Google unveils AI-powered search enhancements

Google is adding more AI to its search results

Google is incorporating more artificial intelligence into its search engine, addressing concerns about losing market share to competitors such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. The tech giant announced at its Google IO 2024 developer event on Tuesday that it is introducing AI-powered overviews to users in the U.S. Google's Head of Search, Liz Reid, revealed that they have developed a custom Gemini model for search that integrates real-time information, Google's ranking, long context, and multimodal features.

Enhancing User Experience

Google has been piloting AI-powered overviews through its Search Generative Experience (SGE) since the previous year. This functionality is now being introduced to "hundreds of millions of users" in the U.S. with plans to make it accessible to over a billion individuals by year-end. Users have expressed satisfaction with the enriched search experience, combining insights with the ability to explore further and access human perspectives and diverse authoritative sources.

Addressing Concerns

There has been a lot of criticism regarding AI-powered search and its potential impact on the web and websites, as well as businesses and journalism. Google observed during the testing phase of the AI overview feature that users engaged with a wider variety of websites.

Expanding Capabilities

Google intends to utilize Gemini as an agent for tasks such as trip and meal planning. By inputting queries like "Plan a meal for a family of four for three days," users will receive relevant links and recipes for the specified period. The company aims to streamline the planning process, providing both efficiency and enjoyment for users.

Industry Landscape

Various companies, including Booking.com, Kayak, Expedia, Perplexity, and The Browser Company, are integrating AI into their services to offer tailored search results. Google aims to enhance its search results page by incorporating dynamic elements to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of AI-powered solutions.