Google generative AI search: What is it and how to use it?

Google is known for its innovative and cutting-edge technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). One of the latest developments from Google is the generative AI search, which aims to improve the search experience by providing more relevant and contextual information.

What is generative AI search?

Generative AI search, also known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), is a new feature that uses generative AI models to answer complex and long queries, provide quick snapshots of key information, and suggest next steps for exploration. Generative AI models are trained on large amounts of data and learn to generate new content, such as text, images, videos, or audio.

For example, if you ask Google a question like “what’s better for a family with kids under 3 and a dog, bryce canyon or arches”, you will get an AI-powered snapshot of important factors to consider, such as distance, weather, activities, and safety. You will also see links to relevant websites where you can dig deeper. Below the snapshot, you will see suggested follow-up questions that you can ask Google in a conversational mode, such as “How long to spend at Bryce Canyon with kids?” or “What are the best trails for dogs at Arches?”. Context will be carried over from question to question, to help you naturally continue your exploration.

Generative AI search can also help you with shopping, by giving you a summary of noteworthy features and products that match your criteria. You will also get product descriptions that include up-to-date reviews, ratings, prices, and images. This feature is powered by Google’s Shopping Graph, which has more than 35 billion product listings from various sources.

How to enable and use generative AI search?

Generative AI search is currently available in India and Japan, and will soon be rolled out to other regions. To enable it, you need to sign up for Search Labs, a new way to access early experiments in Search. You can do this by following these steps:

• Go to Google.com on your mobile device or desktop browser.
• Tap on the three-dot menu icon at the top right corner and select Settings.
• Scroll down and tap on Search Labs.
• Toggle on the switch next to Generative AI Search.
• Tap on Save.

Once you have enabled generative AI search, you can start using it by typing or speaking your query in the search box. You will see a blue icon next to the query that indicates that it is powered by generative AI. You can also tap on the microphone icon and say “Hey Google” followed by your query.

You can also disable generative AI search anytime by following the same steps and toggling off the switch.

What are the benefits of generative AI search?

Generative AI search has several benefits for users who want to get more information and context for their searches. Some of them are:

• It can answer complex and long queries that normal search engines may struggle with.
• It can provide quick and concise summaries of key information that can help users make decisions faster.
• It can suggest next steps and follow-up questions that can help users explore topics more deeply and discover new perspectives.
• It can help users shop more easily by giving them relevant and updated product information and comparisons.

What are the challenges of generative AI search?

Generative AI search is still an experimental feature that may not always give accurate or appropriate responses. It may also have some limitations in terms of coverage, language, and quality. Some of the challenges are:

• It may not be able to answer all types of queries or handle all domains of knowledge.
• It may not support all languages or dialects that users may speak or write.
• It may generate content that is biased, misleading, or offensive.
• It may not respect the privacy or intellectual property rights of users or content creators.

Google is working hard to improve generative AI search by collecting feedback from users and refining its models and algorithms. Users can help make generative AI search better by leaving feedback through the feedback button at the bottom of the results page.

Conclusion

Google generative AI search is a new feature that uses generative AI models to improve the search experience by providing more relevant and contextual information. It can answer complex and long queries, provide quick snapshots of key information, suggest next steps for exploration, and help users shop more easily. Users can enable it through Search Labs and use it by typing or speaking their queries in the search box. Generative AI search is still an experimental feature that may have some challenges in terms of accuracy, appropriateness, coverage, language, and quality. Users can help make generative AI search better by leaving feedback through the feedback button at the bottom of the results page.