Google has introduced new updates to AI Overviews as part of their ongoing effort to enhance web connectivity.
Initially launched in May, AI Overviews were designed to help users quickly access information and explore the web. Google is now expanding this feature to six additional countries and adding new capabilities.
New Features and Improvements
To improve user experience, Google has added several features:
Right-Hand Link Display: On desktop, AI Overviews will now include a new right-hand link display. This feature is also accessible on mobile by tapping site icons located at the upper right of the screen.
In-Text Links: Google is testing the integration of links to relevant web pages directly within the AI Overviews text. This aims to drive higher traffic to publisher sites by making it easier for users to find and visit related content.
Save AI Overviews: Users in the U.S. can now save specific AI Overviews for future reference. By tapping the “save” button under an overview, users can easily revisit the same information and links later.
This feature is available for English queries and requires enrollment in the “AI Overviews and more” experiment in Search Labs.
Simplified Language Option: Some AI Overviews will offer a feature to simplify the language with a single tap, making complex topics easier to understand. This is also available for English queries in the U.S. through the Search Labs experiment.
Testing and Availability
Google reports that early tests have shown positive results, with higher engagement and traffic to publisher sites. AI Overviews have proven to increase user satisfaction and search activity, particularly among younger users aged 18-24.
Global Rollout
The new updates and expanded AI Overviews will be gradually rolled out to six new countries: the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil, with support for local languages.
The feature will be available in all previously launched countries and for Search Labs users in over 120 countries and territories.
Announcing the updates, Hema Budaraju, Senior Director, Product Management, Search, said:
AI Overviews are redefining search possibilities. With this innovation, more people globally can now ask a wider range of questions, find information more quickly, and explore the best of the web. As we refine and gather feedback, we are excited to extend this experience to even more users worldwide.