Google Search at Google I/O: You can now ask questions with video and 3 other features
Google’s vision of an AI-driven future for search is coming to fruition with the rollout of AI Overviews in the US, and soon globally. This feature, previously dubbed the Search Generative Experience (SGE), introduces AI-generated summaries at the top of many search results, changing how billions interact with Google Search.
At the forefront of the tech giant’s generative AI additions to search, revealed at its I/O 2024 event, are AI Overviews. This new tool aims to streamline search processes by presenting a concise, AI-generated summary at the top of search results. This new feature allows Google to provide AI-generated overviews or summaries directly in the search results, potentially offering more comprehensive answers to complex queries.
Here are some other key features that will come to Google Search in the coming weeks:
Search by Video
Google has expanded the functionality of Google Lens to include video-based search capabilities. Users can now capture video clips to initiate searches, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive query process. This feature caters to the growing demand for more intuitive and flexible search tools, accommodating various forms of user interaction with the digital world.
Planning with Search
Google’s new planning tool automates the creation of personalized itineraries and meal plans with just a single query. By leveraging Gemini, this tool simplifies the planning process (e.g., travel or daily meals) by generating customized suggestions based on user preferences and previous interactions.
Contextual Search
Another feature is the AI-driven reorganization of search results based on the context of the query. For instance, when searching for restaurants in a new city, Google now categorizes the results to fit scenarios like date nights or business meetings. This tailored approach minimizes user effort in sifting through irrelevant information, making the search experience more efficient and user-friendly.