Grace Ashiru
Google has recently unveiled new AI-driven enhancements to its search engine, as announced by Elizabeth Reid, the Vice President of Search at Google. The company is introducing two significant updates, designed to simplify the process of finding answers on Google Search: the “Circle to Search” feature and an enhanced multisearch experience powered by AI.
These updates are part of Google’s ongoing commitment to harnessing the capabilities of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in understanding natural language. This initiative aims to enable users to pose queries on Google Search in ways that are more natural and intuitive. This follows Google’s earlier advancements, which include the ability to search using voice commands and the camera-based search functionality offered through Google Lens.
Let’s delve deeper into what these new features offer
With Circle to Search, you can easily look up information about anything that catches your eye – be it images, text, or videos. Simply use your natural gestures, such as circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping, on your phone screen. This new feature ensures you get the details you need right at your fingertips, without leaving your current app.
Now, whether you’re messaging friends, scrolling through social media, or enjoying a video, you have the power to instantly search for anything that piques your interest right from your screen. Similar to other Google Search features, ads will be displayed in specific ad spaces on the results page.
The new Circle to Search feature is rolling out worldwide on select high-end Android phones starting January 31, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the latest Galaxy S24 Series.
Ever struggled to find the perfect outfit, nail art inspiration, or care instructions for a gifted plant, but couldn’t quite put what you’re looking for into words?
Nearly a year ago, Google revolutionized search with the introduction of multisearch in Google Lens. This innovative feature allows users to search using both images and text. Simply snap a photo of an item, and Google multisearch lets you ask questions about it. You can even refine your search based on color, brand, or other attributes. This cutting-edge feature is driven by the latest advancements in computer vision and language understanding.
Google’s latest advancements in generative AI have significantly enhanced the multisearch experience. Now, using the Google app, you can simply point your camera or upload an image or screenshot, and ask a question to receive AI-driven insights that delve deeper than mere visual comparisons. This feature enables you to pose more intricate or detailed queries about your visual discoveries, allowing you to rapidly access and comprehend essential information.
Consider, for instance, stumbling upon an unusual board game at a garage sale, with no box or instructions in sight. Instantly, a few questions might pop into your head: What exactly is this game, and how is it played?
With this new feature, Google empowers you to find answers to such questions effortlessly.
Introducing the latest feature in Multisearch: Simply snap a photo of your game and pose your query (“How is this game played?”), and our advanced AI will compile a comprehensive summary from across the web. This new tool helps you swiftly identify the game and learn strategies to win. The AI-generated summary not only provides essential information but also includes links for deeper exploration.
This feature is rolling out this week in the U.S., available in English to all users, with no need for enrollment in Search Labs. For users outside the U.S. who are part of the SGE, you can get a sneak peek of this new feature in the Google app.
To begin, just tap the Lens camera icon within the Google app on your Android or iOS device.
Google’s recent implementation of AI-driven insights in multisearch stems from experiments initiated last year to explore how generative AI could significantly enhance the usefulness of Search. This initiative follows the launch of the Search Generative Experience (SGE) two months ago, specifically targeting users in Sub-Saharan Africa as a part of an opt-in trial within Search Labs.
The SGE feature enables users in Africa to access an AI-curated summary of essential information at the top of their search results on Google. This summary also includes links for further exploration. This innovative approach aims to streamline the search experience, especially for those who find themselves inundated by the sheer volume of information available online, facilitating quicker and more efficient access to answers.
Google’s latest developments highlight a significant step towards integrating AI into everyday life, aiming to benefit a wider audience beyond early adopters. The recent announcements underscore the tech giant’s dedication to evolving and refining AI applications, particularly in its Search features.
Reid, a representative from Google, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to experimentation and exploration in the realm of general AI. This endeavor aims to identify the most effective uses of AI and progressively incorporate them more extensively into Google Search.
Reflecting on the recent updates, Reid noted that these advancements have made Google Search more user-friendly and intuitive. However, this is just the beginning of exploring AI’s potential capabilities. The feedback received from participants in the experimental phase has been instrumental, and Google plans to continue using its SGE in Labs as a platform for innovative and ambitious projects.
As 2024 unfolds, these initiatives mark an exhilarating start to the AI race.
