Google-Kantar report says 60% Indians are not familiar with AI

Google and Kantar have released a report which reveals that 60% of respondents are unfamiliar with AI and only 31% have experimented with any Gen AI tool, suggesting a headroom for growth. As per the report, Indians are in favour of using AI to act as a daily growth collaborator, with 75% expressing this desire.

The study, which surveyed over 8,000 individuals across 18 cities in India, explored the adoption, potential, and impact of generative AI (Gen AI) in the country. Despite the current low adoption rates, the research highlights a strong motivation among Indians to improve various aspects of their lives.

A majority of respondents expressed a keen interest in boosting productivity (72%), enhancing creativity (77%), and communicating more effectively (73%) in their daily routines. This desire extends beyond professional or academic pursuits, with 76% wanting to save time on everyday tasks and 84% seeking to be more creative in their personal lives.

Early adopters of Google GenAI tools report positive impact
As per the report, early adopters of Google's Gen AI tool, Gemini, are already experiencing significant positive impacts. An impressive 92% of Gemini users in India reported a boost in confidence, while 93% noted enhanced productivity, and 85% felt it sparked their creativity.

These findings suggest that AI tools like Gemini are increasingly fulfilling the desire for a collaborative guide in people's lives.

In conjunction with the study's release, Google also talked about a suite of new Gemini features powered by its advanced AI models. These include Veo 2 for high-resolution video generation from ideas, Gemini Live with Video for intuitive visual conversations, and enhanced capabilities within Gemini's Canvas, Deep Research, and Audio Overviews features. Additionally, NotebookLM was highlighted as a dedicated AI-powered study companion.

The study also identified common roadblocks hindering personal growth in India, such as difficulty getting started (68%) and a lack of necessary skills and guidance (52%). These frustrations often lead individuals to abandon aspirations, with 61% reporting they had given up on a professional or creative goal due to such obstacles.

Moreover, daily friction, such as concerns about message delivery (73%) and challenges in pursuing passions like cooking (71%) or travel planning (67%), also impacts confidence and engagement. The positive impact reported by early Gemini users suggests a potential pathway to overcome these hurdles and unlock individual potential.