Google Translate, once a laughable rival to human translators, underwent a revolutionary change in 2016, thanks to an artificial intelligence system called Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT). This system utilises a technique known as deep learning, enabling Google Translate to produce translations that are almost indistinguishable from those done by humans. The transformative potential of AI was recognised by Google, leading to the establishment of Google Brain in 2011, a team dedicated to advancing AI technology.

GNMT’s success lies in its ability to learn from vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and making decisions based on these. This is a significant departure from traditional programming, where explicit instructions are given. Instead, GNMT learns from examples, improving its performance over time.

The advent of GNMT and similar technologies has sparked a debate on the potential impact of AI on jobs and the economy. While some predict a loss of jobs due to automation, others argue that AI will create new opportunities and industries, just as the internet did. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the AI revolution is here, and it’s changing the way we interact with technology.

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