Google Labs, an experimental division, has unveiled a new AI-powered mobile app for iOS and Android called Dreambeans. The service analyzes user data from across the Google ecosystem to create personalized daily «stories» and inspire real-life activities.
Google Labs, an experimental division, has unveiled a new AI-powered mobile app for iOS and Android called Dreambeans. The service analyzes user data from across the Google ecosystem to create personalized daily «stories» and inspire real-life activities.
Project manager Gözde Öznur spoke about the launch of the new product, reports TechCrunch.
Dreambeans uses Personal Intelligence technology to combine information from Gmail, Calendar, Photos, YouTube, and search history. Based on this data, the app generates daily cards with ideas: these can be suggestions for a new coffee shop nearby, topics to study, or puppy care tips if the user has recently scheduled a vet visit on their calendar.
According to the developers, Dreambeans is designed as an antidote to digital addiction and doomscrolling. The app limits the number of daily cards to 10–14. After receiving a portion of ideas for the day, the user should put down the smartphone and return to real life.
Special attention was paid to user privacy. Oznur assured that all information is securely protected, and only the account owner has access to the created stories. Users can independently choose which Google services to connect to the program, as well as completely delete their data if necessary.
The name of the project is explained by the algorithm of its work. According to the project manager, the «dream» part reflects the fact that the application analyzes large data sets at night while the user sleeps. And the «beans» part hints at coffee beans — in the morning the service gives out a concentrated portion of inspiration along with morning coffee.
Dreambeans is currently only available to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US. Users in other regions and regular Google Account holders can only sign up for a waitlist at this time.
Previously, a Japanese developer with the nickname ZOKUZOKU released a Chrome browser extension called Cat Gatekeeper that helps users fight social media addiction. It overlays the screen with an image of a sleek ginger cat that prevents them from scrolling through their feed.
