The entire two-hour keynote at Google I/O 2024 was dedicated to Gemini. Not a single word was mentioned about his recently launched Pixel 8a or what Android 15 will bring upon release. The only mention of smartphones and Android is how they are being improved by Gemini.
The tech giant is clearly going all-in on AI, and the stream ends with the words “Welcome to the Gemini era” boldly displayed.
Among all the updates announced at the event, Google Search is coming with some more impressive changes. Search engines can also be argued that in 2024, the search engine will undergo one of the most impactful upgrades in its 25 years as a major technology platform. Gemini significantly improves Google search performance, and we can't help but be excited about it.
Below is a summary of all the new features coming to Google Search this year.
1. Overview of AI
The biggest upgrade coming to the search engine is AI Overviews, which appears to be the launch version of SGE (Search Generative Experience). Provide detailed AI-generated answers to inquiries. Answers include context-relevant text, as well as links to sources and suggestions for follow-up questions.
Starting today, AI Overview is leaving Google Labs and rolling out as a full-fledged feature to all users in the US. For those who have used SGE, it appears to be identical.
The response layout is the same and includes product links. Google has probably ironed out all the glitches for optimal performance. However, when it comes to generative AI, it can still cause hallucinations.
There are plans to expand AI Overview to more countries with the goal of reaching more than 1 billion people by the end of 2024. Google said the expansion would happen “soon,” but did not provide an exact date.
2.Video search
AI Overview brings more than just detailed results to Google searches. One of the new features will allow users to upload videos to the engine along with text inquiries. At I/O 2024, a presenter gave the example of purchasing a record player that had defective parts.
Upload a clip and ask the AI what's wrong with your player, and it will provide detailed answers showing the exact parts that need replacing, as well as instructions on how to resolve the issue. You might need a new tone arm or cueing lever, but you don't have to type your question into Google to get the answer. Instead, you can speak directly to the video and send it.
Searching With Video will launch soon for “Search Labs users in English in the US” and will expand to additional regions over time.
3. Smarter AI
Next, Google is introducing some performance improvements. However, none are currently available. These will soon be rolled out to the Search Labs program for US and English-speaking people only.
First, you can click one of the two buttons at the top to simplify the AI summary response or ask for more information. You can always go back to your original answer.
Second, AI Overview will be able to understand complex questions better than before. Users no longer need to ask search engines multiple short questions. Instead of a long inquiry he can type one. For example, users can ask to find a specific yoga studio with an introductory package near them.
Finally, Google Search allows you to create “plans”. This can be an easy-to-prepare 3-day meal plan or a vacation itinerary for your next trip. In addition to links to recipes, you will also be provided with options to replace dishes you dislike. In the future, this planning tool will also include other topics such as movies, music, and hotels.
All about Gemini
That's pretty much all the changes coming to Google Search in a nutshell. If you're interested in trying these out and live in the US, visit his website at Search Labs to sign up for the program and try out the experimental AI features. These are near the top of the page.
Google I/O 2024 unveiled a ton of information about the tech giant's upcoming AI efforts. Project Astra in particular looked very interesting as it allows you to identify objects, write code on a monitor, and even pinpoint the city you are in just by looking out the window.
Ask Photos was also pretty cool, if a little weird. It's an upcoming Google Photos tool that lets you find specific images in your account much faster than before and “handles deeper queries” with incredible accuracy.
If you want a complete breakdown, check out TechRadar's list of the 7 biggest AI announcements at Google I/O 2024.
