In August, Google introduced its search generative experience (SGE) in India, which utilizes AI to provide responses and summaries to search queries. The goal of generative AI search is to deliver more effective and engaging results with comprehensive overviews. Now, Google is further improving its AI search tool in India by making it more visually appealing and localized for better user experience. These updates to Google’s AI search were announced during the Google for India 2023 event held on Thursday.
In a blog post detailing the new product experiences introduced at the event, Google stated that it is adding new capabilities to SGE in India to enhance the usefulness and comprehensibility of its AI-generated information preview. The updated SGE will feature more visual elements, including images and videos, in order to provide users with a visually enhanced and easy-to-follow overview. For instance, when searching for different ways to drape a saree, users will be presented with a visual and AI-powered overview that includes images and videos demonstrating various draping styles.
Furthermore, generative AI search will become more localized, allowing users to receive location-specific responses. Through SGE, users can explore what a city has to offer and discover nearby activities. The search results will now include user reviews of places to provide more informative recommendations.
Additionally, Google is streamlining access to information on government schemes. In the coming weeks, SGE will help Indian users easily navigate and find important information about over 100 government schemes in areas such as healthcare, housing, employment, women’s welfare, farming, and more. All of these features and more on SGE will be available in both Hindi and English languages.
Google is also expanding the capabilities of Google Lens, allowing users to visually search for skin conditions similar to their own observations. By taking a picture of their skin condition using Google Lens, users will be provided with visual matches and relevant information.
In addition to the AI search upgrades, Google announced new services for Google Pay targeting both merchants and consumers. Google Pay is partnering with ePayLater to offer a credit line to merchants, while also collaborating with DMI Finance to provide sachet loans as low as Rs. 15,000. Moreover, Axis Bank is making its personal loans available on Google Pay, with more banks expected to follow suit. Users can now access credit lines from banks on UPI for payments through Google Pay, similar to UPI payments.
Google is also enhancing the shopping experience on its platform, making it easier for users to find products and expanding discovery for small businesses. When searching for products on Google Search, users will now see a visually appealing feed of products related to their search query, complete with filters to facilitate quick and easy product exploration.
Lastly, YouTube is receiving updates as well. The platform will introduce an immersive watch page for news, featuring content from credible sources. This new feature will be available in 11 Indian languages, starting from the fourth quarter of 2023.
Unique Perspective:
Google’s enhancements to AI search in India demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing users with more visually engaging and localized search experiences. By incorporating images, videos, and user reviews, Google aims to enhance search results in India, catering to the specific needs and preferences of Indian users. The expansion of Google Pay services further facilitates digital transactions and financial accessibility for both merchants and consumers in India. Overall, these updates highlight Google’s efforts to continuously innovate and improve its products and services to better serve its users in the Indian market.
