Google has announced a significant update to its AI-powered features in Search, aimed at making links more prominent for users. Robby Stein, the vice president of Google Search, unveiled the new enhancement, stating that a list of links will now be displayed inside a pop-up when hovering over sources in AI Overviews and AI Mode on desktop. This includes a brief description of each linked article and accompanying images.
Stein also noted that Google will introduce ‘more descriptive and prominent link icons’ in its AI responses on both desktop and mobile platforms. According to Stein, user testing has shown that this new user interface is more engaging and facilitates easier access to high-quality web content.
Notably, Google’s initiative to improve link visibility comes in the wake of scrutiny from the European Commission last year. The investigation focused on whether Google’s use of digital publishers’ content in AI responses without appropriate compensation violated competition rules. In response, Google has indicated its willingness to allow publishers to opt out of appearing in AI search features and has started linking to more sources in AI Mode.
Source: The Verge