Google's new ‘Simplify' feature for iOS uses AI to make dense text easier to understand
Google's iOS app is getting a new 'Simplify' feature that uses AI to make complex or technical text on the web easier to understand, all without leaving a web page.
Simplify features a prompt refinement approach developed by Google Research, and uses Gemini to make complicated text more digestible, without losing key details. Google says its testing found that the simplified text allowed users to better understand and retain the original information.
By offering a built-in feature like Simplify, Google is likely hoping that people will stay within its ecosystem of tools and services for help with complex topics, rather than turning to popular third-party tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT.
You can use Simplify by selecting any text on a web page you're visiting in the Google app and then tapping the 'Simplify' icon that appears. You'll then see a simpler version of the text to help you digest the information and allow you to continue reading.
Image Credits:Google
Google's research blog shares an example of what this feature could look like. For example, you may come across a passage that reads: '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.'
The simplified text would then read: 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.'
Google says the idea behind the feature is to make it easier for people to grasp complex topics they might come across when trying to learn something new on the web.
Techcrunch event
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last.
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last.
Berkeley, CA
|
BOOK NOW
'Our goal requires models to paraphrase complex ideas accurately without introducing errors or omitting key details,' Google said in a blog post. 'The rewritten text must help the reader understand challenging material without sacrificing the integrity of the original information.'
Simplify is rolling out to iOS users this week.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Suspected case of Measles under investigation in Lee County, Alabama
LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is investigating a suspected case of measles in Lee County involving an unvaccinated individual who was not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. The case is currently under review as part of ADPH's standard communicable disease response. Health officials say while the individual is confirmed to be unvaccinated, they were too young to have received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The ADPH is now working closely with local medical providers to identify any other unvaccinated individuals who may need the MMR vaccine as a precaution. 'At this time, given that most eligible Alabamians are vaccinated against measles, the risk for an outbreak remains low,' ADPH officials said in a statement. 'However, some individuals will need to be vaccinated as part of this ongoing investigation.' Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. In rare but serious cases, it can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death — particularly in young children, the immunocompromised, and unvaccinated populations. 'Measles vaccine is safe and highly effective in producing lifelong immunity against this potentially deadly disease,' said Dr. Karen Landers, ADPH's Chief Medical Officer and a pediatrician. 'Our citizens can protect themselves and others by ensuring that all eligible persons are vaccinated.' ADPH says anyone who may have been exposed is being contacted directly by health officials or their healthcare providers. Due to patient privacy laws and HIPAA regulations, no additional personal information about the suspected case is being released at this time. For more information on measles symptoms, vaccine eligibility, and how to protect yourself, visit: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Shelter calls on KC community amidst nationwide mental illness surge
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mental health issues are on the rise across the United States, according to one Kansas City shelter. They say it's causing more people to experience homelessness, especially in Kansas City. A new report from Citygate Network shows that 31% of Shelter KC guests were unhoused for the first time. That same report showed that 62% of those people reported that they've struggled with mental illness, which is well above the 47% national average. 'I've seen the demographics get younger,' said James Kohoutek, the Associate Director at Shelter KC. 'I've seen the amount of first-time homelessness increase as well as chronic homelessness. So, it's a rough situation we have.' Kansas City police stop potential sideshow during First Friday; enforcement continues Kohoutek shared research that shows limited access to health care, family trauma and financial strain are all contributing factors to mental illness. According to him, many just need a safe space and the right resources to make progress. 'Someone who sits off to the side away from the group, and then they start to sit more towards the group, and then they start to participate in the group discussion and the group classes,' he said, speaking on the progress he's seen in some cases. 'They start to engage in mental health services, they engage with their recovery coach or counselor. And you just see them come alive in a beautiful way.' Now, the shelter is calling on the KC community to get involved to break the cycle. Whether it's through volunteering or simply learning more about the crisis, Shelter KC believes it'll take everyone to make lasting change. 'We all need people in our lives to help us move forward, whether you're on the streets or standing behind a news camera. We all need that healthy support,' Kohoutek echoed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
New tech reveals never-before-seen details in solar corona
A breakthrough in adaptive optics technology captured the clearest images to date of the sun's corona. The incredible resolution of the new images could provide new insights on some of the mysteries surrounding our star.
