Google Unveils Major AI Update for Search Engine
Google has introduced a host of new artificial intelligence-driven features to enhance its search engine, dubbing them as “some of our most significant Search updates to date.” Starting from Thursday in the UK, users of the Google app on Android and iOS will have the ability to use their voice to ask a question while pointing their phone camera at an object or subject.
The technology giant also revealed that it will be rolling out a similar tool to enable users to ask questions while recording a video to early testers on its Search Labs programme. Google mentioned that its AI tools will be capable of interpreting the video content along with the question asked, to provide an AI-generated response, known as an AI Overview, as well as relevant resources from the web.
This move by Google is part of the constant competition among leading tech companies to introduce innovative AI-powered tools to engage existing users and attract new ones. Recently, OpenAI, the company behind the generative AI chatbot ChatGPT, disclosed that it had secured a funding round of 6.6 billion US dollars (£4.97 billion), marking the largest funding round ever and valuing the company at over 150 billion dollars (£112 billion), indicating the continued enthusiasm around AI advancements.
Apart from these updates, Google also announced the rollout of new AI-organised search results pages, beginning in the United States, initially focusing on recipe and meal-related searches for mobile users. Users can now expect a full-page search experience tailored to their preferences, with diverse content such as articles, videos, and forums, all conveniently accessible in one location.
Furthermore, Google shared that it would start integrating prominent links to supporting webpages directly within the text of AI Overviews, which have been appearing at the top of Google search results in recent weeks, starting from Thursday. This enhancement aims to make it easier for users to navigate to websites of interest, ultimately boosting traffic to those sites compared to the previous design.
Addressing concerns raised by critics regarding the impact on publishers and advertisers due to the placement of AI Overviews above listed search results, Google emphasised that the inclusion of direct links within Overviews has facilitated easier access for users to visit websites that pique their interest. To assist businesses utilising Google Search, the tech giant confirmed the introduction of ads within AI Overviews, commencing in the US on mobile devices.