Google's iOS application is introducing a novel "Simplify" functionality that leverages AI to clarify intricate or specialised online content, enabling comprehension directly within the webpage.

Simplify employs a prompt refinement method pioneered by Google Research and utilises Gemini to render complex text more accessible, preserving essential information. Google asserts that testing revealed the simplified text enhanced users' comprehension and retention of the source material.

By providing a native feature such as Simplify, Google probably intends for users to remain within its range of tools and services when grappling with intricate subjects, instead of resorting to prevalent external tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

To utilise Simplify, simply highlight any desired text on a webpage accessed via the Google app, and subsequently tap the corresponding "Simplify" icon that is presented. This action will generate a streamlined version of the text, facilitating comprehension and enabling continued reading.

Google's research blog shows an example of what this feature might look like. For instance, you might see a paragraph that says: "This condition is complicated and damages the lungs in several ways, including destroying lung tissue, causing widespread scarring, changing the types of immune cells in the lungs, increasing the production of factors that affect the immune system, and significantly changing the structure of the blood vessels in the lungs."

This complex lung condition involves damage to the lung tissue from emphysema, a disease that damages the air sacs in the lungs, and widespread scarring of the lung tissue, called fibrosis. The immune cells in the lungs change, and the body produces more substances that control the immune system. The blood vessels in the lungs also change significantly.

Google states that the feature is intended to facilitate users' comprehension of intricate subjects they may encounter while acquiring new knowledge online.

Google explained in a blog post, "Our aim is for models to accurately rephrase complex ideas without adding mistakes or leaving out important details." They added, "The new text should help people understand difficult information while keeping the original meaning correct."

Simplify is scheduled for deployment to iOS users commencing this week.