Google Enhances Search Engine with AI for Answering Voiced Questions on Video and Photos

Google introduces more AI into search engine for voice-activated queries about images and videos. AI Overviews will include more external links to address concerns about reduced traffic to news publishers. Google's AI evolution builds on the Lens feature, targeting a younger demographic and improving search accessibility.

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This move is part of Google's ongoing AI-driven transformation, which began in mid-May with the addition of AI-generated summaries to the top of search results pages in response to specific queries.

The most recent updates aim to address concerns raised by publishers about the potential decrease in website traffic caused by users relying on AI Overviews for information. To alleviate these concerns, Google is now including additional links to external websites in its AI-generated summaries. According to a BrightEdge analysis, while general news publishers such as The New York Times may experience decreased traffic, specialised sites such as Bloomberg.com and the National Institute of Health are seeing an increase in visits.

Google's strategic decision to add more AI to its search engine demonstrates the company's commitment to using technology as a key driver of innovation. This move puts Google at the forefront of a major industry shift, comparable to the impact of Apple's groundbreaking iPhone launch 17 years ago.

Building on its existing Lens feature, which processes queries about objects in images, Google's latest AI advancements target a younger demographic, particularly those aged 18 to 24. With Lens now handling over 20 billion queries per month, Google is broadening its capabilities to compete with emerging AI-powered alternatives such as ChatGPT and Perplexity, which position themselves as answer engines.

Lens now allows users to ask questions in English about objects captured through a camera lens, and receive search results as if they were conversing with a friend. Individuals testing Google's new voice-activated search features in Google Labs can also record videos of moving objects, such as fish in an aquarium, while posing questions and receiving responses via AI Overviews.

Rajan Patel, Google's vice president of search engineering and co-founder of the Lens feature, emphasised the importance of simplifying the search experience to make it more intuitive and accessible across multiple platforms. While AI advancements provide convenience, there is also a risk of misinformation, which Google acknowledges and intends to address by refining its AI algorithms to improve accuracy and legitimacy.

Despite previous instances of misleading information generated by AI Overviews, such as recommending glueing pizza or eating rocks, Google is confident in its ability to address these issues. The company will use artificial intelligence to curate information for English recipe and meal idea queries on mobile devices, presenting organised search results categorised as photos, videos, and articles on the subject.

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• Google introduces more AI into search engine for voice-activated queries about images and videos.

• AI Overviews to include additional external links to address concerns of reduced traffic to news publishers.

• Google's AI evolution builds on the Lens feature, catering to a younger demographic and enhancing search accessibility.

Source: AP NEWS