The Google I/O 2023 event was filled with exciting announcements and innovative features, but one of the highlights was the introduction of Google’s integration of Generative AI with its core product, Google Search. With this groundbreaking development, Google aims to revolutionise the way information is displayed and contextualised in response to search queries. Following in the footsteps of Microsoft’s advancements with Bing and generative AI, Google has stepped up its game to redefine search and expand the scope of questions users can ask. Let’s dive into the details of the new AI updates coming to Google Search.
Generative AI in Google Search
Google’s Generative AI in Search represents a significant shift in the search engine’s functionality. With the power of Generative AI, Google Search now provides users with an AI-powered snapshot of their queries. This advanced system leverages Google’s latest PaLM 2 model to comprehend the question and its context accurately. As a result, it displays key information prominently on top of the search results, offering users a comprehensive overview at a glance.
Additionally, Google has introduced a conversation mode that allows users to ask follow-up questions seamlessly. By entering conversation mode, users can continue the chat with the AI system and gather more information without losing any context. This conversational approach to search ensures a fluid and interactive experience for users, facilitating a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.
To enhance usability further, Google has placed quick links to relevant web pages on the right side of the search interface. These links enable users to explore more in-depth insights and access detailed information related to their queries. Below these links, Google suggests next steps or follow-up questions, guiding users towards obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the topic they’re exploring. Finally, traditional search results can be found by scrolling down, ensuring that users have access to both the AI-generated snapshot and the familiar search format.
The incorporation of Generative AI at the forefront of the search user interface empowers users to ask longer and more complex questions. In a captivating demonstration during the event, Google showcased the capability of the Generative AI system by responding to a question like, “What’s better for a family with kids under 3 and a dog, Bryce Canyon or Arches?” The AI-generated snapshot provided essential information, eliminating the need for users to search multiple queries and piece together fragmented information. With this advancement, users can rely on the Generative AI system to handle the heavy lifting of gathering relevant information and providing a comprehensive snapshot in response to their inquiries.
Shopping Just Got Easier on Google Generative AI Search
In addition to enhancing the search experience, Google’s Generative AI Search also brings significant improvements to the shopping process. When users are looking to purchase a product, they can simply enter their queries, and the Generative AI system will curate a list of options for them. This curated list includes current pricing, reviews, buying links, and other pertinent information.
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, Google leverages its extensive Shopping Graph, which encompasses over 35 billion product listings. Every hour, nearly 1.8 billion listings are refreshed, providing users with the most up-to-date and trustworthy information. This comprehensive database empowers users to make well-informed purchasing decisions.
It’s worth noting that relevant products and services will continue to appear in dedicated ad slots throughout the page. This means that businesses can still effectively reach their target audience through advertising on Google’s Generative AI Search.
Sign Up to Access Google Generative AI Search
Google understands the significance of a cautious and deliberate approach when introducing a new search experience. As a result, the company has started an experiment in Search Labs to test and refine the Generative Experience. Currently, only users in the United States have access to this AI-powered Search UI.
To access the new Generative AI Search experience, Android phone users in the US must ensure they are using the latest version of the Google app, available for both Android and iOS. Desktop users in the US should use the Chrome browser to access the enhanced search functionality. However, it’s important to note that the Generative Experience is not available on mobile Chrome running on smartphones.
To sign up for the Search Generative Experience (SGE), users can visit labs.google.com/search on their desktop Chrome browser and join the waitlist. For Android and iOS users in the US, updating the Google app to the latest version and tapping on the “Labs” icon in the top-left corner will allow them to enable the SGE feature.
By signing up for the Search Generative Experience, users gain early access to Google’s revolutionary approach to search, taking advantage of Generative AI to obtain more comprehensive and context-rich results.
