Understand Complex Texts More Easily with Google’s “Simplify” Feature

In an era of overwhelming information, one major obstacle is “complex language and technical jargon”, which limits the general public’s access to important knowledge in everyday life—whether it's in health, law, finance, or technology. To address this, Google has developed a new feature for the Google app on iOS called Simplify, powered by the Gemini family of AI models, designed to “transform complex texts into simpler ones” without sacrificing core content.

Understand Complex Texts More Easily with Google’s “Simplify” Feature (Image From: Google)

What is Simplify?

Simplify is a feature that uses Gemini 1.5 AI to convert complex texts—such as research papers, academic articles, or in-depth news—into more readable versions. Unlike traditional summarization or explanations, Simplify doesn't reduce content or distort meaning. Its goal is to make the text immediately understandable while preserving the original’s accuracy and completeness.

The Technology Behind the Feature: Automated AI Development

Google uses an automated system powered by Gemini, which consists of three main components:

• Readability Assessment: Beyond basic formulas like Flesch-Kincaid, Gemini evaluates how easy a text is to read on a scale from 1 to 10.

• Fidelity Evaluation: Ensures that the simplified version maintains the original meaning and key information.

• Automatic Prompt Refinement Loop: Gemini analyzes the outputs and iteratively refines prompts over 800 cycles to achieve optimal results without human input.

This marks a new innovation where AI trains AI automatically to become more effective.

Real-World Testing: How Much Easier Is It to Understand?

Google tested the feature with over 4,500 users, who read both original and simplified versions across eight knowledge areas, such as medicine, law, IT, literature, etc.

Results:

• Average question-answering accuracy increased by 4%.

• Users reading health-related content understood 15% more.

• Users felt more confident and capable when reading simplified texts.

• Complex medical terms were made accessible—for example, explaining “emphysema” and “fibrosis” in everyday language.

Now Available in the Google App (iOS)

Simply open a webpage in the Google app and tap the “Simplify” icon. The system instantly transforms complex text into a simplified version—without reloading the page—making it easier for users to learn challenging topics.

Simplify: A Smart Application of AI

Google’s Simplify represents a smart application of AI, helping people access expert-level knowledge more easily. It reduces language barriers, enhances understanding, and accelerates learning. It’s another key step in Google’s mission to make “information truly accessible to everyone.”

Sources: TechCrunch, Google Research