Google's iOS application is introducing a novel "Simplify" function, leveraging AI to render intricate or specialized web-based content more accessible, entirely within the current web page.

Simplify employs a prompt refinement methodology pioneered by Google Research, leveraging Gemini to render complex text more accessible while preserving crucial information. Google's trials indicated that the simplified output facilitated enhanced comprehension and retention of the original content among users.

Google likely aims to retain users within its ecosystem of tools and services for assistance with intricate subjects, exemplified by its built-in Simplify feature, thereby potentially diminishing reliance on prominent third-party alternatives such as OpenAI's ChatGPT.

To utilise Simplify, highlight any text on a webpage within the Google app and then engage the corresponding "Simplify" icon. This action will render a condensed version of the text, facilitating comprehension and enabling continued reading.

Google's research blog gives an example of what this feature could be like. For instance, you might read a section that says: "This condition is complex and involves the destruction of lung tissue from emphysema, widespread scarring of the lungs, changes in the types of immune cells in the lungs, more production of substances that affect the immune system, and important changes to the blood vessels in the lungs."

The simplified text would explain that this complex condition involves damage to the lung tissue. This damage comes from emphysema, a disease that harms the air sacs in the lungs, and also from widespread scarring of the lung tissue, which is called fibrosis. The immune cells in the lungs change, and the body produces more substances that control the immune system, called immunomodulatory factors. Additionally, the blood vessels in the lungs also change significantly.

Google says the feature is designed to help people understand difficult subjects they find when they are trying to learn new things online.

In a blog post, Google said that their goal is for models to accurately rephrase complex ideas. These models should not make mistakes or leave out important details. Google also said that the new text should help people understand difficult topics without changing the original information.

Simplify is poised for release to its iOS user base this week.