Google is introducing a new Search Generative Experience (SGE) in India, enhancing its AI-powered responses to search queries. This feature allows users to experiment with and provide feedback under Google’s Search Labs program. SGE is available in English and Hindi, with India-focused features such as language toggle, text-to-speech, and voice input in a conversational mode.
Puneesh Kumar, the general manager of Google Search in India, explained that the SGE will help users understand topics faster and uncover new viewpoints and insights. Additionally, it aims to make tasks easier to accomplish. Kumar sees the Search Generative Experience as the first step towards building a more helpful search engine.
Google has also introduced India-specific features within SGE. Users can switch between English and Hindi results by tapping the language toggle button. They can also listen to the responses through text-to-speech functionality by selecting the Listen button. Furthermore, Google plans to roll out a follow-up question feature that allows users to ask questions in conversational mode by tapping the microphone icon.
The introduction of SGE in India is an experiment within Google’s Search Labs. Initially, it will be available to opted-in users on Chrome desktop, with availability on the Google App for Android and iOS devices in the coming week. Google encourages users to provide feedback directly to the teams working on the product.
In December, Google showcased AI innovations aimed at improving the search experience for Indian users. These innovations included bilingual search capabilities, search using a phone camera, and a speech recognition model for Hinglish users.
Despite the integration of generative AI into Search, Google remains committed to driving traffic to websites across the web. Search ads will continue to appear in dedicated ad slots on the page, with a clear distinction between organic search results and sponsored content. Google assures users that the quality of search results will continue to improve over time as AI models are trained to uphold high standards.
In summary, Google is launching the Search Generative Experience in India, which provides AI-powered responses to search queries. This feature aims to enhance the search experience by allowing users to explore topics more effectively and complete tasks more easily. Users can try out the SGE and offer feedback through the Search Labs program. Google has also introduced India-specific features and plans to roll out further enhancements in the future. The introduction of generative AI in Search aligns with Google’s commitment to delivering valuable traffic to websites and maintaining transparency in ad placements.
