On Tuesday, Google announced plans to integrate AI-generated responses into online search queries, marking one of the most significant alterations to its pioneering search engine in its 25-year history.
“I’m excited to announce that we will begin launching this fully revamped experience, ‘AI overviews,’ to everyone in the US this week,” Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said at an event in California.
He further stated that this change would soon be expanded to other countries, making it available to over a billion people. Google’s search results will now include an AI-generated summary at the top of the page, preceding the usual list of links. These AI blurbs, generated by Google’s Gemini technology, will provide concise summaries of the information found on the internet, along with links to the online sources that provided the information.
“You can ask whatever’s on your mind or whatever you need to get done – from researching to planning to brainstorming – and Google will take care of the legwork,” said Google Search team boss Liz Reid.
The shift comes as Google faces increasing competition from AI-driven search engines like Perplexity, along with persistent rumors of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, working on its own AI search tool. Additionally, AI-powered search capabilities have been integrated into platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allowing users to access information from the web without relying on Google. Some users appreciate these alternatives for their streamlined experience compared to the often cluttered results of traditional searches.
However, content creators and small publishers are concerned about the potential impact on their traffic, fearing that users may no longer click through to their websites for information. Research firm Gartner predicts a 25 percent decline in web traffic from search engines by 2026 due to increased use of AI bots.
Despite these developments, Google has downplayed concerns that AI interactions similar to ChatGPT could affect its business, as its revenue primarily comes from advertising sales generated by its search engine.
“We’ve found that with AI Overviews, people use Search more, and are more satisfied with their results,” Reid said.
“You can ask your most complex questions, with all the nuances and caveats you have in mind, all in one go.”
Google highlighted how generative AI tools are simplifying tasks for users, whether they’re seeking information about a yoga studio open on Sundays, planning a trip, or preparing a meal with specific dietary requirements. Additionally, the company announced plans to begin testing AI applications for searches based on video content as the query source. For instance, users could film a broken appliance with their smartphone and ask Google to diagnose the issue, providing tips for repair.
Moreover, Google offered insights into Project Astra, which focuses on developing digital assistants to assist with various tasks, whether significant or minor.
“For a long time we wanted to build a universal AI agent that can be truly helpful in everyday life,” said Google DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis.
“It’s easy to envisage a future where you can have an expert assistant by your side through your phone or new exciting form factors like glasses.”
Gemini Experiences and Google Assistant general manager Sissie Hsiao stated that these new capabilities are designed to be “conversational, intuitive, and helpful.” Enhancing digital assistants to become adept sidekicks is viewed as the next frontier for generative AI. Reports from US media suggest that Apple is nearing an agreement with OpenAI to leverage ChatGPT’s capabilities on the iPhone. This potential deal could be part of the significant AI announcements anticipated from Apple at an event in California next month, with particular attention on potential updates to Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
