Google I/O Update: You Can Ask Questions with Video, Plus 3 New Google Search Features

Google I/O 2024 has unveiled several exciting updates to Google Search, marking a significant leap toward an AI-driven future. These enhancements are designed to make searches faster, more intuitive, and highly personalized, revolutionizing how users interact with the world’s most popular search engine.

New Google Search Features: Streamlining Information Access

One of the standout features introduced at Google I/O is AI Overviews. This tool offers AI-generated summaries at the top of many search results, providing users with quick, comprehensive insights into their queries. Whether you’re looking for a brief overview of a complex topic or need quick facts, AI Overviews simplify your search experience by delivering relevant information instantly.

This new functionality not only enhances user convenience but also showcases our commitment to integrating AI responsibly to improve everyday interactions with technology,

said a Google spokesperson during the event

Search by Video: A New Way to Explore

Ok I must say Search by video seems cool 😄 pic.twitter.com/SJTwHFF8CJ

— Gagan Ghotra (@gaganghotra_) May 14, 2024

Expanding upon the capabilities of Google Lens, Google has now introduced video-based search functionalities. This innovative feature allows users to capture video clips and use them to initiate searches. Whether it’s identifying a plant while hiking or finding a product seen in a store, users can now interact with Google Search in dynamic and engaging ways.

The integration of video in search queries represents our efforts to accommodate diverse user interactions and preferences, making information retrieval not only efficient but also adaptable to various contexts,

explained a Google engineer

Planning with Search: Automated Personalized Itineraries

Google’s new planning tool leverages its AI technology, Gemini, to automate the creation of personalized itineraries and meal plans. By inputting a single query, users can receive customized suggestions for travel or daily activities, tailored to their preferences and past behaviors.

From simplifying travel planning to optimizing daily schedules, our goal is to make personalization at scale a reality for every user,

noted a product manager at Google

Contextual Search: Tailoring Results to Your Needs

Another significant update is the enhancement of contextual search capabilities. Google now reorganizes search results based on the context of the query. For instance, if you’re looking for restaurants suitable for a date night or a business meeting in a new city, Google will categorize the results accordingly, saving you time and effort in sorting through irrelevant options.

Our enhanced contextual search is about understanding not just the ‘what’ but also the ‘why’ behind a user’s query, providing a search experience that’s as nuanced as human communication itself,

a Google UX designer

The updates revealed at Google I/O 2024 are set to transform Google Search into a more intuitive, flexible, and personalized tool. With features like AI Overviews, video-based searches, automated planning, and contextual search, Google continues to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in enhancing our digital lives.

FAQs

How do AI Overviews improve my search experience?

AI Overviews provide quick, AI-generated summaries at the top of your search results, offering a concise understanding of your query without the need to sift through multiple pages.

What can I do with the new video search feature?

You can use video clips to initiate searches, making it easier to find information about objects, products, or scenes you encounter in your daily life.

How does the new planning tool work?

By leveraging AI, the planning tool creates personalized itineraries and meal plans based on your single query, considering your preferences and previous interactions.

What does contextual search mean for my queries?

Contextual search tailors search results based on the scenario described in your query, ensuring that the information presented is relevant to your specific needs, such as finding a romantic restaurant for a date night or a convenient hotel for business travel.

With these advancements, Google is enhancing how we search and interact with information, making our digital experiences more relevant, timely, and personalized.