Google’s take on AI-powered search, known as Google Search Generative Experience (SGE), is rolling out today, as the company announced the opening of access to SGE and other Search Labs in the US. Interested users can sign up for the waitlist and patiently await an email indicating it’s their turn to experience the new features.
Unveiled at Google I/O 2023 earlier this month, Google SGE incorporates conversational AI into the traditional search experience. While similar to Bing AI, Google’s implementation offers a unique twist. Engadget’s SGE preview by Cherlynn Low highlighted that Google’s AI-powered search retains the familiar input bar, eliminating the need for a separate chatbot field like in Bing. The generative AI results are displayed in a shaded section below the search bar and sponsored results but above the standard web results. Additionally, a button in the top-right corner of the AI results allows users to expand a snapshot, which includes sourced articles in card format. Users can also ask follow-up questions by tapping a button below the results.
Google refers to the snapshot as “key information to consider, with links to dig deeper,” essentially integrating a condensed version of relevant information seamlessly into the existing Google search interface.
Apart from Google SGE, the company is also granting access to other Search Labs, such as Code Tips and Add to Sheets, both currently available exclusively in the US. Code Tips leverages the power of large language models to offer guidance for writing code more efficiently and intelligently. Aspiring developers can ask how-to questions about various programming languages (C, C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, Python, and TypeScript), tools (Docker, Git, shells), and algorithms. On the other hand, Add to Sheets allows users to directly insert search results into Google’s spreadsheet application. By clicking on the Sheets icon next to a search result, users can choose from their recent documents to attach the result seamlessly.
To access the Search Labs waitlist, users can find the Labs icon, represented by a beaker symbol, on a new tab in Chrome for desktop or within the Google search app on Android or iOS. However, Google has not provided specific details on the speed or scope of the access rollout, so users may need to exercise patience.
As Google introduces AI-powered search and expands its Search Labs offerings, users can anticipate a more conversational and integrated search experience, empowering them to access information and streamline their workflows more effectively.
