Google Enhances Search with New AI Features
Google has unveiled new AI capabilities for its search function, aiming to provide users with a more intuitive and user-focused experience. The tech giant’s generative AI can now generate images and offer writing inspiration based on users’ queries.
This advancement in generative AI allows users to visualize their ideas more effectively. For example, if you want to see an image of a capybara wearing a chef’s hat while cooking breakfast, Google’s AI-powered Search experience (SGE) can generate an image that matches this description. This feature extends to Google Images as well, providing AI-generated visuals based on specific search queries like “minimalist Halloween table settings.”
The Rise of Generative AI
Generative AI refers to the ability of AI systems to create new content based on given instructions. Examples of generative AI include ChatGPT for generating text, Dall-E 3 for generating images from text instructions, and Runway for generating videos from text inputs. This industry is rapidly growing and is projected to contribute $4 trillion to the global economy in the near future.
Safety and Responsibility
Google emphasizes the importance of safety and responsibility in these AI advancements. The company ensures that generated images adhere to its prohibited use policy, preventing the creation of harmful or misleading content. Each image produced through SGE is labeled with metadata and watermarked to indicate its AI origin.
AI-Assisted Content Creation
In addition to image generation, Google’s AI-assisted search can also aid in content creation. For instance, if you are researching home improvement projects, you can ask SGE to draft a message for a contractor, streamlining your search and communication processes.
Google’s Focus on AI
Google has been heavily investing in AI throughout the year. The company’s recent “Helpful Content Update” in Google Search demonstrates a shift towards prioritizing “content created for people” rather than emphasizing that it is “written by people.”
At the “Made by Google” event, Google showcased the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones, which utilize AI for optimal performance with the Tensor G3 chip. The event also introduced Assistant with Bard, Google’s next-generation AI-enhanced digital assistant, positioning it as a strong competitor to Siri.
A Bright Future for Online Search
As generative AI continues to shape various industries, including driving the recovery of the S&P 500 after the COVID-era downturn, Google’s advancements offer a promising and more intuitive future for online search.
Hot Take: Accepting the Era of AI
Public sentiment around AI may not be entirely positive, according to recent polls by Pew Research. However, with one of the world’s largest companies embracing and adapting to the new AI landscape, it may be time to accept that this technology is here to stay.