Google launches artificial intelligence search engine

Google will show more complex AI-generated text responses and explanations at the top of the page instead of just a list of links. searching results.

Google is upgrading its 25-year-old artificial intelligence (AI) search engine with digital chatbot-like features in a race against upstart rival OpenAI.

The $1.4 trillion Internet giant presented at its annual conference an example of the largest redesign in its search engine history, introducing a «conversational» interface in addition to the ubiquitous search bar.

While the search bar is almost unchanged since Google first launched it — won't go away, users will be able to participate in Q&A style chats.

Instead of just providing a list of links, Google will display more complex text AI-generated answers and explanations at the top of search results.

For example, users looking for inspiration for travel, recipes, or shopping can ask Google to generate ideas for them.

The new features pit Google against rival tech giant Microsoft, which is working with startup OpenAI to reinvent its own search technology in the Internet. Google, which first launched its search engine in 1998, is struggling to keep up with Microsoft as it releases its own wave of AI products.

At its annual conference in California, Google presented an example of its biggest search engine overhaul. Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP

Tech companies are betting that people will need more detailed and detailed answers to search the web. However, these developments are likely to heighten fears that users will rely on search engines for increasingly detailed answers, rather than turning to online publishers or newspapers.

Other AI tools Google has been keeping an eye on include updates to its standalone Bard chatbot, which will soon be launched in dozens of languages ​​and will have the ability to create and edit code or generate synthetic images. Designed to compete with ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI that has skyrocketed in popularity, Bard will also be open after a trial period to millions of Internet users.

The tech giant has confirmed the release of new tools despite fears that the spread of fake images could contribute to the spread of misinformation. There are also questions about the accuracy of current generation artificial intelligence algorithms, which are capable of producing convincing-sounding text but often make factual errors.

The new version of Google Search will initially not be the default. option for all users. Instead, it will be part of a new experimental version of Google called Search Labs, where users can try out its "Search Generative Experience".

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company, said that the tech giant is taking a «brave and responsible approach». with artificial intelligence while “reinventing our core products, including search.”

In a blog post, David Gaska, director of product management, said that many of the experimental tools “will eventually be integrated into Google Search&#34 ;.

Paolo Pescatore, Analyst at PP Foresight, said: "The euphoria surrounding ChatGPT has revived interest in AI and is a wake-up call for everyone. Expect developments in this area to heat up and represent a hotbed of innovation as the battle for supremacy between big tech intensifies."

Stocks are up 4% on Wednesday.