Google's new feature lets you search with videos: Here's how
What's the story
Google is revolutionizing its search feature by integrating more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
The tech giant has announced a series of updates that include AI-organized web results and enhancements to Google Lens.
Google Lens, a popular tool for visually identifying objects and getting information, has gained two key features: video search and voice-activated search.
These changes are part of Google's broader strategy to provide a more comprehensive and interactive search experience for users worldwide.
Lens upgrades
Google Lens now supports video and voice searches
Google Lens can now conduct searches via video and voice, allowing users to ask "complex questions about moving images."
For instance, users can point their camera at a group of fish in an aquarium and ask Google Lens why they are swimming together.
The AI will then use the video clip and your voice recording to identify the species and provide an explanation.
Shopping enhancement
Enhanced shopping experience with visual product search
Google Lens is also improving its shopping capabilities with an upgraded visual product search.
The AI results will now include essential information about the searched product, such as reviews, prices across different retailers, and where to buy.
This enhancement aims to make the shopping experience "dramatically more helpful" for users by providing them with comprehensive product details at their fingertips.
AI integration
AI-organized search results: A new approach to web browsing
Google is gradually transitioning its search results to be organized by AI. This change will begin with a focused area: recipes and meal inspiration.
The company's AI will generate comprehensive pages featuring relevant content, such as articles, videos, and forum discussions, from various sources on the web.
These AI-curated pages aim to provide a more holistic and informative experience for users searching for culinary information.
This innovative approach is expected to eventually be applied to all search results.
Overview upgrades
Enhancements to AI overviews and introduction of ads
Google is also upgrading its AI Overviews, the snippets of AI-generated information that appear above web results.
The new design will feature more "prominent links to supporting webpages" within the section.
Additionally, Google plans to introduce ads into these AI Overviews, a move that has already begun in the US market.
Feature expansion
Circle to Search feature gains music recognition capabilities
Google's Circle to Search feature is now equipped with music recognition capabilities, similar to those of Shazam.
This enhancement allows users to instantly search for songs they hear without needing to switch apps.
Since its launch in January, Circle to Search has expanded its reach and is now available on over 150 million Android devices worldwide.