In response to competition from Microsoft, Google is integrating more powerful artificial intelligence into its core search engine.
The tech giant recently announced new AI-driven features for search, stepping up its capabilities just months after Microsoft’s Bing incorporated similar technology found in tools like ChatGPT.
What are the latest updates to Google Search?
• At its annual I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Google introduced upgrades to its primary search engine that now leverages generative AI.
• This update, named the Search Generative Experience (SGE), retains the classic Google search interface but enhances results. When a query is suited to AI, a synthesized response appears at the top of the page, with standard links listed underneath.
• For example, asking “weather San Francisco” shows a typical forecast, but a question like “what to wear in San Francisco” generates an AI-crafted answer with suggestions such as wearing layers and includes links to source websites.
• According to The Washington Post, the AI integration simplifies information gathering by reducing the number of searches or clicks needed. Instead of visiting multiple sites, users get a clear summary directly on the results page.
Introducing ‘Conversational Mode’
• A new feature called “conversational mode” enables follow-up questions by remembering a user’s previous queries, making searches feel more natural and fluid. Google stated, “Context will carry over between questions,” giving users easier access to relevant content and viewpoints.
• Unlike chatbots like ChatGPT, this mode is not designed to have a personality; it strictly aims to refine and improve search accuracy.
• This feature differs from Bard, Google’s creative AI assistant launched earlier, and from the assistant bots found in smart speakers.
What other AI features are on the way?
• Gmail will soon include a “Help Me Write” tool, allowing users to generate detailed email responses instantly. Google Photos will get “Magic Editor,” an AI-powered image editing feature for automatic photo adjustments.
Is the new search experience available now?
• Not just yet. U.S. users can sign up for early access through a waitlist in the coming weeks. Google plans to evaluate performance, speed, and cost during this trial period.
What else did Google reveal?
• Google showcased a new foldable Pixel phone with integrated AI and launched the Pixel 7A for $499.
• The Bard chatbot, which supports creative interactions and realistic conversation, is expanding to over 180 countries and will be integrated with Gmail, Docs, and Sheets.
• Powering Bard is Google’s latest AI model, PaLM 2, which can handle complex tasks. A compact version of PaLM 2 is even capable of running directly on smartphones.
