Google AI-Powered Search Gets Upgrade During Japan, India Expansion

Google's AI-powered search service is getting better and more expansive.

The search giant recently revealed it had added new capabilities to its Search Generative Experience (SGE) and expanded its coverage, adding two new countries where users can test it.

Google's SGE remains opt-in for the meantime, meaning interested users must sign up to test its capabilities.

Google SGE Improvements

Google mentioned in its announcement that it has learned many things during its experimentation with bringing generative AI capabilities into its Search service. One of them is that people find it easier and more understandable when accessing web pages that back up the information presented within its AI-powered overviews.

As a result of this discovery, those trying out Google SGE can see an arrow icon directly on the page, which drops down to show where the information was sourced from. This feature allows those trying Google SGE to visit the sites it referenced quickly and easily.

In addition to the reference links in the information Google SGE provides, the search giant is also learning that people want "longer and more conversational questions in full sentences." This desire is due to generative AI in Search helping them quickly find what they're looking for with longer queries and conversational questions.

Google search bar — Nathana Rebouças on Unsplash Go to Nathana Rebouças's profile Nathana

Because of the requests for longer queries, Google now has a new opportunity for its SGE to be even more helpful in the future. Furthermore, Google now knows where to place ads thanks to the feedback people give to it. According to those who tried SGE, ads placed above or below the AI-powered overview provide useful options for people to "take action and connect with businesses."

Lastly, Google found that people appreciated SGE's integration with its Search service because they can scroll and access various sources on the web easily. This is in addition to what they see in the AI-powered snapshot.

Google SGE Coverage Expansion

Aside from the improvements Google made to its SGE, it is also expanding its coverage to other countries, specifically Japan and India. As a result, people within these countries can opt-in and try out SGE for themselves.

Much like in the US, Google's SGE in India and Japan will use generative AI capabilities in their local languages, either by typing a query or using voice input. In fact, users in India can find a language toggle that allows them to switch back and forth between English and Hindi; they can even listen to responses in either language if they so choose.

Opting In For Google SGE

People interested in trying out Google SGE can do so through Search Labs in the Google app on their respective mobile platforms or Chrome Desktop. To do so, follow these instructions:

Open Chrome and make sure you're signed in to the Google Account you want to try out SGE on
Open a new tab and click the Labs icon (the one that looks like an Erlenmeyer flask). If this icon doesn't appear for you, then SGE isn't available in your country yet.
Find SGE and toggle it on.
Read the Terms of Service for the experiment and select I agree if you agree if applicable.
Click Try an example.