Skip to main content

Google AI launches Quick Draw-like WeChat game to showcase neural networks in China

Over the past year, Google has been slowly returning to China via partnerships, investments, and apps. The latest is not a standalone application, but rather a drawing mini game for WeChat where machine learning plays a major role.

Similar to Facebook Messenger, WeChat houses a lot of third-party functionality and services through mini apps. As one of China’s most popular app stores with nearly a billion users, parent company Tencent also has notable footprints in payments, gaming and livestreaming.

Google has now built one that is similar to its AI-powered Quick Draw game that it launched in 2016. Users are tasked with drawing an object that a neural network tries to recognize.

The name of the WeChat app roughly translates to “Guessing Little Songs” and gives users 20 seconds to doodle an assigned everyday item, like a dog, shoes, or watch. The AI then tries to guess the object, with users moving on to the next round if Google correctly identifies it.

The neural networking behind this game is powered by a dataset of 50 million hand-drawn sketches, and meant to showcase Google AI’s advances in computer vision.

A social aspect allows you to invite friends and family to see who can keep up the longest matching streak. Other features increasing sharing interesting sketches and saving drawings. The app can be installed via the below QR code.

Earlier this year, Google and Tencent signed a cross-licensing deal to share parents and collaborate on future tech development. More recently Google announced an e-commerce deal with JD.com as a rumored means to sell smart speakers and other hardware in China. Meanwhile, consumer focussed efforts include Wear OS powered by local services and apps like Files Go and ARCore.

As evidenced by today’s mini game, Google AI is also trying to stake a footprint by offering its TensorFlow machine learning library and tools to developers. Last year, it notably opened a Google AI China Center in Beijing.


Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com