Google Has Brought Its AI-Generated Search Enhancements To India — The First International Rollout Outside The US
Google is always looking for ways to make its search engine more natural and intuitive for users. In May this year, at Google I/O, the company announced a new era of Search powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This technology can help users find answers to complex and conversational questions, explore topics from different perspectives, and get things done more easily.
Now, Google has brought this new AI-generated search experience to India, the first international rollout outside the US. Users in India can opt in to this experiment in Search Labs, a new feature that allows users to access early experiments in Search. The AI-generated search experience is available in English and Hindi, two of the most widely spoken languages in India.
How does it work?
The AI-generated search experience, also known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), uses a powerful generative AI model to create an overview of key information for a user's query, along with links to dig deeper. For example, if a user asks "Which is a good beginner trek in Himachal and how to prepare for it?", they will see an AI-powered summary of important factors to consider, such as difficulty level, duration, best time to visit, and what to pack. Below this snapshot, they will also see suggested next steps where they can tap on related queries or ask follow-up questions.
The AI-generated search experience also supports a conversational mode, where users can ask questions using their voice or keyboard, and the context will be carried over from question to question. This way, users can explore a topic more naturally and intuitively, without having to type multiple queries or browse through many web pages.
The AI-generated search experience also provides helpful jumping-off points to web content and a range of perspectives that users can dig into. For instance, if a user asks "What are the benefits of meditation?", they will see an AI-generated overview of some of the benefits, such as improved focus, reduced stress, and better sleep. They will also see links to web pages that offer more information or different viewpoints on the topic.
What are the benefits for Indian users?
India is a diverse and dynamic country with millions of internet users who have varied needs and preferences when it comes to seeking information online. Google has always focused on innovations that cater to the needs of Indian users, such as bilingual support, camera-based search, and Hinglish speech recognition.
With the new AI-generated search experience, Google aims to further enhance the search experience for Indian users by offering them more relevant and comprehensive answers to their queries. Especially for new internet users, who may often get overwhelmed with the amount of information online, finding an answer more quickly can help ease their journey of discovery.
The AI-generated search experience also offers some features that are unique to India, such as:
- Language toggle: Users can switch from English to Hindi or vice versa by tapping the language toggle button on the top right corner of the screen. This way, users can choose the language they are most comfortable with or switch between languages as needed.
- Text-to-speech: Users can listen to the AI-generated response by tapping the 'listen' button on the bottom right corner of the screen. This feature can help users who prefer auditory learning or have difficulty reading text on screen.
- Voice input: Users can ask follow-up questions using their voice by tapping the microphone icon on the bottom left corner of the screen. This feature will be available soon and will enable users to have a more natural and hands-free interaction with Search.
How to join the experiment?
Users who want to try out the new AI-generated search experience need to opt in by going to Google's Lab site¹. Alternatively, they can type "Google Labs Search" in the Chrome app or Google app on their phone or on Chrome or Google icons on their desktop. This will take them to a site that says "Sign up for search labs". After signing up, they will see a Google Labs icon (a chemistry lab flask) on their Google or Chrome search page, indicating that they have opted in to the experiment.
Users can opt out of the experiment at any time by going back to Google's Lab site¹ and tapping "Leave experiment". They can also share their feedback with Google by tapping "Send feedback" on the bottom left corner of the screen.
Google hopes that by bringing its new AI-generated search experience to India, it can help users find answers faster, explore topics deeper, and get things done easier. The company also invites users to join the experiment and share their feedback so that it can improve and iterate on the experience alongside its users.
Source:
(1) Google Has Brought Its AI-Generated Search Enhancements To India — The .... https://swarajyamag.com/tech/google-has-brought-its-ai-generated-search-enhancements-to-india-the-first-international-rollout-outside-the-us.
(2) Google's latest AI-based search offerings arrive in India. Here are 5 key features. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/googles-latest-ai-based-search-offerings-arrive-in-india-here-are-5-key-features-11289701.html.
(3) Google Search’s Generative AI Experience Now Available in India. https://analyticsindiamag.com/google-searchs-generative-ai-experience-now-available-in-india/.
(4) Bringing Search Labs and generative AI experiences to Search in India. https://blog.google/intl/en-in/products/explore-communicate/bringing-search-labs-and-generative-ai-experiences-to-india/.
(5) Google AI-Powered Search: Google brings AI-powered search to India .... https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/google-brings-ai-powered-search-to-india-what-it-changes-and-not/articleshow/103230522.cms.
