop, engaging communities through walking activities with Wonder, and aiding visually impaired students with Wonder Reader. These projects utilize various Google products, including TensorFlow, Flutter, Firebase, and Google Cloud, to create impactful solutions for global challenges.

KDDI, a major Japanese telecommunications operator, is advancing the integration of text-to-speech and cloud rendering technologies to enhance the realism of virtual human avatars, known as VTubers. By leveraging MediaPipe's Face Landmarker solution, KDDI has successfully rendered realistic 3D face models that mimic user expressions in real-time, addressing challenges in achieving accurate movements and human-like facial expressions. The system captures facial features and extracts blendshapes using MediaPipe, storing them in Firebase Realtime Database, which then communicates with Google Cloud's Immersive Stream for XR to deliver low-latency, photorealistic 3D and AR experiences. This technological development is part of KDDI's broader initiative to blur the lines between the real and virtual worlds, offering services in the metaverse, live streaming, and virtual shopping, thereby fostering an ecosystem conducive to creative expression in the Web3 era.

#WeArePlay's virtual world tour continues with a spotlight on app and game creators in Japan, featuring innovators from the regions of Chubu, Chugoku & Shikoku, and Kinki. Highlighted stories include Takao Hayashi from Nagoya, whose company Ateam Entertainment has found global success with its real-time battle RPG Unison League, and who aims to expand further into India and Latin America. Keiji Okamoto from Kobe founded the yukiyama app for snow sports enthusiasts after a spinal injury ended his professional snowboarding career, and is now a Paralympic competitor. In Gifu, Hitomi Wada created the fantasy RPG Gifu Quest, inspired by the prefecture’s landmarks, allowing players to contribute to the game with photos and stories. Masaomi Kurokawa from Kure is reviving retro games through his company KEMCO, with his title Dragon Lapis gaining popularity among RPG fans. These stories reflect the diverse and innovative spirit of Japanese developers on Google Play, with future plans for expansion and new projects.

The article highlights the journeys of several individuals who transitioned from being leads in Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC) to becoming Google Developer Experts (GDE). These developers, hailing from diverse backgrounds and countries such as India and Indonesia, share how their roles as GDSC leads helped them acquire both technical and soft skills, which proved crucial in their professional growth. They emphasize the value of community involvement, networking, and diverse learning experiences in their careers. Each developer also discusses their favorite Google tools, such as TensorFlow, Firebase, and Cloud Run, and how they have utilized these tools to build innovative projects, ranging from real-time monitoring solutions to digital banking apps. The developers offer advice to newcomers, encouraging them to explore different technologies, engage with communities, and maintain a consistent learning habit to excel in the tech industry.