Machine Learning for the Masses

using Google Prediction API

PAPIs 2015

What is Google Prediction API?

- supervised machine learning service

- one-click, black-box model training and hosting

- data and model analysis

- aimed towards non-ML experts

How does one use it?

Data Prediction API

Insert Model

Predict Predict

Predict

Google Cloud Storage

Upload

22000,1,13000,1,0

14000,0,30000,0,1

...

Generate features from raw data

classifier: Linear Regression

parameters: ...

Select algorithm and

parameters

Why black-box?

Price,Year,Mileage,Size

22000,2012,13000,2-door

14000,2010,30000,4-door

...

22000,1,0.31,1,0

14000,0,0.65,0,1

...

Preprocess data

(scale features, PCA)

Error: 132.1

Compute performance

metrics

Typical machine learning workflow:

Why black-box?

Price,Year,Mileage,Size

22000,2012,13000,2-door

14000,2010,30000,4-door

... Mean Squared Error: 132.1

Prediction API workflow:

Prediction API

Trained Model

??,2002,135000,4-door

Price: $3363.89

Why black-box?

Prediction API automatically:

- Generates features from raw data

- Applies any necessary preprocessing

- Finds the optimal parameters/algorithm

- Reports the expected accuracy computed via cross-validation

How can we make Machine Learning even more

accessible?

Smart Autofill Google Spreadsheets Add-on

Open Smart Autofill

Select column to Autofill

Wait for training to complete

Values are filled in

Text Classification Example

● Suppose you send out a survey using Google Forms

● People respond in one of three languages - English, Spanish, or French

● You wish to only view the responses that are in English

Responses of the form

Label the first 100 responses

Autofill the rest

Filter by language

Questions?