TensorFlow – Google’s New Open Source Machine Learning Tool

In recent times, companies have been scrambling to deliver the next pioneering tools in machine learning and AI. And Google is not one to be left behind in this battle, today releasing their own open source offering, TensorFlow.

Released under the Apache 2.0 license, TensorFlow aims to showcase Google’s accomplishments in the machine learning field to the masses. The bar to entry on TensorFlow is also small, able to run even on a single smartphone. Built upon a previous Google deep-learning tool, DistBelief, TensorFlow is intended to be faster and more flexible with the intention to allow it to be adapted for use in future projects and products. Changing the focus away from strictly neural networks allows TensorFlow to enjoy easier code-sharing between researchers as well as decouple the system somewhat from Google’s internal infrastructure.

Google hope that by making TensorFlow open-source, it will attract a wider array of potential users, from hobbyists to professional researchers. This enables Google and users to benefit from one-another, with exchanges of ideas and code being easy and giving opportunities for Google to grow the product using advancements found by users. Additionally, the built-in interface is based upon python, instantly making it straightforward to use for those familiar with the language and for newer users, comes bundled with examples and tutorials to help users get started.

Are you excited to get see what can be developed when a machine learning tool is made available to the masses, or are you excited to get hands on yourself? TensorFlow is available here.