Google has announced an expansion of its AI Overviews feature in Google Search, making it available to users in over 100 additional countries. This move follows the successful launch in the United States and aims to bring algorithmically generated search summaries to millions more users globally.
The AI Overviews feature was first introduced through the Google Search Labs program and has since seen widespread adoption. During Google I/O 2024, the company extended the feature to all users in the U.S. In August, Google further expanded AI Overviews to include countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil. The latest expansion will make the feature accessible in more than 100 countries by the end of the year, reaching over a billion users each month.
A Better Search
Hema Budaraju, Google’s Senior Director of Product Management for Search, shared insights with Mashable, stating, “We can actually do better than what’s on your Search page.” She emphasized that AI Overviews are not intended to replace standard Google Search but serve as a starting point for more in-depth exploration of complex or nuanced queries. Budaraju added, “We add AI Overviews where we believe that it has additional value.”
With the expansion, Google is also enhancing language support for AI Overviews. Currently, the feature is available in English, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Users in supported regions will have access to AI Overviews in these languages, ensuring a broader reach and improved accessibility. Google has also made AI Overviews available in any supported language regardless of the country, allowing users more flexibility. For example, users in Japan can now access AI Overviews in languages other than Japanese.
In August, Google introduced several improvements to the AI Overviews feature. One notable update includes the display of links to relevant websites within AI Overviews. On desktop, these links appear on the right-hand side, while on mobile devices, users can tap site icons located in the upper right corner. Additionally, Google rolled out in-line links that appear directly within the AI Overview text, aiming to increase traffic to supporting websites.
Google has also added the ability for users to “save” specific AI Overviews for future reference. Users can access their saved AI Overviews by tapping the profile icon in Search and navigating to the Interests page. Another new option allows users to simplify the language of some AI Overviews with a single tap or click, making the information more accessible.
Earlier this month, Google introduced advertisements within AI Overviews. These ads are currently appearing for select queries for mobile users in the U.S. This addition marks Google’s move to monetize the AI Overviews feature further.
According to Google, feedback from users has been positive, with testing showing that search results featuring AI Overviews are more helpful. Engagement is particularly high among younger users aged 18 to 24, who are spending more time on websites after clicking through from AI Overviews.
Google has emphasized the importance of quality and responsibility in the deployment of AI Overviews. Budaraju stated, “For us, quality and responsibility is very important to the system.” The company has implemented additional precautions, especially concerning sensitive topics such as health information, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the AI-generated content.
The AI Overviews feature is powered by Google’s Gemini AI model, which generates summaries for most search queries where generative AI can add value. These summaries appear at the top of the search results page and can assist with a variety of tasks, including meal planning, vacation organizing, and brainstorming.
Despite the positive reception, some challenges have emerged. Publishers and website owners have expressed concerns that AI Overviews may be diverting traffic away from their sites by providing immediate answers to user queries. Additionally, there have been instances of inaccurate information being generated by the AI, such as unusual recommendations for food preparation. In response, Google says it has implemented protections and guardrails to prevent similar issues in the future.
Google plans to continue the rollout of AI Overviews in the coming weeks, ensuring availability in all currently supported languages across new regions.
(Image by Google)
