Google has gone ahead and done it! After 25 years, they are reimagining the core Google search experience around generative AI. At its annual I/O developer conference, the tech giant unveiled a range of new features that leverage AI to simplify and enhance the search process, offering users an "AI-first" approach to finding information. Of course, this raises a lot of questions about how it will impact web traffic and content creators.
At the core of the redesign are AI-generated summaries (Search Generative Experiences), or "AI Overviews," that appear at the top of search results. These summaries provide a quick snapshot of key information on a topic, with links to relevant sources, allowing users to dig deeper if desired. These summaries leverage Google's Gemini model, which combines the company's Knowledge Graph with advanced AI capabilities.
The new AI capabilities will enable users to perform more complex searches and planning tasks. For instance, users can ask detailed questions about local services or create meal plans with specific requirements. These features aim to save users time and effort by providing organized and relevant information quickly.
For users that are looking for the traditional search experience, the feature has been relegated to a "Web" tab under the search settings.
The shift to AI-driven search has raised concerns about the impact on web traffic and advertising revenue. AI Overviews could reduce the number of clicks on traditional search results, potentially affecting website traffic and ad revenue. Despite these concerns, Google believes the benefits of AI will lead to more searches and engagement.
However, Liz Reid, head of Search at Google, argues that early data shows AI Overviews could actually lead to more clicks on the open web, particularly for websites that offer unique perspectives or expertise. Google says they aim to strike a balance between providing helpful AI-generated summaries and directing users to valuable content across the web.
Ultimately, Google seems very committed to its AI-first approach, believing it will ultimately benefit users by making search more intuitive, efficient, and accessible. The company is promising even more AI agentic capabilities, "Soon, Google will do the searching, simplifying, researching, planning, brainstorming and so much more."
Starting this week, AI Overviews will be available to all users in the U.S., with plans to expand globally by the end of the year. Google expects AI Overviews to be available to over a billion users by the end of the year.