What to know

  • Google’s AI Overviews, previously known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), is now available globally.
  • The feature generates AI-generated summaries, along with its sources, at the top of search results for complex queries.
  • Despite initial challenges, Google has made improvements and is expanding the feature’s capabilities.

Google has taken a significant leap in search technology by rolling out its AI Overviews feature worldwide. This tool, which was previously known as the Search Generative Experience (SGE), is now accessible to users across the globe, officially turning a new leaf in how we interact with search engines.

The AI Overviews feature is designed to simplify complex searches by providing concise, AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. For instance, if you’re planning a trip and search for “best yoga studios in Boston with intro offers,” the AI Overview will compile relevant information from various sources, saving you the hassle of clicking through multiple links. Even simple queries can generate AI summaries, as follows:

But the journey to global rollout hasn’t been without its challenges. Google faced some issues with the accuracy and reliability of the AI-generated summaries during the initial launch. Earlier, it told people to add glue to their pizzas and eat rocks. However, the tech giant has been working diligently to improve the feature, making “more than a dozen technical improvements” to enhance its performance, as it mentioned in a May blog. It’s also been testing ads in AI overviews, which is something to be concerned about.

As part of its ongoing development, Google is also introducing new capabilities to AI Overviews. Users will soon be able to customize the language complexity of the summaries and even use the feature for event planning. AI Overviews now also show a link icon next to the quoted text which provides the sources so it’s easier to determine where the AI is getting its info from.

The introduction of AI Overviews has sparked discussions about its potential impact on search engine optimization (SEO) and web traffic. Some experts suggest that while the feature may reduce clicks to individual websites, it could also provide new opportunities for visibility through the sources featured in the AI summaries.

As AI Overviews continues to evolve, Google is also working on integrating other AI-powered features into its search engine. This includes the ability to categorize search results automatically and even search using videos.

The global rollout of AI Overviews marks a significant shift in how we interact with Google search. But if it doesn’t float your boat, you can turn Google’s AI Overviews off.