Google is introducing a new AI-powered upgrade to its popular web browser, Google Chrome, with a focus on enhancing the reading experience for users. The upgrade, called Search Generative Experience (SGE), utilizes artificial intelligence technology to provide article summaries, eliminating the need to scroll through lengthy content and reducing screen time. Currently in the early experiment stage, this feature is being slowly rolled out to mobile users first before expanding to desktop users.
The feature, named ‘SGE while browsing’, aims to provide key points from online articles without requiring a paywall. It utilizes AI to generate summaries and offer additional features such as word definitions, related diagrams or images, answers to how-to questions, and suggested code snippets for common tasks. Rany Ng, Google’s VP of Product Management (Search), explained in an official blog post that the intention behind this feature is to allow users to engage more deeply with long-form content from publishers and creators.
The ‘SGE while browsing’ feature was initially announced three months ago and is now available on the Google app for Android and iOS. Desktop users can expect to access it in the near future.
Here’s how to sign up for early access to Google’s new AI features via Search Labs:
- Update the Google Chrome app on your smartphone or desktop.
- Visit the Google Search Labs website using Google Chrome.
- Opt in to try the ‘SGE while browsing’ feature, which is available as a standalone experiment.
Aside from summarizing text articles, the SGE feature will also provide AI-generated explanations for programming languages and tools. Google encourages users to provide feedback on their experience with this feature through Search Labs.
Earlier this year, Google announced other AI tools focused on its search service, including the Duet AI tool for Workspace apps like Google Docs, as well as an app catered towards students. These features are currently in public preview and may not function at their maximum potential.
