1. Google unveiled an AI-enhanced version of search at Google I/O, demonstrating new features that allow search to provide answers and suggestions for complex questions and tasks.
2. The new search features operate like a chatbot, offering AI-generated responses that can find specific information, make recommendations, and troubleshoot problems.
3. Google’s vision for search is a significant shift in functionality that could transform how internet traffic is distributed, potentially affecting website visits and advertising revenue models.
At Google I/O, head of search Liz Reid presented a new vision for Google’s Search, which now includes AI-enhanced capabilities to find yoga studios, create meal plans, troubleshoot devices, and provide multi-step reasoning responses. This marks a significant shift in functionality for the search engine, as Google aims to lead the AI race in the tech industry. The Gemini-powered search features AI-generated answers that operate like a chatbot, offering suggestions even for queries not directly asked.
The new AI Overviews feature will answer complex questions quickly and efficiently, saving users time by condensing research that might have taken minutes or hours into seconds. Google’s search changes are set to impact various categories like movies, music, books, hotels, and shopping, making the internet landscape potentially more streamlined and user-friendly.
While some may worry that these advancements could reduce website traffic due to users receiving information directly from Google’s search engine, Reid reassured that the new experience has actually led to more clicks on included links. Google’s innovations in search come at a time when competitors like OpenAI are also making strides in AI technology, as seen in the introduction of GPT-4o, a large language model with enhanced voice and vision capabilities.