During the Google I/O 2023 event, Google unveiled its highly anticipated Search Generative Experience (SGE), marking a significant leap in the integration of Generative AI with Google Search. The company has initiated the rollout of SGE to subscribers of its Search Lab program, offering a range of new and innovative features. This article provides an in-depth overview of SGE and its functionalities, showcasing how it enhances the search experience for users.
Enhanced Search Results with AI-generated “Snapshots”
A key highlight of SGE is its ability to provide comprehensive answers to long and multi-step questions. Instead of the traditional display of 10 blue links, users will now see an AI-generated “snapshot” and essential insights related to their queries. Leveraging Large Language Models like Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2) and Multitask Unified Model (MUM), Google extracts data from multiple sources and summarizes it to offer users a concise overview. The summary appears beneath the search bar, distinguished by a color background. It is important to note that Generative AI is still in the experimental phase, and the quality of information may vary. Furthermore, Google takes a neutral stance in its responses, avoiding a first-person perspective.
Expanding and Corroborating Information
SGE includes a powerful feature that allows users to expand and corroborate information. By inputting a query regarding the basics to consider before purchasing a laptop, SGE generates a list of relevant articles. However, for those seeking a summarized version of their query, a click on the “expand button” in the top right corner provides the desired overview.
Conversational Capability
SGE’s conversational capability adds an interactive dimension to the search experience. For instance, when searching for laptops under $1,000, users can engage in a conversational dialogue with SGE. The previous response provides an “Ask a follow-up” option, suggesting various related questions. By utilizing this feature, users can obtain a summary of key factors to consider when purchasing a laptop within their specified budget. SGE goes a step further by presenting a curated selection of laptop options based on the query, leveraging the Shopping Graph. Users can find laptops that match specific criteria, such as a 512GB SSD, 16GB of RAM, and a touch display, all under $1,000. The search results may also include sponsored products.
Code Tips and Programming Assistance
Another remarkable aspect of SGE is its ability to assist with coding and programming queries. By harnessing the Code Tips feature of Google’s Large Language Models (LLMs), users can ask questions related to programming languages such as C, C++, JavaScript, Kotlin, Python, and more. This feature empowers users to seek coding insights and guidance directly from the search interface.
Compilation of Search Results into Spreadsheets
SGE introduces the functionality to compile search results into a convenient spreadsheet format. For example, when searching for the “best budget CPU,” hovering over a link generates a floating window. This window offers options to bookmark the article, share it, and compile the data into a spreadsheet. Users can easily create a new sheet dedicated to their search query, enabling efficient organization and analysis of information.
Accessing SGE and Priority for Google One Subscribers
To access SGE, interested users can sign up for the Search Lab program via the embedded link. After registration, they will receive an email titled “It’s your turn to try Search Labs,” initiating their journey with SGE. Notably, subscribers of Google One’s premium plan with 2+ terabytes of storage will receive priority access to SGE.
Wrapping Up
The introduction of Google’s Search Generative Experience marks a significant step forward in the evolution of Google Search. Through AI-generated snapshots, expanded information, conversational capability, programming assistance, and the ability to compile search results into spreadsheets, SGE enhances the search experience by providing users with concise and insightful summaries, relevant product recommendations, and efficient data organization. With SGE, Google continues to innovate and push the boundaries of search technology, making information discovery more intuitive and accessible than ever before.
