Google upgrades Search with conversational AI tools

Google has unveiled what it describes as the most significant transformation to its search engine since the company was founded.

The platform evolved beyond simple blue links in its search bars, with richer experiences and summaries backed by artificial intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly central and personalised.

According to independent.co.uk, Google is now reshaping search into a more conversational AI experience.

Instead of short prompts, users will be able to ask detailed questions, follow up with additional questions, and even receive help with tasks such as creating invitations.

The company has spent recent years integrating AI more deeply into its search tools, though some of those efforts sparked controversy, according to The Independent.

Early AI overviews were criticised after they surfaced inaccurate information from the internet, including viral responses advising people to use glue on pizza.

The Independent reported that publishers and website owners have also raised concerns about the shift towards AI-powered search.

Although Google says search activity reached record levels last month, many sites claim traffic has dropped because users are increasingly kept within Google products rather than clicking through to external webpages.

Alongside the overhaul, Google has added “AI mode”, a feature designed to let people interact directly with AI through search.

The Independent reports that the updated system combines the facility with AI overviews and introduces additional AI-driven capabilities.

Google’s Search Division head Elizabeth Reid was quoted by the Independent as saying, “Google Search is AI search,” calling the update the largest change to Google Search since its launch in 1998.

The Independent reported that the revamped search system will also draw on AI coding tools to create more advanced responses.

Users asking highly technical questions, like those related to astrophysics, may receive automatically generated charts and visual explanations tailored to their query.

Users will also be able to upload images directly into the search bar and use AI mode to explore related information.

The announcements came during Google’s annual I/O conference in California. The event has increasingly centred on the company’s AI works.

Google also revealed plans to develop “intelligent eyewear” in partnership with glasses brands including Warby Parker, echoing the company’s previous attempt with Google Glass, the smart glasses project that used built-in cameras and displays to provide information about a user’s surroundings.

The original Google Glass project was widely ridiculed before being discontinued in 2015.

Since then, competitors including Meta have released their own smart glasses, while Apple has continued developing similar wearable technology, The Independent reported.

Google said the upcoming glasses would provide experiences similar to rival products, and are expected to launch later this year.