Google is introducing a new artificial intelligence (AI) mode that more firmly embeds chatbot capabilities into its search engine, aiming to give users the experience of having a conversation with an expert. The "AI Mode" was made available in the US on Tuesday, appearing as an option in Google's search bar. The change, unveiled at the company's annual developers conference in Mountain View, California, is part of the tech giant's push to remain competitive against ChatGPT and other AI services, which threaten to erode Google's dominance of online search. The company also announced plans for its own augmented reality glasses and said it planned to offer a subscription AI tool. Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google-parent Alphabet, said the incorporation of the company's Gemini chatbot into its search signalled a "new phase of the AI platform shift". "With more advanced reasoning, you can ask AI both longer and more complex queries," Pichai told the audience. The company's foray into AI-powered glasses comes more than a decade after it pioneered smart glasses with its "Google Glasses", which ultimately flopped. The new Google glasses are being developed with eyeglass retailers Warby Parker and Gentle Monster and will feature a camera, microphone, and speakers. With the renewed effort, Google hopes to compete against Meta's AI-powered glasses made with Ray-Ban. The company said it expected to start building the new product later this year. Leo Gebbie, principal analyst and director for the Americas at CCS Insight, said Google had been expected to wrap AI more tightly into its products. He said he thought the chatbot would help minimise the number of web pages that users must sift through, while also allowing people to ask more complicated queries. "For the end user, this should mean less time spent browsing the web itself, and more time spent talking with Google's AI tools," he said. Any updates that Google makes to search are "of critical importance," added Gebbie, since the search business contributes the vast majority of Google's revenues. The announcements also come as the company fights a court battle in the US over potential changes to its business after a judge ruled it had a monopoly in search. Google has had mixed success in its recent attempts to incorporate more AI into its services. Its AI Overviews feature, unveiled by Google at its developers conference last year, offers AI-generated summaries that currently appear at the top of search results. It initiallygenerated ridiculefrom users who posted some of the odd responses they received, as when it advised one user that non-toxic glue could help make cheese stick to pizza. Another widely circulated response stated that geologists recommend humans eat one rock each day. A Google spokesperson said at the time that these were "isolated examples." Mr Pichai said on Tuesday that AI Overviews now gets 1.5 billion uses per month in more than 200 countries and territories. In its biggest markets - the US and India - AI Overviews drive more than 10% of growth in the types of queries that show them, Pichai said. "It's one of the most successful launches in search in the past decade," he added. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletterto follow the world's top tech stories and trends.Outside the UK? Sign up here.
AI chatbot to be embedded in Google search
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Google Integrates AI Chatbot Capabilities into Search Engine"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Google has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) mode integrated into its search engine, enhancing user interaction by allowing for conversational queries with a chatbot. This feature, referred to as 'AI Mode', was made available in the US and is designed to compete with emerging AI services like ChatGPT, which have presented challenges to Google's longstanding dominance in online search. During the announcement at the company's annual developers conference in Mountain View, California, CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the incorporation of the Gemini chatbot into search functionality, marking what he described as a 'new phase of the AI platform shift'. This development enables users to engage in more complex and nuanced conversations with the AI, potentially reducing the number of web pages they need to navigate while searching for information. Analysts believe this will streamline the search experience, allowing users to spend less time sifting through content and more time interacting directly with Google's AI tools.
In addition to the AI capabilities, Google revealed plans for a new line of augmented reality glasses, developed in collaboration with eyeglass retailers Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. This initiative comes over ten years after the initial launch of Google Glass, which failed to gain traction in the market. The new glasses are expected to incorporate advanced features such as a camera, microphone, and speakers, positioning them as direct competitors to Meta's AI-powered glasses. Google's strategic shift towards integrating AI more deeply into its products reflects the company's ongoing efforts to adapt and innovate in response to competitive pressures and regulatory challenges, including a recent court ruling identifying Google as having a monopoly in the search space. Despite previous setbacks with AI integrations, such as the mixed reception of its AI Overviews feature, which faced criticism for odd responses, Google claims significant success with this tool, reporting 1.5 billion monthly uses globally. This response indicates a growing acceptance and utility of AI in enhancing search experiences, with Pichai asserting that AI Overviews have driven over 10% of query growth in major markets like the US and India, marking one of the most successful launches in search technology in recent years.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The introduction of AI capabilities into Google's search engine marks a significant shift in how users will interact with information online. This move is part of Google's broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge against emerging AI technologies like ChatGPT. By incorporating chatbot features, Google aims to enhance user experience, allowing for more conversational and complex inquiries, which could reshape the landscape of information retrieval.
Purpose Behind the Announcement
This news serves multiple purposes, primarily aimed at reinforcing Google's position as a leader in technology and innovation. By promoting its new AI mode, Google seeks to demonstrate its commitment to advancing user experience in search engines, potentially allaying concerns about competition from other AI services. The announcement could also be viewed as a way to generate excitement and positivity around Google's brand, especially in light of past product failures like Google Glass.
Public Perception
The article aims to create a perception that Google is at the forefront of technological advancement and is responsive to user needs. By introducing AI functionalities, the narrative suggests that users will spend less time sifting through web pages and more time engaging with AI, portraying this shift as a user-centric improvement.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the benefits of the new AI features, there may be an underlying intention to downplay any privacy concerns or ethical implications associated with AI integration. The narrative does not address potential issues related to data security or how user interactions with AI will be managed, which could be crucial for public trust.
Manipulative Aspects
The article employs language that emphasizes innovation and user benefits, which could be seen as manipulative if it glosses over potential drawbacks. By framing the AI mode as a necessary evolution in search technology, it may lead the audience to overlook the implications of increased reliance on AI.
Credibility of the Information
The information presented appears credible, as it includes direct quotes from Sundar Pichai and industry analysts. However, the focus on positive aspects of the AI integration suggests a curated narrative that may not capture the full scope of public sentiment regarding AI technologies.
Societal Impact
This news could influence various sectors, particularly in technology and consumer electronics. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday tools, industries that rely on traditional search methods may face disruption. Additionally, the introduction of AI-powered glasses could reignite public interest in wearable technology.
Target Audience
The announcement appears to appeal primarily to tech enthusiasts, professionals in the AI and tech sectors, and consumers interested in cutting-edge technology. By highlighting advanced features, Google aims to engage a demographic that values innovation and convenience.
Market Implications
The introduction of AI features in Google's search engine could positively impact Google's stock, as investors may view this as a strategic move to maintain market share. Companies in the AI and tech space, particularly those competing with Google, may experience increased volatility as they respond to this new competitive landscape.
Global Power Dynamics
From a broader perspective, this development in AI technology could influence global power dynamics in the tech industry. As companies like Google continue to innovate, they shape how information is accessed and consumed, which is pivotal in today's information-driven world.
AI Involvement in Content Creation
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in crafting this article, given the emphasis on structured information and clarity. The choice of language and presentation could reflect an AI's influence in making the content more engaging and digestible.
Overall, while the article presents credible information, the focus on positive developments in AI integration raises questions about transparency and potential implications. The narrative appears to be designed to bolster Google's image as a leader in technology while potentially glossing over critical issues.