Google’s AI ‘Simplify’ Tool for iOS Makes Complex Text Easy to Understand
Struggling to understand dense online articles loaded with jargon? Google has launched a new AI-powered tool called Simplify for its iOS app, designed to make complex text easier to digest. This new feature taps into the power of Gemini AI to provide users with a simpler, more accessible version of any highlighted text directly within the Google app, without leaving the webpage.
Simplify addresses a common frustration: encountering technical or specialized language that acts as a barrier to understanding online content. Whether it's medical journals filled with complex terminology or financial reports dense with industry jargon, Simplify aims to break down these walls and make information more accessible to everyone.
According to Google, Simplify works by generating a more digestible version of the original text, meticulously preserving key details and nuances. For example, it can explain medical terms like “emphysema” and “fibrosis” directly within the article, eliminating the need for readers to consult separate resources. This innovative approach was developed by Google Research.
Google’s internal testing suggests that users find these simplified versions to be “significantly more helpful than the original complex text.” The company acknowledges that its study had limitations and that continuous monitoring is required to catch and correct errors. However, the initial results are promising.
To use Simplify, simply highlight text in the Google app on your iPhone, and tap the Simplify icon from the menu that appears. While the feature is currently exclusive to iOS, Google has indicated that they are exploring expanding its availability to Android and desktop Chrome users in the future.
The development of Simplify involves an automated system leveraging Gemini models for evaluation of simplification quality and self-refinement of prompts, and an iterative prompt refinement loop. This creates a powerful feedback loop to improve Simplify’s capability of text simplification.
A large-scale study was conducted of 4,563 consenting participants. Those reading the simplified text achieved a 4% increase in MCQ accuracy overall compared to those reading the original. Significant gains were also observed in finance (6%), legal (4%), and technical domains.
Simplify has the potential to be a game-changer for online learning, research, and everyday browsing. By making complex information more accessible, Google is empowering users to engage with content they might otherwise find overwhelming.
What do you think about Google's new Simplify tool? Will this help you understand complex topics better? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
