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Google Search will now include answers compiled by Generative AI in search results for everyone. The search giant has now officially turned on “AI Overviews” for all general users of Google Search.
Google Search goes beyond website hunt with AI Overviews
Google has been actively experimenting with Gen AI for quite some time. The company had Bard, which was succeeded by Gemini. However, Google Search largely remained a standalone product.
Google started “cooking” AI-powered “Overviews” in Google Search Labs last year. The company is now shaking up its search business by including AI-generated answers in search results for everyone.
By the end of the year, AI Overviews will come to over a billion people in Google Search.
With Search in the Gemini era, Google does more of the work for you — from answering your most complex questions to helping you get things done.#GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/ImfL6E4O46
— Google (@Google) May 14, 2024
Google Search has traditionally been a way to look for websites that may have the answers internet users were looking for. However, Google is now reportedly positioning Google Search as more than a way to simply find websites.
Google intends to help internet users get answers to their queries directly using its search engine instead of heading to different websites. The company published a detailed blog post explaining the inclusion of AI Overviews in Google Search,
“[With] generative AI, Search can do more than you ever imagined. So, 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.”
How will Google Search AI-generated answers work for everyone?
Google is rolling out AI Overviews in Google Search for everyone. What this means is that the company will show AI-generated answers in search results as a response to common search queries.
For now, the AI Overviews will offer AI-generated answers at the top of the results page only for US residents. Google has indicated that the feature should make its way to other regions where Google Search is available. The company hasn’t confirmed any rollout schedule.
AI overviews will start rolling out today in Google search. Can Google Ai save Google search? pic.twitter.com/IrtnJcWx9a
— Stephen Robles (@stephenrobles) May 14, 2024
AI Overviews go beyond summaries or condensed answers to queries. It can even organize search results using AI and, if needed, interact with users to refine results, added Liz Reid, vice president and head of Google Search,
“[When] you’re looking for ideas, Search will use generate AI to brainstorm with you and create an AI-organized results page that makes it easy to explore.”
Google Search users can even further their experience if they opt into Search Labs. Google is keeping additional features locked behind the opt-in process.
A few key points:
Limited queries. "You won’t see AI Overviews for all your searches. AI Overviews are reserved to answer more complex questions where Google feels it can add value beyond the search results, Budaraju told us. If AI Overview doesn’t add value to what Google Search… https://t.co/s9EpFAMqbk— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) May 14, 2024
After entering Search Labs, users will be able to get the AI Overviews feature to simplify the language or break down a complex topic for simpler and better understanding.
Search Labs participants will also be able to get into lengthy and complex questions in a single query. It can even turn into an event planner, planning meals and vacations if users ask. Google is essentially unlocking its Gemini Gen AI’s power for more people.
Moving forward, Google Search users will invariably and repeatedly run into AI Overviews. However, Google is reportedly adding a “web” filter to Search that allows users to skip AI-generated answers. Activating these web filters will force Google Search to just show links in the search results.