Google has announced plans to expand its AI search experience to India and Japan, marking the first step in its global expansion beyond the United States. This move comes as part of Google’s efforts to enhance information retrieval through the use of generative AI technology.
The AI-powered search feature, known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), was initially introduced at the Google I/O Developer conference earlier this year. It adds a conversational element to Google Search, allowing users to ask questions and receive answers in a manner similar to interacting with an AI chatbot. Since its introduction, Google has continued to enhance the experience by integrating various features such as support for videos, images, local insights, travel recommendations, summaries, definitions, and assistance with coding-related queries.
In addition, Google has been experimenting with integrating advertisements alongside its AI-generated responses, taking advantage of the expanded real estate provided by the AI chat experience.
With the global rollout of SGE, Google is tailoring the feature to suit the nuances of the newly included regions. In Japan, users will be able to engage with generative AI in their native language, while in India, the feature will support both English and Hindi. A language toggle will allow users to switch easily between the two languages. Google is also introducing voice input for India, catering to the preference for spoken queries. Search ads will continue to be displayed within dedicated ad slots on the page for both countries.
As part of the expansion, SGE introduces a new functionality aimed at enhancing the discovery and accessibility of web pages that provide further context for the information presented in AI-generated responses. Users will notice a new arrow icon next to data in an AI-powered overview. Clicking on this icon will lead users to relevant web pages where they can explore the answers provided by the AI in more depth. This feature will initially be available in the United States and will later be rolled out in India and Japan.
Google has observed that SGE is particularly popular among younger users, especially those aged 18-24, who tend to ask questions in a more conversational manner. Users are now asking longer and more detailed queries, moving away from the traditional method of using brief keywords in standard Google searches.
To access SGE, users can find it within the Search Labs section of the Google app on Android and iOS, as well as on Chrome on desktop platforms. This expansion demonstrates Google’s commitment to making AI-driven search interactions more inclusive and informative for diverse global audiences.
In conclusion, Google’s expansion of its AI search experience to India and Japan is a significant development in the company’s efforts to improve information retrieval through the use of generative AI technology. By introducing conversational search capabilities and supporting multiple languages, Google aims to provide a more engaging and personalized search experience for users in these regions. Additionally, the integration of advertisements and the new functionality for accessing relevant web pages further enhances the overall search experience.
