Google Debuts AI-Generated Search Results, Ushering in a New Era

On Tuesday, Google announced plans to introduce AI-generated answers to online queries, marking one of the most significant updates to its leading search engine in 25 years.

“I’m thrilled to share that we will start rolling out this completely revamped experience, ‘AI overviews,’ to everyone in the US this week,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai at an event in California.

The change will soon extend to other countries, making it available to over a billion users, Pichai added.

Google’s search results will now feature an AI summary at the top of the page, above the traditional list of links. These AI-generated summaries, created using Google’s Gemini technology, will provide concise overviews with links to the original sources.

“You can ask anything on your mind or any task you need to accomplish – from researching to planning to brainstorming – and Google will handle the legwork,” said Liz Reid, head of Google’s Search team.

Google Faces Growing Competition from Emerging AI-Powered Search Tools and Platforms

This update comes as Google faces increasing competition from AI-powered search engines like Perplexity, and persistent rumors that OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is developing its own AI search tool. AI-driven search features are also appearing on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allowing users to obtain information directly from the web without using Google.

Some users praise these alternatives for their cleaner interface compared to the often cluttered traditional search results. However, creators and small publishers are concerned that users might stop clicking through to websites for information.

Research firm Gartner forecasts a 25 percent decline in web traffic from search engines by 2026 due to the rise of AI bots. Despite this, Google dismissed concerns that AI interactions similar to ChatGPT could harm its business, which heavily relies on advertising revenue from 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, incorporating all the nuances and caveats, all in one go.”

The company noted that these generative AI tools simplify tasks for users, whether they are looking for a yoga studio open on Sundays, planning a trip, or preparing a meal with special dietary requirements.

Google to Pilot AI-Powered Video Search for Practical Tasks like Appliance Troubleshooting

Additionally, Google will soon begin testing AI applications for searches based on video content, Reid mentioned. For instance, users could ask Google to diagnose a broken appliance by filming it with a smartphone and receive tips on how to fix it.

Google also introduced Project Astra, which focuses on creating digital assistants to help with various tasks.

“We have long aimed to build a universal AI agent that can be genuinely helpful in everyday life,” said Google DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis. “It’s easy to imagine a future where you have an expert assistant with you via your phone or new, exciting form factors like glasses.”

According to Hassabis, these AI agent capabilities will launch in Google products like the Gemini app or Assistant later this year.

Google Competes in the AI Race Against Rivals Like OpenAI, Following the Release of GPT-4o, OpenAI’s Latest Flagship Software

Google is in a competitive AI race with rivals such as OpenAI, which released the GPT-4o version of its flagship software on Monday.

GPT-4o can create content or comprehend commands in voice, text, or images.

OpenAI’s updated technology has proven to be highly conversational, capable of making jokes, writing songs, and tutoring students in algebra.

Similar to OpenAI, Google demonstrated its AI recognizing surroundings via a smartphone camera and showcasing other assistant-like skills.

These new features are designed to be “conversational, intuitive, and helpful,” according to Sissie Hsiao, general manager of Gemini Experiences and Google Assistant.

The evolution of digital assistants as smart companions is viewed as the next frontier in competitive generative AI. US media reports suggest Apple is close to partnering with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT features into the iPhone. This potential collaboration may be a focal point of anticipated AI announcements from Apple at an upcoming event in California, igniting speculation about enhancements to Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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