AI Overhauls Continue as Google Expands its Search Engine Capabilities
Google is once again pushing the boundaries of its search engine with a significant upgrade that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) more deeply into its core functions. This time, the tech giant is focusing on making it easier for users to ask voice-activated questions about images, photos, and even videos, continuing its effort to simplify how people interact with online content.
AI-Driven Search to Revolutionise Queries
The latest announcement, made on Thursday, signals the next phase of Google’s AI-driven evolution. Building on its initial changes introduced in May, which added AI-generated summaries (known as “AI Overviews”) to search results, the company is now introducing voice-activated capabilities. Users will be able to pose conversational questions about photos and videos, allowing for a more interactive search experience.
However, Google’s ongoing AI integration hasn’t been without controversy. The introduction of AI Overviews has sparked concerns among publishers that fewer people will click on their website links, potentially reducing ad revenue. These summaries offer users immediate answers without needing to visit other sites, raising fears that the traffic necessary to sustain media outlets could dwindle.
Balancing AI and Publisher Concerns
In response to these worries, Google is making efforts to support publishers. The tech giant is increasing the number of links to external websites within the AI Overviews, hoping to balance user convenience with the interests of digital publishers. A recent analysis by search traffic firm BrightEdge found that general news outlets, such as The New York Times, have seen reduced traffic from AI-generated summaries, while more niche sites like Bloomberg.com and the National Institute of Health have benefitted from the new system.
Google’s Vision for the Future of Search
As Google continues to refine its AI features, it’s clear that the company views this technology as central to its future strategy. Search remains the crown jewel of Google’s $2 trillion empire, and the company is betting heavily on AI to remain competitive as alternatives like ChatGPT and Perplexity gain popularity.
The new update builds on Google’s seven-year-old Lens feature, which allows users to ask questions about objects within images. Lens is already a massive success, handling over 20 billion queries per month and attracting a youthful demographic, particularly those aged 18 to 24. By introducing voice-activated search for photos and videos, Google aims to further enhance user engagement and simplify search for this key audience.
How the New AI-Powered Search Will Work
The updated feature, which will be rolled out via Google Labs, will enable users to ask questions through voice commands about something they see through their camera lens. For example, a user could film an aquarium and ask, “What type of fish is this?” The AI system will then generate answers in real-time.
“The goal is to make search simpler, more effortless, and more available, so people can search in any way, wherever they are,” said Rajan Patel, Google’s vice president of search engineering and co-founder of the Lens feature.
Addressing AI’s Shortcomings
Despite the exciting new possibilities, Google’s AI still faces challenges. The system has made embarrassing mistakes in the past, such as advising users to put glue on pizza or eat rocks. These incidents raised concerns about the reliability of AI-generated information. Google attributes these errors to “data voids” and deliberate manipulation by online troublemakers.
To tackle these issues, Google claims it has worked hard to fix blind spots in its AI systems. Now, the company is confident enough to allow AI to curate and organise the information displayed in search results for some queries, particularly those about recipes and meal ideas on mobile devices. Results will be presented in clusters, grouping photos, videos, and articles to make browsing more efficient.
The Road Ahead for Google Search
While AI promises to make searching more intuitive, it also comes with risks. As Google leans heavily on AI, the company must ensure that the technology remains accurate and reliable. Frequent errors could damage the credibility of its search engine, which remains its most valuable asset.
For now, Google is focused on making search more interactive, responsive, and visual. With the introduction of voice-activated AI capabilities for photo and video queries, it’s clear the company is committed to keeping its search engine ahead of the curve, even as competition heats up.
