Google Search Labs reveals the latest search engine

 

Google has launched its new Search Generative Experience (SGE), an AI-powered search engine that offers a more visual, snackable, personal, and human approach to its search results. The new search experience uses a variety of language models, including MUM and PaLM2, and is specifically trained to identify high-quality web results that corroborate the information presented in the output. The SGE will also display an AI-generated answer above the search results listings. The answer is boxed in, and Google cites the websites it used to generate the answer. The color of the generative AI answer box will change to "reflect specific journey types and the query intent itself."

Google has designed the new search experience to carry out tasks specific to Search, including identifying high-quality web results that corroborate the information presented in the output. It is important to note that Google will not show an answer to a question about giving a child Tylenol, and it may also not show answers to questions in the financial space. Google is playing it safe in YMYL (Your Money, Your Life) categories, and it is expanding YMYL to include civic information.

The SGE is experimental, and Google has created a waitlist for access to the new search experience. Users who gain access will see an AI-powered snapshot of key information to consider, with links to dig deeper. Throughout the answers generated by AI, Google gives users websites in clickable boxes with images, so users can click over to the website to learn more. Conversational mode is especially useful for follow-up questions, as well as more complex or evolving information journeys.

The new search experience may also display an AI-generated answer for vertical search experiences, such as Google Shopping results. Google's SGE can pull in 35 billion product listings from the Google Shopping Graph, which has 1.8 billion updates every hour, to provide answers in real-time. Conversational mode uses AI to understand when a person is searching for something that is related to a previous question, and it carries over context from previous questions to reformulate the query to better reflect the intent.

People trust answers that are given in a more fluid style, but Google prefers to give answers that are more factual than fluid, as people are more likely to trust a factual response. Hallucinations are a big issue in generative AI, and Google said it is very sensitive about not giving false or inaccurate information, especially on YMYL topics (e.g., health, finance).

When it comes to "data voids" or "information gaps," where Google's systems have lower confidence in its responses, Google aims to not generate an AI-powered snapshot. Plus, for explicit or dangerous topics, Google will stay away from generating a response. The SGE also uses AI to understand when a person is searching for something related to a previous question. It carries over context from previous questions to reformulate the query to better reflect the intent.

The SGE provides users with a more efficient and effective way to view search results. The interface is designed to display an AI-generated answer above the search results listings, and the answer is boxed in. Google cites the websites it used to generate the answer, and the color of the generative AI answer box changes to "reflect specific journey types and the query intent itself." Users can click the expand button to toggle to show a deeper response and are given additional responses from the generative AI.

The SGE is an exciting new development in the world of search engines, and it is likely to become a popular tool for users who are looking for a more efficient and effective way to view search results. While access to the new search experience is currently limited, it is expected that Google will eventually make it available to all users. In the meantime, users can look forward to a more streamlined personalization. The new Google Search experience also focuses on personalization. Google can use data it has on you, such as your search history, to personalize the answers it gives you. This means that two people searching for the same thing may get different answers depending on their past search history. Google is also rolling out a feature called “Your Topics” which will allow you to select topics that you are interested in, such as cooking or sports, and receive personalized search results related to those topics.

Voice search. The new Google Search experience is also optimized for voice search. Google said that it has trained its generative AI on voice data to improve the accuracy of voice search results.The new search experience also includes a feature called “Continuous Conversation” which allows you to ask follow-up questions without having to say “Hey Google” each time. This makes it easier to have a natural conversation with the AI.

Accessibility. The new search experience also includes features to make it more accessible. For example, you can use voice commands to navigate the search results, and the generative AI can read the search results out loud to you.Google has also worked with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind to ensure that the new search experience is accessible to people with disabilities.

Privacy. Google has emphasized that privacy is a priority with the new search experience. Google will not use your search queries or personal information for advertising purposes. Google will also allow you to opt out of personalized search results and delete your search history.Google has also emphasized that it will not share your personal information with third parties without your consent.

The new Google Search Generative Experience is a significant step forward for search technology. The AI-generated answers make it easier to find information and the personalization features make it more tailored to individual users.While there are still some limitations, such as the fact that the new search experience is only available through a waitlist, it is clear that Google is committed to making search more intuitive and user-friendly. It will be interesting to see how the new search experience evolves over time and how users respond to it. With the emphasis on privacy and accessibility, it seems that Google is moving in the right direction when it comes to improving the search experience for everyone.