Google’s AI-powered search is rolling out today. Company announced this morning it opens access to the Google Search Generative Experiment (SGE) and other Search Labs in the US. If you haven’t signed up yet, you’ll need to sign up for the waiting list and sit tight until you receive an email letting you know it’s your turn.
Unveiled earlier this month at Google I/O 2023, Google SGE is the company’s speech-infusion of the classic search experience. If you’ve played with Bing AI, expect a familiar but different product. Cherlynn Low pointed out in Engadget’s SGE preview that Google’s AI-powered search uses the same input bar you use, rather than a separate chatbot area like Bing. Then, the generative AI results will appear in a shaded section below the search bar (and sponsored results) but above the standard web results. Meanwhile, at the top right of the AI results, there’s a button that lets you expand the snapshot, and it adds cards that show the source articles. Finally, you can ask additional questions by tapping the button below the results.
Google describes a snapshot as “key information to consider with links to dig deeper.” Think of it as a slice of Bard (somewhat) neatly slapped onto a Google search you already know.
In addition, Google is opening up access to other Search Labs, including Code Hints and Add to Tables (both currently US-only). Code Tips “harnesses the power of large language models to provide pointers for writing code faster and smarter.” It allows aspiring developers to ask questions about programming languages (C, C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, Python, and TypeScript), tools (Docker, Git, shells), and algorithms. At the same time, as the name suggests, Add to Sheets allows you to insert search results directly into Google’s spreadsheet application. Tapping the Table icon to the left of the search result will open a list of your recent documents; select the one you want to add the result to.
If you haven’t already attended Search Labs waiting list, you can tap the Labs icon (the glass icon) in a new tab in Chrome for desktop or in the Google search app on Android or iOS. However, the company hasn’t revealed how soon or widely it will open access, so you may have to be patient.