Google is testing a new way of training its AI algorithms directly on your phone

When big tech firms use machine learning to improve their software, the process is usually a very centralized one. Companies like Google and Apple gather information about how you use their apps; collect it in one place; and then train new algorithms using this aggregated data. The end result for users could be anything from sharper photos on your phone's camera, to better a search function in your email app. This method is effective, but the back-and-forth of updating apps and gathering feedback is time-consuming. And it's not great for user privacy, as companies have to store data on how you use your apps on their servers.