Google is reportedly working on a significant revamp of its search engine, focusing on a more “visual, snackable, personal, and human” experience, integrating AI technology. According to The Wall Street Journal, this would involve fewer “blue links” for websites and a greater emphasis on short videos, social media content, and AI-driven results relevant to search queries.
AI-driven conversations and visual content
The planned changes center around AI-powered features that encourage users to ask follow-up questions, enabling a more conversational search process. Google aims to present users with visual content, such as TikTok videos and other social media content, catering to younger internet users who prefer platforms like TikTok and Instagram over traditional websites.
These changes are being developed under a project called Magi and are expected to be announced at the upcoming I/O developers conference, where Google may also unveil new hardware, such as the Pixel Fold.
Microsoft vs. Google: The AI race
Microsoft has been integrating AI into its Edge browser and Bing search engine, receiving positive feedback from users. In contrast, Google’s search experience has remained relatively unchanged in the age of generative AI. However, the tech giant seems eager to change that with Magi.
The future of personalized search
Magi, which was previously mentioned in internal documents accessed by The New York Times, aims to redefine search by offering a more personalized experience. Google plans to incorporate AI into its search system in a way that continuously learns from users’ search patterns and preferences, adapting to their needs.
Key features are reportedly being tested among employees, with public testing planned for the end of the year. While Microsoft has already integrated OpenAI’s GPT-4, the technology behind ChatGPT, into Bing, Google’s Bard chatbot has faced some challenges with accuracy and AI hallucinations.
Nevertheless, Google seems determined to learn and progress, rather than waiting to perfect the formula and risk losing the race. Previous reports have indicated a sense of urgency within the company to develop public-facing AI products that can rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Only time will tell if Magi can help Google close the gap.
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