Google I/O 2024 - Everything a Hotelier Needs To Know

Introduction

This was the year of AI for Google. Hot on the heels of OpenAI’s announcement of a new and improved (and free) ChatGPT 4.0, Google has gone all out, demonstrating to the world why it should still hold its attention. Almost two hours long, the I/O keynote was packed with information, but don’t worry, everything we think is important, you’ll find below.

It's important to note that most of these features will be released in the US in the upcoming months. No European release dates have been mentioned, but we think they’re still worth keeping an eye on.

The Fun Bit

So, ignoring how it all works for a moment, we should ask: What can Google’s new Gemini AI do? Well luckily, Google was very keen to show off the upgrades it has made to it’s next-gen AI models.

Google showcased its latest generative media enhancements. Firstly, we previewed Imagen 3.0, Google's cutting-edge AI tool for creating photos. Due to processing advancements, Imagen can handle intricate prompts, resulting in highly detailed images.

Subsequently, we explored Veo, Google's video generation AI. It's still undergoing some development, but its potential is enormous, promising easy access to professional content.

AI overview, an add-on to Google Search, will compile information to answer complex questions thoroughly. It also allows users to ask intricate questions, with the AI giving contextual answers.

Lastly, Google introduced its new AI assistant, Project Astra, capable of solving complex real-time problems using video from the device's camera. Its demonstration involved solving a coding problem on a whiteboard, providing solutions and explaining the process.

The Useful Bit

Ok, so all these new features are interesting enough, but how can they help you and your hotel business? Google plans to integrate its Gemini AI model directly into the Google Suite, offering a range of practical applications beneficial for hoteliers.

Enhanced Guest Communication and Experience:

With Gemini AI's ability to summarise email chains and generate minutes for missed meetings, hotel managers can stay on top of guest requests and feedback more efficiently. Imagine AI handling guest queries, providing quick responses, and even making personalised recommendations based on previous interactions. This can significantly enhance the guest experience by ensuring prompt and personalised communication.

Streamlined Operations and Staff Management:

Gemini can update staff rosters in real-time based on current information, such as sudden changes in bookings or staff availability. This means fewer scheduling conflicts and more efficient use of your workforce. The AI can also automate the creation of daily task lists for housekeeping and maintenance staff, ensuring that everything runs smoothly without constant managerial oversight.

Improved Data Handling and Insights:

By integrating figures from various sources, like earnings reports or occupancy rates, into spreadsheets, and creating infographics ready for presentation, Gemini can help hotel managers make data-driven decisions quickly. This can be particularly useful during peak seasons or events, where quick adjustments based on real-time data can maximise revenue and efficiency.

AI Teammates in Hospitality:

Google’s new AI teammates can participate in your business tasks, appearing in group chats, emails, and documents just like a regular coworker. By gathering all business knowledge, these AI teammates can ensure consistency and efficiency in operations, and you can even name them to add a personal touch to your team.

Enhanced Search and Information Compilation:

AI overview in Google Search can provide comprehensive answers to complex questions, such as the best places to stay in your city or top-rated hotel amenities. This feature can improve your hotel’s visibility in search results, attracting more potential guests. It can also help your staff quickly find detailed information on local attractions and services to provide better concierge recommendations.

By integrating these AI advancements into your hotel operations, you can enhance guest satisfaction, streamline your workflow, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Embracing these technologies can transform your hotel into a more efficient, guest-centric, and innovative establishment.

The Technical Bit

Google is launching the 1.5 version of their Gemini AI model, doubling its processing power. This advancement results from improvements in server-side hardware, specifically tensor processing units (TPUs). Gemini's updated model can now handle 2 million tokens at once, a leap from the previous 1 million.

It’s all quite technical but the key takeaway here is that Google's Gemini AI model is evolving and becoming more potent and efficient.