Google users in both countries can type a query or use voice input and make use of the generative AI capabilities in their local languages.
American multinational tech major Google announced on Wednesday to expand its generative AI experience in Search to India and Japan, the first countries outside the United States. Also known as Search Generative Experience or SGE, the new artificial intelligence-powered Search feature will be launched through Search Labs in these markets.
“This week, we launched Search Labs in the first countries outside the U.S. — India and Japan — enabling people to opt into SGE to help them better understand topics faster, uncover new viewpoints and insights, and get things done more easily,” Google said in a blog. People in both countries can type a query or use voice input and make use of the generative AI capabilities in their local languages.
Indian multilingual users will further be able to find a language toggle that will help them to easily switch back and forth between English and Hindi. Additionally, users in the country can also listen to the response, which is a popular preference, with Text-To-Speech by tapping the ‘Listen’ button. The company will soon be rolling out the ability to tap the microphone icon in conversational mode to ask follow-up questions instead of typing them. Both in India and Japan Search ads will continue to appear in dedicated ad slots throughout the page.
Meanwhile, The Alphabet-owned company said users are having positive experiences of using generative AI and are using SGE to find answers to more complex queries and entirely new types of questions. In addition, the Sundar Pichai-led tech giant is witnessing the highest satisfaction scores among younger users aged between 18 and 24 years who enjoy being able to ask follow-up questions conversationally.
Furthermore, Google has also been experimenting with even easier ways for its users to discover and visit the web pages that back up the information in AI-powered overviews. “During testing, we’ve learned that people find it easier and more understandable when access to these links is presented within the overview itself,” Google said.
“So starting today, when you see an arrow icon next to information in an AI-powered overview, you can click to see relevant web pages, and easily learn more by visiting the sites,” it added. The feature is initially launched in the U.S. and will be rolled out in India and Japan in the coming weeks.
