Google’s New AI Search Engine: A Step-by-Step Guide to Joining
Google has recently launched an experimental version of its search engine, known as Search Generative Experience (SGE). This new version integrates artificial intelligence (AI) answers directly into search results, providing users with a unique and more interactive search experience. Unlike the traditional Google Search that displays a list of blue links, SGE uses AI to answer your questions directly on the Google Search webpage.
After entering a query in Google Search, a green or blue box will expand with a novel answer generated by Google’s large language model, similar to the one powering OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Google pulls this information from websites and links to sources used when generating an answer. It’s also possible to ask follow-up questions in SGE to get more precise results.
However, SGE is currently not open to the public and requires you to sign up to Google’s Search Labs. Here’s how you can join the waitlist for Search Labs and be among the first to test Google’s SGE:
- Open the Chrome browser on a computer.
- Sign into your Google account.
- Open a new tab in your browser.
- At the top right, there will be a Labs icon (of a beaker) if Labs is available to you.
- If the Labs icon is there, click it and then click Join Waitlist.
- You’ll get an email when Labs becomes available.
SGE is part of Search Labs and includes experimental features such as Code Tips, which gives coding suggestions directly in Search, and Add to Sheets, a feature that can automatically bring in information found in Search into Google Sheets.
Please note that during this trial run, some data will be analyzed by human reviewers, although the data will be stored in a manner that is not associated with your Google account. It’s possible to delete interactions via the My Activity page. Google also warns of the follies of generative AI and that accuracy may vary. This is likely referring to “hallucinations,” a problem found with generative AI where it can confidently say something is accurate when it isn’t. Google suggests you not rely on generative AI for medical, legal, financial or other professional services.
SGE can be accessed via the Chrome desktop web browser or the Android and iOS Google apps.
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is a significant step forward in the evolution of search engines. It’s a clear demonstration of how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance user experience and provide more accurate and detailed search results.
The SGE is powered by a large language model, similar to the one used by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This model is capable of generating novel answers to user queries, providing a more interactive and engaging search experience. The answers generated by the SGE are not just pulled from existing web content, but are created by the AI based on the information it has learned from the web.
One of the unique features of SGE is the ability to ask follow-up questions. This allows users to get more precise results and delve deeper into their topic of interest. For example, if a user asks about the weather in a particular city, they can then ask a follow-up question about the average temperature in that city during a specific month.
However, it’s important to note that SGE is still in its experimental phase and is currently only available to a select group of users who sign up for Google’s Search Labs. This means that the technology is still being tested and refined, and there may be some inaccuracies or issues that need to be addressed.
In terms of privacy, Google has stated that some data from SGE will be analyzed by human reviewers, but this data will not be associated with the user’s Google account. Users also have the option to delete their interactions with SGE via the My Activity page.
While SGE represents a significant advancement in search technology, Google has cautioned users about the limitations of generative AI. The company has warned that the accuracy of the information provided by SGE may vary, and that users should not rely on it for professional services such as medical, legal, or financial advice.
Overall, Google’s Search Generative Experience is an exciting development in the world of search technology, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves and improves over time.