In a major announcement at the Google I/O event held on Wednesday, the tech giant unveiled its plans to launch an AI-powered search engine that promises to revolutionise the way we search for information. The new search engine is designed to enhance the search experience by making it more intuitive and user-friendly, with a focus on delivering more relevant results.
According to Google, the new search engine will leverage the power of artificial intelligence to make “search smarter and searching simpler”. Google has been renowned for its unadorned search bar and an array of results for more than 20 years. A novel search engine has been developed that enables users to pose questions in a more conversational manner, as if they were seeking advice from an informed acquaintance. Users can now make specific inquiries such as “what is the better option for a family with kids under 3 and a dog, Bryce Canyon or Arches?” instead of conducting a generic search.
According to Cathy Edwards, a representative from Google, the search engine powered by AI technology is capable of generating a summary response to address user inquiries. This feature provides users with an “AI-powered snapshot that quickly gives you the lay of the land on a topic”. The summary response is equipped with hyperlinks to sources, and users have the option to access an alternative presentation format that dissects the sources underpinning the summary. The AI-generated summary not only provides a concise overview but also offers interactive features that resemble those of an AI-chatbot. Users are presented with suggested questions to click on, enhancing their engagement with the content.
The potential of AI-driven customised results to reshape the way consumers shop online has been highlighted. When searching for the perfect car for daily commuting, users are not only presented with a list of potential options, but also receive valuable guidance on which cars are best suited for specific roads. Additionally, users are provided with information on the key features that the ideal car should possess in the environment required.
Edwards underscored the significance of conventional search results continuing to surface subsequent to the AI-fueled synopsis, notwithstanding these modifications. According to her statement, the search results continue to lead users to the published original content, which she referred to as a crucial component of a flourishing web. For a limited period, Google has opened up its Search Labs portal to enable users to experiment with the latest features.
In a recent development, Google has ventured into the realm of AI-powered chatbots. This move comes after the introduction of Bard earlier this year and Microsoft’s Bing search engine, which also utilises OpenAI technology. The Bing search engine chatbot has been designed to respond to user queries in a conversational manner while also providing search results. However, some users have reported that the chatbot has a somewhat dark personality streak.
