Google Opens Access to AI Search Experiment

Google has announced the opening of access to its AI search experiment, introducing new generative AI capabilities in Search. The company has launched Search Labs, a program that provides early access to experiments.

Google's AI Experiments

Users who have signed up for the waitlist at labs.google.com/search will receive email notifications when they can start testing Lab experiments. These experiments include Search Generative Experience (SGE), Code Tips, and Add to Sheets, which were initially available in the United States.

Users can opt-in to these experiments by tapping the Labs icon in the latest version of the Google app on Android and iOS or on Chrome desktop.

The new generative AI-powered Search experience aims to simplify the search process and provide users with a faster understanding of topics and facilitate easier completion of tasks. Instead of having to ask multiple questions and piece together the information manually, Search now takes on some of the heavy lifting.

There are three main ways users can benefit from this new AI-powered experience, according to Google. Firstly, they can easily familiarize themselves with new or complex topics.

Search offers an AI-powered snapshot that helps users understand the factors to consider when making decisions. For example, someone interested in learning the ukulele or guitar can search for "Learning ukulele vs guitar" and receive assistance in comprehending the important aspects.

Similarly, individuals looking to start their own company can search for "Benefits of incorporating your business before freelancing" to gain a quick overview and access further information through relevant articles.

Secondly, users can uncover quick tips for specific questions. Whether it's removing a coffee stain from a wool sweater or renewing a passport quickly, Search provides a variety of content from across the web to address these queries.

Lastly, Search enables users to discover a range of products and factors to consider while shopping.

For example, someone in search of peel-and-stick wallpaper for their kitchen can search for "Peel and stick wallpaper for kitchen" to learn about important features, pricing, customer ratings, and purchasing options.

In addition to these features, users can ask follow-up questions or select suggested next steps, enhancing the conversational aspect of the search experience.

Incorporating Generative AI into Search

Google emphasizes that this experiment represents the initial step in incorporating generative AI into Search, with many updates and improvements to come. The company encourages users to test out these new capabilities and provide feedback as they continue to enhance and refine the search experience.

"This experiment is our first step in adding generative AI to Search, and we'll be making many updates and improvements over time. As we continue to reimagine how we can make it even more natural and intuitive to find what you're looking for, we're excited for you to test out these new capabilities and share feedback along the way," Google wrote in its blog post.