Google is making waves with its new AI mode, aiming to bring chatbot features right into its search engine. This means users will feel like they’re chatting with an expert when they look up information.
Launched recently in the U.S., this feature was announced during Google’s annual developers conference in Mountain View, California. Google is ramping up its game to stay ahead of ChatGPT and other AI services that are beginning to take a slice of its market.
Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, highlighted that integrating the Gemini chatbot into search represents a significant shift in AI. He mentioned that users could now ask longer and more complex questions, making the interaction smarter and more engaging.
Google is also revisiting the idea of augmented reality glasses, years after the less successful Google Glass. The new version will work with popular retailers and will include features like a camera and microphone. It’s a bold move as Google looks to compete with AI-powered glasses from Meta and Ray-Ban.
Analyst Leo Gebbie from CCS Insight believes this integration of AI will streamline the searching process. Users might spend less time scrolling through search results and more time interacting with the AI. This change is particularly crucial since Google’s search engine is its biggest revenue generator.
Cory Johnson, from Epistrophy Capital Research, raised a valid point about this AI transition. While Google is becoming more efficient in answering questions, it might lead to fewer clicks, which are essential for its business model.
Google’s journey into AI has seen ups and downs. Last year’s AI Overviews feature faced backlash initially due to strange and sometimes humorous responses. Despite this rocky start, Pichai shared that AI Overviews now sees about 1.5 billion uses each month across over 200 regions. It’s become one of the most successful features in recent years, especially in major markets such as the U.S. and India.
This transformation not only shows Google’s adaptability but also highlights the competitive landscape of AI technology today. As these tools evolve, users can expect a more conversational and intelligent search experience.
For further insights on the impact of AI in tech, you can read more about Google’s AI initiatives on BBC News.