Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently announced significant updates coming to Google Search in 2024. He spoke at the New York Times DealBook Summit, highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is driving profound shifts in search technology. Pichai emphasized that these changes are only the beginning, with AI poised to reshape the search experience dramatically.
AI to Enhance Reasoning and Tackle Complex Queries
“We are in the earliest stages of a profound shift,” Pichai stated, referring to AI’s rapid evolution. He predicted that AI models will become significantly better at reasoning and completing complex actions over the next few years. These advancements will allow Google Search to handle more intricate questions and deliver more refined answers.
By early 2025, users will notice striking improvements in Search capabilities. “I think you’ll be surprised even early in ’25 by the kind of newer things Search can do compared to where it is today,” Pichai shared.
Google Search Already Transformed by AI
In 2023, Google introduced several AI-powered changes to its search platform. In May, it added AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. However, these updates faced criticism for inaccuracies, with some AI summaries hallucinating and providing bizarre suggestions, such as eating rocks or using glue in recipes.
Google has since refined these summaries, shifting reliance from community-based sources like Reddit to websites with specialized expertise. A June study by SEO platform SE Ranking found that AI overviews now cite reliable sources such as Healthline and RunnersWorld.
Google continues to innovate beyond search. Earlier this week, it unveiled a new AI model that outperformed the world’s most accurate weather prediction systems. This model even identified extreme weather events, a feature it was not specifically trained to handle.
Next-Generation AI Models on the Horizon
Pichai also hinted at Google’s plans to release next-generation AI models soon. “I just think there’s so much innovation ahead,” he said, expressing optimism about the future.
With nearly 90% of the global search engine market share, Google’s ongoing AI advancements are expected to have widespread impacts. These innovations will set new benchmarks in search technology and cement Google’s dominance in the industry.
As AI technology evolves, Google aims to deliver smarter, more reliable tools that enhance user experience. Expect transformative updates to Google Search as the company explores the full potential of artificial intelligence.