Google took advantage of the I/O conference to unveil some major search innovations. Among them, generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a new tool called ‘Perspectives’ promise to revolutionize the user experience.
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As part of this eagerly-awaited event, Google presented several new advances in search. Generative AI and the ‘Perspectives’ tool were among the most significant updates.
These new features, which aim to significantly improve search results, will transform the way users explore and apprehend information on the web. Perspectives’ technology offers multiple points of view on the same subject, while generative AI aims to refine and personalize search results.
These advances herald a new era in online research, offering users unprecedented ways of discovering and delving deeper into the subjects that interest them.
Transformative generative AI
Dubbed Search Generative Experience (SGE), Google’s new generative AI feature is a new approach to search queries.
This technology is designed to simplify complex search tasks and provide snapshots of key information linked to more in-depth resources.
Google’s generative AI can answer more detailed questions, such as comparing two national parks for a family with young children and a dog, providing relevant details and suggestions for further exploration.
SGE also enhances the online shopping experience by providing comprehensive product information, including reviews, ratings, prices and up-to-date product images.
This new shopping experience is based on Google’s Shopping Graph, which contains over 35 billion product listings, all constantly updated.
Aware of the known limitations of generative AI and large language models (LLMs), Google has put in place safeguards, such as limiting the types of queries where these capabilities will appear, to ensure the quality and reliability of search results.
The SGE feature is currently available on an experimental basis in Research Labs on the Chrome desktop and the Google app for Android and iOS users in the USA, with an English-only interface at launch.
DIVERSIFYING RESEARCH WITH PROSPECTS
Complementing its generative AI technology, Google introduces the “Perspectives” feature.
This new tool will highlight long videos, images and written messages from discussion forums, Q&A sites and social media platforms in search results.
The feature is designed to help users understand subjects through the experiences and perspectives of others, bringing a more human touch to digital information.
For example, if a user is looking for advice on making friends in a new city, the “Perspectives” filter will display results containing personal stories and advice from a variety of online sources.
Google emphasizes that “Perspectives” will improve the quality of review content in search results, highlighting first-hand experiences or content created by people with in-depth knowledge of a subject.
Updating the useful content classification system
As part of its focus on information quality, Google is updating its useful content system to better understand content from a personal or expert point of view, helping to bring more of these “hidden gems” to search.
For the latest on Google’s useful content system, check out this report by SEJ’s Roger Montti.
Today’s AI-driven updates from Google represent a quantum leap in search engine technology, combining AI-based information with diverse human perspectives.
