Google Expands Access to Generative AI in Search Features

Google's AI-Powered Search Experience Launches Today

Google is rolling out its new Search Generative Experience (SGE) and other Search Labs features in the US. To access these innovative tools, users need to sign up for the waitlist and await an email notification.

Introduced at Google I/O 2023, SGE brings a conversational AI dimension to traditional search. Users familiar with Bing AI will notice similarities, but Google SGE distinguishes itself by using the existing input bar instead of a separate chatbot. Generative AI results will appear in a highlighted section below the search bar (and sponsored results) but above standard web results. An expansion button on the top right of the AI results allows users to view additional sourced articles. Plus, you can ask follow-up questions using a button located beneath the results.

Google describes the snapshot as “key information to consider, with links to dig deeper.” This feature integrates Bard’s capabilities into the familiar Google search interface.

Additionally, Google is opening access to more Search Labs features, including Code Tips and Add to Sheets, both currently available in the US only. Code Tips leverages large language models to assist users in writing code more efficiently. It enables aspiring developers to ask programming-related questions about various languages (C, C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, Python, TypeScript), tools (Docker, Git), and algorithms. Meanwhile, Add to Sheets allows users to directly insert search results into Google Sheets. A Sheets icon next to a search result lets you choose from your recent documents to which you want to attach the result.

If you're not yet on the Search Labs waitlist, simply click the Labs icon (a beaker symbol) in a new tab on Chrome for desktop or in the Google search app on Android or iOS. While Google has not specified the timeline for broader access, it's advisable to exercise some patience as the features become available.