Google is injecting creative new features into search as tech giants race to harness generative artificial intelligence.
Images created using AI
Google has announced new AI capabilities for Google Search, including the ability to generate images and writing inspiration using the company’s latest generative AI feature.
“Search has long been the place where you can find information to help solve life’s problems, big or small. Advances in AI are driving us to develop simpler, smarter ways to help users discover valuable insights and understand information,” said Hema Budaraju, senior director of search product management, in an official blog post announcing the upgrade.
The tech giant wants to make its search capabilities more intuitive and user-centric. Users can now use the power of generative AI to visualize their ideas. For example, if someone wants to imagine a capybara wearing a chef's hat while preparing breakfast, Google's AI Search Experience (SGE) can generate images that match this precise description. These features extend to Google Images, providing AI-generated visuals based on search queries such as "minimalist Halloween table setting."
Generative AI simply refers to AI that is able to generate new content based on instructions. The most common examples are ChatGPT (generating text based on user instructions), Dall-E 3 (generating images based on text instructions), and Runway (generating videos based on text). It is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to generate $4 trillion in revenue for the global economy in the near future, according to a report by global management consulting firm McKinsey.
The company said safety and responsibility were paramount to these advances. Google wanted to ensure that image generation adhered to its prohibited use policy and avoided any harmful or misleading content. Each image generated through SGE has metadata tags and watermarks to indicate its AI origin.
Google’s AI-assisted search will also help with drafting content. For example, if someone is exploring a home improvement project, they can ask SGE to draft a message for a contractor, streamlining their search and communication process.
Google has invested heavily in artificial intelligence this year. To reflect its new AI-centric approach, the company’s “useful content updates” in Google Search now focus on “content created for people,” moving away from the traditional “written by people” wording.
The recent "Made by Google" event further highlighted Google's commitment to AI, showcasing the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones, which use AI to achieve optimal performance with the help of the new Tensor G3 chip. At the same event, the launch of Assistant with Bard stole the show. Google's next-generation AI-enhanced digital assistant is a powerful, AI-driven competitor to Siri.
Generative AI will have an undeniable impact in 2023, particularly in driving the S&P 500’s recovery after the COVID-era downturn, and Google’s advancements promise to bring a brighter, more intuitive future to online searches.
If this makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Recent polls from the Pew Research Center show that public opinion of artificial intelligence isn’t great. But if one of the world’s largest companies is now adapting to the new AI era, maybe it’s time to accept that this technology is here to stay. #谷歌 #人工智能