Google Expands AI Search Feature Despite Early Setbacks

In May, Google rolled out its AI Overviews in Search across the United States, but the results have been less than stellar. The feature, which was intended to enhance search functionality, gained attention for its bizarre suggestions, such as advising users to eat rocks or put glue on pizza. Google hasn’t provided a clear explanation for why it chose to replace the old, non-AI overviews with this new, AI-driven version, but it seems the company is eager to integrate AI into everything, whether or not it improves usability.

Despite the initial challenges, Google has decided to extend AI Overviews to six more countries: the UK, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil. Along with this expansion, the feature now supports the local languages of these regions.

Although AI Overviews have been known to produce inaccurate or even satirical results, Google reported that younger users, particularly those aged 18-24, are engaging more with the AI-enhanced search. The company claims that users prefer searching with AI Overviews, finding the results more helpful, though the accuracy of these results appears to be less of a priority.

Google has also introduced a right-hand link display for AI Overviews on desktop, which can be accessed on mobile by tapping the site icons in the upper right corner. Additionally, the company is testing a feature that embeds links to relevant web pages directly within the AI Overviews text, making it easier for users to explore related content.

A new feature in Search Labs allows users to save specific AI Overviews for future reference. By tapping the Save button that appears below the AI Overview, users can store it under their Interests page, which is accessible through their profile icon. Currently, this feature is only available in English in the U.S., and users need to enroll in the “AI Overviews and more” experiment in Search Labs to access it.

Lastly, some AI Overviews now include an option to simplify the language with one tap, which could be useful for users who are new to a topic and need a more accessible way to understand the information. Some might find humor in the fact that Google missed the chance to label this feature “Dumb it down, please,” but the option itself is a practical addition.

Have you read?
World’s Best Countries To Invest In Or Do Business.
World’s Most Startup-Friendly Countries.
World’s Best Countries For Quality of Life.
Largest Economies Europe In 2024.
GDP of the BRICS countries (2000 to 2028).