AI chatbot to be embedded in Google search

Google has recently introduced an exciting new feature called 'AI Mode' that will enhance its search engine by integrating chatbot capabilities. This innovative feature aims to provide users with a more interactive experience, allowing them to engage in conversations with an AI that acts like an expert. The 'AI Mode' was launched in the United States on Tuesday and can be accessed directly from the search bar on Google. This announcement was made during the company's annual developers conference held in Mountain View, California. Google is making this move to stay competitive against other AI services like ChatGPT, which have been gaining popularity and pose a threat to Google's long-standing dominance in the online search market. In addition to the new AI feature, Google also revealed plans for augmented reality glasses and a subscription-based AI tool. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company, stated that the integration of the Gemini chatbot into the search engine signifies a 'new phase' in the evolution of AI technology. He emphasized that with improved reasoning capabilities, users will be able to pose longer and more complex queries to the AI, which is a significant advancement in how people interact with search engines. Furthermore, Google is developing new augmented reality glasses in collaboration with eyeglass retailers Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. These glasses will be equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers, allowing users to experience augmented reality in a new way. Google aims to compete with Meta's AI-powered glasses, which are being produced in partnership with Ray-Ban. The company anticipates starting the production of these new glasses later this year. Leo Gebbie, a principal analyst at CCS Insight, expressed that it was expected for Google to incorporate AI more deeply into its products. He believes that the chatbot will help reduce the number of web pages users need to navigate through, while also enabling them to ask more intricate questions. Gebbie noted that this should lead to less time spent browsing the web and more time engaging with Google's AI tools. He also highlighted the importance of any updates Google makes to its search engine, as the search business is a major source of revenue for the company. As Google strives to keep pace with ChatGPT, these changes could fundamentally alter the nature of its search engine, potentially impacting its profitability. Cory Johnson, a market strategist at Epistrophy Capital Research, pointed out that while Google is becoming more efficient at answering questions, it may be less effective at generating clicks, which is crucial for its revenue model. The announcements come at a time when Google is also facing legal challenges in the United States regarding potential changes to its business practices, following a judge's ruling that the company holds a monopoly in the search market. Google has had a mixed track record in its recent efforts to integrate AI into its services. For instance, the AI Overviews feature, which was introduced at last year's developers conference, provides AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results. However, this feature received some criticism from users who shared odd responses from the AI, such as suggesting that non-toxic glue could help cheese stick to pizza or that geologists recommend eating one rock each day. A Google spokesperson clarified that these were isolated incidents. On Tuesday, Pichai announced that AI Overviews now receive 1. 5 billion uses per month across more than 200 countries and territories. In key markets like the US and India, AI Overviews are driving over 10% of growth in the types of queries that utilize this feature. Pichai described it as one of the most successful launches in search over the past decade.