Latest news with #GoogleArts&Culture
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Learn about Unesco's World Heritage Sites, including Mount Kinabalu, virtually
Google's new AI-guided Talking Tours lets you 'scale' Mount Kinabalu. — Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark You can now immerse yourself in the beauty of Kinabalu Park in Sabah without even having to set foot there, thanks to Google Arts & Culture's Unesco World Heritage Site collection. The Kinabalu Park's inclusion into the collection was unveiled recently in commemoration of the park's 25th anniversary as a World Heritage Site this year. On the Google Arts & Culture page, you can learn all about Malaysia's tallest mountain – Mount Kinabalu – as well as the park's lush rainforests and its geography. The Kinabalu Park is not just a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is also a Unesco Global Geopark, while the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Take the virtual Talking Tour to visit all these places, as well as the park's vibrant botanical garden. Apart from the Kinabalu Park, Google's expansion also features other Unesco-listed sites including in countries like Germany, Brazil and China. So far, there are 3,454 sites featured in the collection. The Curonian Spit, a remarkable sand dune spit nestled between Lithuania and Russia, was designated as a World Heritage Site 25 years ago. This unique sandy landscape, measuring a length of 98km, was carved by the sea, wind, and human activity more than 5,000 years ago. Meanwhile, Rwanda's first Natural World Heritage Site is the Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Albertine Rift Ecoregion. The park, which spans over 101,900ha, houses the African continent's largest mountain forest and is part of the country's biggest peat bog, particularly the Kamiranzovu Marsh. Another equally important location is Macao, which was inscribed into the World Heritage Site list in 2005. Macao's architecture and landscape are largely influenced by the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. Other World Heritage Sites featured include the Leon Cathedral (Nicaragua), Buzau Land (Romania), Lencois Maranhenses National Park (Brazil) and The Windsborn Crater Lake (Germany).
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Amit Sood: From saving artworks to giving them a playful twist, AI is a powerful tool
What started in 2011 as a 'hobby' project has now become a platform that gives people access to the most prized artworks across the world. Amit Sood , the man who brought Picassos and MF Husains to our devices, talks to Sneha Bhura about how Google Arts & Culture (GAC) has evolved — it now partners with over 3,000 institutions across 80 countries — and the role of tech in saving heritage From culinary traditions to matchbox art, Google Arts & Culture now spans a wide canvas. How has the project expanded the definition of art? In 2011, we launched the Google Art Project with a traditional view — mostly oil-on-canvas paintings and classical visual art. Changing the name to 'Google Arts & Culture' was a strategic shift to broaden our lens. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While still deeply committed to classical art forms — paintings, sculpture, architecture — we've expanded to include food, sport, natural history and even travel. Last month, we launched 'Food Mood India', which uses AI to generate regional food pairings. We even got a chef in our California canteen to use the tool and serve some of the dishes to the staff. It was a hit. That's when we knew there was something there. How did you convince big museums like the Tate in London, Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Museum of Modern Art in New York to come onboard? One advantage for me (or a disadvantage, depending on how you see it) was that I wasn't an 'art guy'. So, I approached them without any baggage, simply saying, 'Hey, there's an amazing opportunity to share some of your incredible work online.' At first, of course, they were like, 'What is this? Who is this? Why is Google contacting us?' But once they understood our intention was non-commercial, and that it was fundamentally about access, their view shifted. And that aligned with the core mission of any public museum — to make culture and art accessible. But wouldn't it drive traffic away from museums? You could look at Van Gogh's The Starry Night from your couch in Delhi instead of buying a plane ticket to New York and queuing up outside MoMA. One of our main concerns initially was that people would stop going to museums if we put art content online. That's no longer a worry as, even with so much online content, museums around the world are seeing record footfalls. It really depends on what the museum offers to engage visitors. Our app regularly shows user feedback such as: 'I didn't think I enjoyed classical art, but now I do', or 'I can't believe how beautiful this building is, I need to go see it in person'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now How open are Indian museums to digital experiments? India's museum space is becoming vibrant, whether it's the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai. CSMVS, for instance, has been incredibly forward-thinking, doing creative work with technology while still giving importance to the physical museum experience. We're investing more than ever before in digitisation technology in India as demand keeps rising. We're also helping museums train curators on how to tell stories online. I'm particularly passionate about India's vast repository of manuscripts. In the West, we've digitised and globally launched all of Leonardo da Vinci's codices in a project called 'Inside a Genius Mind'. We also did a project in Mali on the Timbuktu manuscripts, important texts on Islamic culture and history. In Israel, we digitised the Dead Sea Scrolls. I'm hoping that in the next year or two, we'll be able to do much more with manuscripts from India as well. What new immersive or AI-powered projects are you planning next? Technology plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage today. We used LiDAR scanners (that does 3D mapping) for the 'Explore Elephanta Caves' project launched last month. We're also exploring how AI can help restore damaged or destroyed artworks. AI is also a powerful tool for re-creation — helping us imagine what could have been. It can also demystify art and culture, especially for people who might feel it's elitist. For example, recently, we made an AI 'mixtape' from the collections of The National Gallery in London. The idea was to use AI to generate music inspired by famous artworks and then let users become DJs — connecting, mixing and playing with these works in a totally new way. 'Mice in the Museum', another project I love, has two AI-generated mice doing a podcast in front of artworks in a funny, engaging way. Exciting new AI partnerships with Indian museums are also in the pipeline. With all the debate around AI-generated art, where do you stand on it? We are here to document the world's art, not art made by AI. That's a clear distinction. We believe AI is most powerful when it serves artists and institutions, not when it replaces them. At GAC, most of what we do involves collaborating with external artists who use Google's base models like Gemini. We then connect the artist, the AI model, the cultural institution and the content, which ensures that the result is curatorially sound. Which Indian painting or project on GAC has seen the most traction globally? The 'Crafted in India' exhibition resonated deeply with audiences in India and abroad. The Indian Railways project was also among our most viewed globally. In 2023, we launched the largest ever online exhibition on Hindi cinema using augmented reality and street view, partnering with the National Film Archive of India, MAP and Yash Raj Films, which was also hugely popular.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Google Arts and Culture launches AI-powered experiences in India: Explore Elephanta Caves and food mood fusion
In a vibrant celebration of India's rich heritage and culinary diversity, Google Arts & Culture has unveiled two cutting-edge, tech-powered experiences designed to bring tradition closer to the digital generation. The first, Explore Elephanta Caves , uses advanced 3D scanning and generative AI to recreate the 1500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site , complete with an immersive 'Talking Tour' that brings ancient stone to life. The second, Food Mood: India Edition , is a playful AI experiment built on Gemini 1.5 Flash , allowing users to discover and remix regional Indian flavours into imaginative fusion recipes one delicious algorithm at a time. These launches showcase how Google is applying cutting-edge AI to cultural storytelling and interactive exploration. Explore Elephanta Caves An hour's ferry ride away from Mumbai, on Elephanta Island, lies the Elephanta Caves - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Described by the UNESCO listing as the 'most magnificent achievement in the history of rock-architecture in western India', this network of 1500-year-old cave temples dates back to the 5th and 8th centuries AD. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Bringing a true jewel of ancient Indian art to the world, Google Arts & Culture, in partnership with CyArk, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and twelve other partner institutions, has launched 'Explore Elephanta Caves'. The initiative enables audiences to virtually explore this ancient wonder, brought to life through cutting-edge technology, including 3D scanning and generative AI for immersive storytelling. CyArk, along with Instucen Trust and ASI, used 3D Lidar scanning to digitally preserve Elephanta Caves' main cave temple. (LiDAR is a mapping technology that uses laser light to create highly accurate 3D maps of various surfaces.). A dedicated team embarked on daily journeys to Elephanta, transporting their specialised equipment via small fishing boats. On Elephanta, they meticulously captured over 6,500 photos and 197 laser scans. They also recorded crucial insights from experts like archaeologists Dr. Andre Baptista and Dr. Kurush Dalal. This devoted labour of love now brings the main cave's intricate beauty to virtual audiences across the globe. Adding further depth to the digital exhibit is a curated collection of photographs contributed by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). Showcasing key archaeological artefacts unearthed on Elephanta Island including sculptures, pot sherds, and copper thals (ritual plates), the collection offers a rare glimpse into the religious practices and daily lives of the communities that once inhabited this sacred space for centuries. For the first time ever, audiences worldwide can embark on a 'Talking Tour' of the Elephanta Caves — an interactive experience powered by Google AI that allows users to virtually explore the site while listening to contextual audio generated in real time. This innovative guide doesn't just narrate; it responds. Users can ask questions along the way, unlocking a more personalised and immersive journey through the centuries-old monument. This rich digital experience is housed within a cohesive online hub, created in collaboration with 15 cultural institutions. More than just ancient rock-cut sculptures, the Elephanta Caves represent a living testament to India's artistic mastery and architectural ingenuity, a near-perfect embodiment of Indian art at its finest. Food Mood Google also introduces Food Mood: India Edition, a playful AI experiment that invites users to explore India's rich culinary heritage through creative fusion. Food has long been a cornerstone of Indian culture, with flavours that shift dramatically every few miles. Each state offers its own culinary identity, shaped by distinctive spices, traditional cooking techniques, and recipes passed down through generations. To experience the fusion, users simply select two regional Indian cuisines, and the recipe generator crafts a new dish, whether a starter, soup, main course, or dessert. Imagine combining the bold flavours of Maharashtra with Goa's coastal zest, or blending Rajasthan's royal spice palette with Kerala's coconut-rich traditions. Each regional profile is carefully represented, offering a vibrant digital canvas of Indian gastronomy. Powered by Gemini 1.5 Flash via Vertex AI, this experiment reflects Google's ongoing commitment to sparking cultural curiosity and creativity. Both Food Mood: India Edition and the Elephanta Caves Talking Tour are now live on Google Arts & Culture.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Google Arts & Culture launches virtual Elephanta Caves experience
Google Arts & Culture has unveiled two digital initiatives showcasing India's cultural heritage , including a virtual tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Elephanta Caves and an AI-powered Indian fusion recipe generator. The centerpiece "Explore Elephanta Caves" project transforms the 1,500-year-old rock temples near Mumbai into an immersive digital experience. Developed in partnership with CyArk, the Archaeological Survey of India, and 13 other institutions, the initiative uses cutting-edge 3D scanning technology and generative AI to bring the ancient cave network to global audiences. Google says teams spent a week traveling daily by fishing boat to Elephanta Island, capturing over 6,500 photographs and 197 laser scans using LiDAR technology. The project features a revolutionary "Talking Tour" powered by Google AI, allowing users to explore the caves virtually while receiving live audio commentary and asking personalized questions about the site. The caves, dating from the 5th to 8th centuries AD, are described by UNESCO as the "most magnificent achievement in the history of rock-architecture in western India." The digital preservation effort includes archaeological artifacts from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya collection, offering insights into centuries of religious practices on the island. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cervecería Nacional CFD: Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100 Empieza a invertir Inscríbete ahora Undo Simultaneously, Google launched "Food Mood India Edition," an AI experiment that creates fusion recipes by blending India's diverse regional cuisines. Powered by Gemini 1.5 Flash, users can combine flavors from different states - such as Maharashtra's robust spices with Goa's coastal influences - to generate innovative dishes across all meal categories. Director Amit Sood emphasized that these initiatives continue Google's commitment to cultural learning and creativity, making India's rich heritage accessible worldwide through technology. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Android Authority
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
I'm hooked on this free Google app that transports me to different countries from my couch
Saeed Wazir / Android Authority I use Google apps on my Samsung phone daily, but hadn't heard of Arts & Culture until recently. I'm more of a gaming and movie enthusiast, and I didn't think it would appeal to me because I've never been particularly interested in art. My perspective changed when I started using the app during my free time and was drawn into worlds that I knew existed, but had never experienced before. The app has helped me reduce my doomscrolling and explore designs, food, and nature from countries around the world. I find it relaxing to view historical artifacts and famous art, and I feel like I gain valuable knowledge instead of seeking quick dopamine hits. There's always something interesting to see, and the information is never overwhelming because it's presented in bite-sized chunks. I can't travel to all the exotic places I'd like to see, but Google's Arts & Culture Android app is the next best thing to explore the world. Google Arts & Culture is available for free on the Google Play Store. You can also access Google Arts & Culture from your browser on your Windows PC, Apple laptop, and other devices without downloading the app. Google Arts & Culture is broken into several sections, like Visual Arts, Nature, Design, and more, to make it more organized and user-friendly. Today, I'll discuss how I use the app and the features I enjoy the most. I'll also highlight its shortcomings and features that could be improved. I didn't think I'd enjoy visual arts Saeed Wazir / Android Authority I've never considered myself an art expert, despite appreciating the skill it requires. I was hesitant to try the Visual Arts feature because I thought it would be boring, and I was proven wrong by the vast selection of interesting pieces. Instead of displaying the Mona Lisa and other famous pieces, the app lists the art randomly. I can then scroll through them and pick the ones I like. Sometimes it's classic Renaissance paintings, but most of the time it's just abstract images, bright flowers, and whatever catches my eye. I scroll like I would on TikTok, but I view paintings instead of videos. I appreciate that I can expand each image to view all its details and read about it with the provided tag, which provides just enough information without going overboard. Art aficionados will likely utilize the advanced search features to find specific art pieces based on the artist, movement, location, and other relevant factors. I love nature and exploring places I can't visit Saeed Wazir / Android Authority I love nature and try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. However, there are still limitations to how far I can go, and that's why I enjoy the Arts & Culture Nature feature. This section mimics the Visual Arts feature by displaying a massive list of stunning locations to scroll through. I get to experience many natural and man-made wonders, like Japan's Ogawa Waterfall or Italy's picturesque Farra di Soligo area, which I'd never heard of until now. I get to experience many natural and man-made wonders, which I'd never heard of until now. Out of the countless images available, I always find some that I like, and it's easy to disregard the rest and skip over them. When I'm looking for something specific, I search by country or use the filter to find mountains, beaches, and other geographical landmarks. I find that the information tags in the Nature section can sometimes lack detail, and I need to do independent searches to find out more about a place. It isn't usually an issue for me because I use the same search to download calming desktop wallpapers of the places I'd like to visit. I find new dishes to try Saeed Wazir / Android Authority The Food feature in Arts & Culture showcases unique foods and national dishes from around the world. This feature takes me on a gastronomical journey through different countries to celebrate amazing dishes and desserts. I'm not the most adventurous eater, but I can still appreciate culinary delights and often marvel at the interesting utensils and tools used to make them. Many foods have interesting stories behind them, like how they are grown or unique cooking styles. It's impossible to avoid temptation, and I've downloaded the recipes for Russian Tartar Pie and Mexican Achiote paste based on what I've seen. I'm particularly fond of Italian and Japanese cuisine, and often filter by country to check out the foods I like. Apart from interesting dishes, Food includes images of some of the world's most famous restaurants and bakeries. Apart from interesting dishes, Food includes images of some of the world's most famous restaurants and bakeries, and displays information about their cultural significance. It also shows the farms and factories that our food comes from to understand how it's made. Using the Food feature has made me appreciate how lucky we are in the modern era to have such a wide selection of food from around the world available to us at the local grocery store. I visit countries for free Saeed Wazir / Android Authority We all wish we could travel more, but it's usually not possible because of work or family commitments. The Arts & Culture Travel feature transports me to faraway countries to take in the fantastic architecture and scenery that I would never get to see in real life. It displays many tourist destinations, like the Arc de Triomphe and the Taj Mahal, but I prefer looking at pictures of places I've never seen before, like Carisbrooke Castle in England or the Hwaseong Fortress in South Korea. Travel is probably my favorite Arts & Culture feature because of the amount of detail it offers. It displays the history of the locations under the Stories tab, and I get to see a three-dimensional view of fascinating places under the Virtual Visits tab. I usually scroll randomly to find places I like, but other users may prefer to search for specific destinations or buildings using the search function. I discover groundbreaking designs that shaped society Saeed Wazir / Android Authority Design displays unique and exciting inventions, artifacts, and architectural marvels spanning centuries. Each country has unique designs based on its culture and available materials, and this app lets me view stunning pieces from the past and present. The incredible variety includes everyday items, such as chairs and cabinets, that feature unique designs due to their origin. I can view historical artifacts, like crowns and crucifixes, which are housed in museums, and other items of historical importance. Design displays unique and exciting inventions spanning centuries. I'm blown away by the intricate details of vintage furniture and the ingenuity of past civilizations, which used primitive tools to craft objects that have lasted for centuries. The information tags make it easy for me to learn more about the designs I'm viewing, and some of them have unbelievable backstories of how they were created. I can also search by the designer or origin if I'm looking for a specific piece that interests me. I like this app, but it isn't perfect Most Google apps have a similar minimalist style, but Google Arts & Culture takes a different approach with its cluttered interface. Perhaps it's due to the sheer volume of information displayed, but navigating the app has a steep learning curve, mainly because of the numerous tabs and submenus within menus. There is also a significant discrepancy in the amount of information displayed for each image, with some tabs providing in-depth details and others barely scratching the surface. Google Arts & Culture is packed with features, and I've highlighted the ones I use the most. Others, like Sport, History, and Science, aren't my cup of tea, but will surely have fans who enjoy them. I took it slow when sifting through the menus to find what I liked because the information became overwhelming in large doses. However, none of these are dealbreakers and haven't stopped me enjoying the app and expanding my knowledge of the world.
