Google expands AI integration in search engine, Enhances image ,voice queries
Google is further integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its search engine, introducing features that allow users to ask voice-based questions about images and organize search results more effectively. These changes, announced on Thursday, represent the latest phase in Google’s AI-driven transformation, which began in May when the company introduced AI-generated summaries, or "AI Overviews," to its search results.
The introduction of these AI Overviews raised concerns among publishers, as fewer users were clicking on search links, reducing traffic to news websites like The New York Times and technology review platforms such as TomsGuide.com. However, Google has responded by incorporating more external links into these overviews, addressing worries that AI-driven summaries were diverting attention from important web content. A recent study by BrightEdge, a search traffic analysis firm, revealed that while general news publishers were losing traffic, specialized sites like Bloomberg.com and the National Institutes of Health saw an increase in visits through these AI-generated links.
A key part of Google's AI evolution builds upon its existing Lens feature, which allows users to search for objects in images. The Lens option now processes over 20 billion queries per month and is particularly popular among users aged 18 to 24, a demographic Google is keen to engage. With the latest update, users will be able to ask conversational questions in English about images viewed through a camera lens and receive search results. In addition, those enrolled in Google Labs can now test voice-activated features, enabling them to capture videos of moving objects—such as fish in an aquarium—and ask questions, receiving answers through AI Overviews.
Initially, Google’s AI will be used to organize search results for recipe and meal-related queries in English, grouping information into clusters of images, videos, and articles. The company hopes that this new feature will offer a more streamlined and intuitive search experience, even as it continues to fine-tune its AI’s accuracy and reliability.
Google’s decision to enhance its flagship search engine with more AI capabilities highlights the company’s commitment to the technology, as it navigates a major industry shift driven by AI innovations. This move positions Google to compete with emerging AI-powered alternatives like ChatGPT and Perplexity, which offer more conversational search experiences.
Google’s Vice President of Search Engineering, Rajan Patel, emphasized the company’s goal to make search simpler and more accessible. “The whole goal is to make search effortless for people, so they can search any way, anywhere they are,” Patel explained, noting that the AI features aim to enhance user convenience.
Despite the promise of AI-driven convenience, the technology has faced criticism for occasional inaccuracies. Google's AI Overviews have produced some notable errors, including advising users to put glue on pizza and eat rocks. These incidents were attributed to data gaps and online interference. However, Google asserts that it has resolved many of these issues and is now confident in using AI to curate information on its search results page.
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Akhilesh questions removal of NSG cover, accuses BJP govt of 'playing' with his security
Lucknow (PTI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday accused the BJP government of "playing" with his security and sought an explanation for the withdrawal of the National Security Guard (NSG) cover provided to him.
In a statement issued from the SP headquarters here, the former chief minister said the government must clarify the reasons cited in his security cover review that led to the withdrawal.
"The BJP government is playing with my security. I had NSG security, but it was withdrawn. The government should have disclosed why," Yadav said, alleging that security decisions were being politicised.
Yadav also referred to the withdrawal of SPG protection for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the BJP government had earlier removed his cover and made him vacate his official residence.
Speaking to reporters during his day-long visit to Jhansi, Yadav accused the BJP of "insulting everyone", including a Shankaracharya and students at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.
"They pulled the 'shikha' (tuft of hair) of our 'batuks' and humiliated them. The chief minister is constantly insulting Shankaracharya. He is demanding certificates from him," Yadav said, adding that Yogi Adityanath should apologise for his actions
A "true yogi" empathises with people's suffering, he said, and alleged that the government instead celebrates bulldozing houses. He further claimed that the chief minister does not respect the Constitution and law, and cited cases mentioned in Adityanath's 2017 election affidavit to attack him.
"No other chief minister has faced as many cases as the current chief minister," the SP chief said in the statement.
