Google has introduced several advancements to its search engine, including integrating a “Perspectives” feature and applying generative AI to enhance search results. With these improvements, users can now discover information more easily while gaining a deeper understanding of various topics.
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)
Among the biggest updates to Google’s search engine is the introduction of the Search Generative Experience (SGE), which aims to simplify complex search tasks and provide snapshots of key information with links for further exploration. This new approach is powered by generative AI and large language models (LLMs).
Enhancing Information Discovery
The SGE focuses on providing comprehensive answers to detailed questions for better user experiences. For example, when comparing two national parks for a family with young children and a dog, the generative AI delivers relevant details and suggestions for further exploration.
Improving Online Shopping
In addition to answering questions, the SGE enhances the online shopping experience by presenting extensive product information, such as up-to-date reviews, ratings, prices, images, and more. This shopping experience draws from Google’s Shopping Graph containing over 35 billion regularly updated product listings.
Ensuring Quality and Reliability
Considering the limitations of generative AI and LLMs, Google has implemented safeguards like limiting query types where these capabilities will appear to maintain the quality and reliability of search results. The SGE feature is currently available as an experiment in Search Labs on Chrome desktop and the Google App for Android and iOS users in the U.S., with an English-only interface at launch.
Introducing ‘Perspectives’ in Search
To complement its generative AI technology, Google is launching a new feature called ‘Perspectives.’ This tool highlights long-form videos, images, and written content from discussion boards, Q&A sites, and social media platforms in search results so users can gain insights from other people’s experiences and diverse viewpoints.
Offering a Human Touch to Information
‘Perspectives’ aims to provide users with more personal stories, tips, and insights alongside regular search results. For instance, if a user searches for advice on making friends in a new city, ‘Perspectives’ will show results containing personal experiences sourced from various online platforms.
Emphasizing Quality Content
Google ensures that ‘Perspectives’ nurtures the quality of review content by prioritizing first-hand experiences or posts from individuals with in-depth knowledge of specific subjects. To further improve its helpful content system, Google plans to update its ranking mechanism to better understand personal or expert content, thus surfacing more “hidden gems” in search results.
How SGE Differs From Bing AI
Though similarities exist between SGE and Microsoft’s Bing AI, there are notable differences in their layout and user interface. SGE retains its traditional Google search input bar compared to Bing’s larger input box, akin to Twitter’s compose feature. The main distinction between the two arises in their results page— while both display AI-derived summaries above regular search results, SGE combines cards on relevant sections without using inline notations with footnotes.
SGE doesn’t have an input bar at the bottom, unlike Bing AI, which means it feels less like talking to a chatbot. Nonetheless, SGE enables users to ask questions conversationally and obtain relevant AI-generated answers.
Launching the New Search Experience & Future Plans
Users interested in trying out Google’s new AI-driven search features can do so through its Search Labs portal for a limited time. Today’s updates from Google demonstrate advancements in search engine technology fueled by artificial intelligence and human perspectives that cater to diverse user needs.
Balancing AI and Human Input
Google’s new search features attempt to strike a balance between AI-generated content and human insights. While the Search Generative Experience (SGE) streamlines search results through generative AI, the ‘Perspectives’ feature emphasizes personal stories and expert opinions, giving users a more balanced and resourceful understanding of their search queries.
Expanding Access
Although currently available only in the U.S., Google plans to expand Access to its advanced search features to other regions in the future. The company strives to refine its AI-driven search experiences based on user feedback, continuously investing in research and development for improved search capabilities.
Educating Users on AI Capabilities
The integration of generative AI within search results comes with a responsibility to educate users about the technology’s limitations. Google plans to implement disclaimers within search results on sensitive topics, such as health or financial information, ensuring users understand that the information provided is for reference purposes only.
Impact on Advertising
As Google relies heavily on ads for revenue generation, Search Generative Experience (SGE) will feature dedicated advertising spaces throughout the page. However, Google will maintain a clear distinction between ads and organic search results, ensuring that users can differentiate promotional content from unbiased information.
Competing with Bing AI
Google’s recent advancements are aimed at staying competitive against rivals—specifically, Microsoft’s Bing AI powered by OpenAI technology. As more tech giants venture into incorporating AI features into their services, interactive chatbot experiences become increasingly crucial for survival in the market.
Google’s recent updates to its search engine are a leap forward in blending AI-powered insights with diverse human perspectives. The introduction of the Search Generative Experience (SGE) simplifies complex searches, while the ‘Perspectives’ feature adds depth and relevance by highlighting long-form content from various sources. By striking a balance between artificial intelligence capabilities and valuable human input, Google continues to shape how users discover information and deepen their understanding of different topics.