Google has begun testing AI-powered summaries in standard search results for a subset of U.S. users, an important step toward integrating generative AI into its core search experience.
Users have just seen AI-generated answers appear in their search results, even if they are not registered in the company’s Search Generative Experience program. This trial marks Google’s first attempt to expose a broader user base to the capabilities of models like PaLM, which cant synthesize information from multiple sources into coherent summaries.
“ We are currently testing AI-generated summaries in Google’s top search results on a small percentage of US search traffic “, a Google spokesperson told Search Engine Land. “ For these tests, we have great confidence in the quality and value that these queries provide to users “.
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Google wants to improve its answers thanks to AI
The company says it is initially focusing AI preview testing on more complex search queries for which extracting information from various web pages could provide a better answer than traditional results. The company also highlighted that several variations of AI previews will be tested as part of collecting user feedback.
However, the arrival of such a feature could well pose some problems. Indeed, it raises concerns about the reduction in visibility and traffic of websites if the needs of Internet users are sufficiently satisfied by AI summaries alone.
Google hasn’t specified its intentions for a broader rollout, but says current testing is aimed at determining ” how a more general population will find this technology useful” in relation to the SGE audience who chose to participate “. As a reminder, Google’s AI isn’t just coming to Searchsince the company should soon deploy it in its Messages application to allow you to chat like with a loved one.