In a groundbreaking announcement recently, Elizabeth Reid, Vice President of Search at Google, revealed two major updates that are set to transform the way users search for information in 2024.
Circle to Search:
One of the key innovations is “Circle to Search,” a feature designed exclusively for Android smartphones. With a simple gesture, users can now seamlessly search for information on their phone screens without switching apps. Whether it’s circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping, finding information on images, text, or videos has never been more intuitive. This update aims to eliminate disruptions, allowing users to search for information while texting, browsing social media, or watching videos. The feature is set to launch globally on select premium Android smartphones, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the new Galaxy S24 Series, which started from Wednesday.
Multisearch Experience:
Building on the success of multisearch in Lens introduced in 2022, Google is taking it to the next level in 2024. Users can now point their camera, upload a photo, or take a screenshot and ask questions using the Google app. The enhanced multisearch experience provides AI-powered insights that go beyond visual matches, enabling users to ask more complex or nuanced questions about what they see. For instance, at a yard sale, users can snap a picture of an unfamiliar board game, ask a question like “How do you play this?” and receive an AI-powered overview with the most relevant information from across the web. This feature is available in English in the U.S. for everyone, with no enrollment required. The AI-powered overviews on multisearch results are launching this week.
Generative AI in Search:
Google has been boldly experimenting with generative AI in Search, with the latest result being AI-powered insights for multisearch. The company initiated the Search Generative Experience (SGE) in Search Labs, allowing users to provide valuable feedback. While SGE will continue in Labs as a testbed for innovative ideas, the ultimate goal is to make AI helpful for everyone. As Google continues to experiment with generative AI and identifies the most helpful applications, these innovations will be introduced into Search more broadly.
These groundbreaking updates mark a significant step forward in Google’s mission to make information universally accessible and useful. The company encourages users to join Search Labs and opt into the SGE experiment to explore the latest capabilities and actively contribute to reimagining the future of Search.