Google is now displaying AI-generated search summaries for selected queries to some US users, even if they haven’t opted into the Search Generative Experience.
Main Points:
- Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), initially opt-in, is being extended to a broader audience without their explicit consent, specifically targeting a subset of complex queries.
- The AI-generated search results aim to provide comprehensive overviews by synthesizing information from multiple sources, demonstrated with examples like removing marks from painted walls.
- Google’s decision to include non-opt-in users in the test phase is intended to gather feedback from a wider demographic, particularly focusing on those less familiar with or indifferent to AI technology.
Summary:
In a move to integrate AI more deeply into everyday search experiences, Google has begun showcasing its generative AI technology to a select group of users in the United States without requiring them to opt in. This development marks a significant shift from Google’s previous approach, where such features were available exclusively to those who had chosen to participate in the Search Generative Experience (SGE) via the Search Labs platform. Now, as reported by Search Engine Land, this AI-powered summary section is appearing for certain queries, aiming to enhance the search experience by providing a concise, AI-generated overview along with relevant links for further information.
Introduced at Google’s I/O developer conference and following the accessibility expansion of its AI tool, Gemini, the company is pushing the boundaries of how generative AI can be utilized to improve search result quality. The selection of queries for this AI-enhanced search experience focuses on complex or multifaceted questions where users might benefit from a synthesized overview. Google emphasizes that this initiative is part of a broader test to understand how generative AI can assist a more diverse user base, including those who might not actively seek out or have an interest in AI technologies. By bypassing the opt-in requirement, Google aims to gather valuable feedback from a segment of its user base that could provide insights into making AI features more accessible and beneficial for all.
Source: Google will start showing AI-powered search results to users who didn’t opt in
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