Google Generative AI: Let Me Search Better For You
Over the past 25 years, Google Search has continued to evolve and grow, adapting to new technologies and user needs. The core information quality systems have been meticulously refined to help users find the most relevant information on the web. Google has also built a vast knowledge base of billions of facts about people, places, and things, allowing users to access trustworthy information in the blink of an eye.
Now, with the introduction of generative AI, Google Search is poised to take a quantum leap forward. Generative AI allows Search to go beyond simply providing information retrieval; it can now understand and respond to user queries in a more natural way. This means you can ask Search anything that’s on your mind, and it will use its AI capabilities to complete your requests, from basic research to complex planning and brainstorming.
At the heart of this transformation is a new, custom-made AI model called Gemini. Gemini incorporates advanced capabilities like multi-step reasoning, planning, and multimodality, working in tandem with Google’s best-in-class Search systems.
Get quick answers with AI Overviews
Imagine you need a quick answer to a question, but you don’t have the time or energy to sift through multiple websites. This is where AI Overviews come in. This innovative feature leverages AI to generate summaries of information directly within your search results. People have already had the opportunity to experiment with AI Overviews through Google Search Labs, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the ability to get a quick overview of a topic alongside links to more detailed information. Google Search Labs has found that users who interact with AI Overviews tend to use Search more frequently and express greater satisfaction with their search results.
The rollout of AI Overviews is beginning in the U.S., with plans to expand to additional countries soon. This means that hundreds of millions of users will have access to AI Overviews within this week, with Google aiming to reach over a billion users by the end of the year.
Interestingly, research suggests that users who interact with AI Overviews visit a wider variety of websites to explore complex topics. Additionally, links included within AI Overviews tend to receive more clicks compared to when the same webpage appears as a traditional search result. Google is committed to using AI Overviews to drive valuable traffic to publishers and creators, and ads will continue to be displayed in designated areas throughout the page with clear labels to differentiate between organic and sponsored results.
In the near future, users will have the ability to customize their AI Overviews by adjusting the language complexity or the level of detail provided. This will be particularly helpful for users who are encountering a new topic for the first time or those who need to simplify information for children. This update is expected to arrive soon in Search Labs for English language queries in the U.S.
Ask most complex questions
With the multi-step reasoning capabilities of the custom Gemini model, AI Overviews will be able to tackle increasingly complex questions. Instead of having to break down your question into multiple separate searches, you can now ask comprehensive questions with all the nuances and details you have in mind, all in one go.
For instance, imagine you’re searching for a new yoga or Pilates studio. Ideally, you’d like it to be popular with locals, conveniently located near your commute, and offering a discount for new members. With the upcoming update, you’ll be able to ask a single search query like “find the best yoga or pilates studios in Boston and show me details on their introductory offers, including walking time from Beacon Hill.”
The multi-step reasoning functionalities are planned to be introduced soon within AI Overviews in Search Labs, starting with English language queries in the U.S.
Plan ahead with Google Generative AI
Going beyond simply providing answers to complex questions, Search will now also assist you with planning endeavors. With planning capabilities integrated directly into Search, you can get help creating plans for various needs, beginning with meals and vacations. Search for something like “create a 3-day meal plan for a group that’s easy to prepare,” and you’ll get a starting point with a wide range of recipes curated from across the web.
If you want to make adjustments, you can easily request specific modifications, such as swapping a dinner option for a vegetarian dish. Search will then customize your meal plan accordingly. You’ll also have the ability to export your meal plan quickly to Docs or Gmail.
The meal and trip planning features are currently available in Search Labs for English language queries in the U.S. Google plans to introduce customization functionalities and broaden the scope of planning capabilities to include categories like parties, date nights, and workouts later this year.
Explore an AI-organized results page:
Struggling for inspiration or feeling overwhelmed by endless search results? Google Search is here to help! Soon, when you’re on the hunt for ideas, Search will utilize generative AI to brainstorm with you. It will create an AI-organized results page that makes exploring different options a breeze. These pages will feature unique, AI-generated headlines that categorize helpful results across various content types and perspectives.
Imagine searching for dinner ideas and being presented with a visually appealing page with sections like “Hearty Comfort Food Classics,” “Light and Healthy Meals,” or “International Flavors to Explore.” Each section would be populated with relevant recipes from across the web, making it easy to find inspiration that suits your mood and taste.
This feature is planned to initially roll out for English language searches in the U.S., starting with categories like dining and recipes. It will then expand to encompass movies, music, books, hotels, shopping, and more in the future.
Take a video, get help from AI:
Search is no longer confined to text queries. Often, our questions stem from things we see in the real world, including moving objects. Thanks to advancements in video understanding, Google Search is taking visual search to a whole new level. Soon, you’ll be able to ask questions directly using video!
Confused about that funky record player you found at a thrift shop? No problem! Simply upload a video of the malfunctioning player, and Search will deliver an AI Overview with troubleshooting steps and relevant resources to get it working again.
This feature is slated to be available soon for Search Labs users in the U.S. (English language queries) with plans to expand to additional regions over time.
A Glimpse into the Future of Search
These groundbreaking features represent just the first steps in Google’s vision for the future of Search. By harnessing the power of the custom Gemini model, Google aims to revolutionize how you interact with information online. Imagine a future where Google takes the legwork out of searching entirely, simplifying research, planning, brainstorming, and much more.
To be among the first to experience these revolutionary features, sign up for Search Labs and get ready to explore the exciting future of Search!
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