Google has introduced a new feature called Simplify in its iOS app that uses AI to make complex text on the web easier to understand. The feature allows users to select intricate text on a web page and tap the “Simplify” icon to see a less complicated version of the text without leaving the page. Simplify uses a novel prompt refinement approach developed by Google Research and employs Gemini to break down complex text into more digestible content while preserving crucial details.
In research testing, participants found the simplified text more helpful than the original and retained information better after reading the simplified version. The feature is particularly useful for those who need to quickly understand new subjects but are daunted by complex terminology. With Simplify, Google aims to make information more accessible and easier to comprehend for all users.
Simplifying complex web text
Google Research has also introduced a new system for minimally-lossy text simplification that enhances clarity while preserving the original meaning, detail, and nuance. The system requires models to paraphrase complex ideas accurately without introducing errors or omitting key details.
The automated approach includes readability assessment, fidelity assessment, and iterative prompt refinement. A large-scale randomized study with 4,563 participants demonstrated significant benefits of text simplification, including improved accuracy, higher confidence and ease, and short-term retention. The text simplification system developed by Google Research has the potential to impact various fields by making complex information more accessible to a broader audience without compromising the integrity of the original content.
Simplify is currently available in the Google app on iOS, and Google spokesperson Jennifer Kutz stated, “We don’t have anything to announce yet, but we’re always looking to bring useful features to more of our products” when asked about availability for Android and desktop Chrome users.
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