Google is set to upgrade its AI-powered search feature, AI Mode, by incorporating more direct links to the sources it retrieves information from. This adjustment is part of a broader initiative by the company to enhance transparency in its use of sources, with plans to introduce embedded source links within AI Mode along with AI-generated descriptions to highlight their relevance.
As illustrated in a shared example from Google, AI Mode will present its descriptions of pertinent sources directly above the carousel displaying the corresponding links. For instance, the description might elaborate on budget-friendly decor ideas, encompassing suggestions like secondhand shopping, architectural modifications, and DIY projects to achieve a vintage aesthetic.
The timing of this update coincides with the European Commission launching an investigation into Google’s practices of potentially utilizing content from web publishers in AI features without suitable compensation. In response to a study suggesting reduced link clicks with the presence of an AI Overview, Google noted that click volumes have largely remained stable.
Furthermore, Google is initiating a trial program involving prominent publishers such as The Guardian, The Washington Post, and the Washington Examiner to explore how AI can drive increased reader engagement. One experiment involves showcasing AI-generated article summaries within Google News, while collaborations with entities like The Associated Press aim to deliver real-time updates via the Gemini app.
Source: The Verge
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