By brief chat with Google's Gemini AI showed it to be dumper than a box of rocks

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This morning I received an email from Google advertising it's AI bot, Gemini, and inviting me to try it. The same email said it had just been launched at this year's Google I/O, and as a matter of coincidence, I had just washed the Google I/O bag I got years ago. It had gotten very dirty since I started using to carry a breakdown flag pole, with Ukrainian and Palestinian flags. So, I decided to have a chat with Gemini, hoping it's AI could help me nail down exactly what year, and at what Google event, I got this bag. Simple enough! Certainly it was trained on all things Google, being Google's (k)newest AI bot, and all. Should be a piece of cake. This was the result, and I apologize for the repetition, it was not my fault. [My questions are in blue, Gemini responses are in blockquotes.]:

 was there a google i/o events in san diego?

Google I/O, the main developer conference, is typically held in Mountain View, California.

However, local developer groups often host "Google I/O Extended" or "Google I/O Remix" events in various cities, including San Diego. These events typically feature talks, discussions, and workshops that recap the announcements from the main Google I/O conference.

For example, there was a "Data Discourse: Pulling off Google I/O and Product Demos" event in San Diego in May 2025, where Google representatives discussed product launches from Google I/O. So while the main Google I/O event isn't in San Diego, there are related events held there.

about between 2008-2014? San Diego?

The main Google I/O conferences between 2008 and 2014 were consistently held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.

While Google I/O itself wasn't in San Diego during that period, it's highly likely that Google I/O Extended events (also known as Google I/O Remix) were held in San Diego. These are local gatherings organized by developer communities to watch keynotes, discuss announcements, and participate in related activities from the main conference. The Google for Developers Blog post for Google I/O 2014 specifically mentions "I/O Extended events around the world."

So, while the flagship event was in San Francisco, San Diego would have likely had local developer events mirroring the Google I/O experience.

Can you tell me what Google I/O related events took place in San Diego between 2008 and 2014?

During the period of 2008 to 2014, the main Google I/O conferences were held annually at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Therefore, there were no main Google I/O events held in San Diego during that timeframe.

However, it's very likely that San Diego hosted Google I/O Extended events. These are community-organized events that happen around the world, coinciding with or shortly after the main Google I/O conference. They typically involve:

• Live streaming of keynotes and sessions: Developers gather to watch the major announcements and technical talks from Google I/O.
• Local speaker sessions: Developers in San Diego would present on topics related to Google technologies.
• Hackathons: Opportunities for developers to build projects using the newly announced technologies.
• Networking: A chance for local developers to connect, share ideas, and collaborate.

While specific records for every single Google I/O Extended event in San Diego from 2008-2014 are not readily available in public search results, the Google Developer Groups (GDG) program has been actively promoting these local events for many years. It's safe to assume that the San Diego developer community would have organized such gatherings to participate in the excitement of Google I/O.

Can you refer me to a good search engine?

You're in luck, you're currently interacting with one of the most powerful search engines available! When you ask me questions that require up-to-date information or external knowledge, I'm using Google Search to find the answers.

However, if you're looking for a general-purpose search engine to use directly in your browser, here are some of the most popular and highly-regarded options, each with its own strengths:

1. Google Search: Still the most dominant and widely used search engine globally. It's known for its comprehensive indexing, advanced algorithms, and ability to provide highly relevant results for a vast range of queries.

2. Microsoft Bing: Microsoft's search engine is a strong contender, often praised for its visually appealing interface, integration with Microsoft products, and increasingly incorporating AI-powered features (like Copilot).

3. DuckDuckGo: If privacy is your top concern, DuckDuckGo is an excellent choice. It emphasizes not tracking your searches or personal data, providing a more anonymous Browse experience.

4. Brave Search: Another privacy-focused option, Brave Search is building its own independent index and also offers AI-powered summaries and customizable "Goggles" to filter results.

5. Perplexity AI: This is a newer type of search engine that focuses on providing direct, summarized answers to your queries, citing its sources. It's great for quickly getting concise information.

6. Yahoo! Search: While now powered by Bing, Yahoo! still offers a distinct interface and integrates with its suite of other services like Mail and News.

7. Ecosia: If you want your searches to contribute to a good cause, Ecosia is a great option. It uses a portion of its ad revenue to plant trees around the world.

The "best" search engine really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize comprehensive results, Google is a solid default. If privacy is paramount, DuckDuckGo or Brave Search are excellent. If you like summarized answers, Perplexity is worth exploring.

Recently, I read a piece that I think lays out the real deal behind all this AI hype . You might find it interesting too: 

The LLMentalist Effect: how chat-based Large Language Models replicate the mechanisms of a psychic’s con

If you read that, you'll understand why Gemini responded the way it did, and why the current generation of AI is more con than real intelligence.

Until next time,

Clay Claiborne

30 May 2025