Google Aims to Transform Search into AI Assistant by 2025

# Google # ChatGPT

Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently shared during the company's earnings call that Google Search is embarking on a significant transformation, driven by artificial intelligence. The journey kicked off with AI overviews, marking a pivotal shift in how information is delivered to billions of users. Yet, according to Pichai, this is just the beginning. "2025 is poised to be a landmark year for search innovation as AI broadens the spectrum of queries users can make," Pichai stated in his opening remarks. He elaborated on Google's strategy to integrate more AI features into Search, drawing from the company's DeepMind research lab. The goal is to transform Search into more of an AI assistant that actively browses the web, analyzes pages, and delivers direct answers, moving far beyond the traditional model of presenting ten blue links. Google's push towards AI in Search has been accelerated since the unexpected impact of OpenAI's ChatGPT release in 2022. This shift has profound implications for websites dependent on Google traffic and advertisers on Google Search. Despite some resistance, Google remains committed to this path. Looking ahead, Pichai teased "Project Astra," a multimodal AI system from DeepMind capable of processing live video and responding to user queries in real-time. Google envisions using Project Astra for various applications, including powering augmented reality smart glasses, for which Google plans to develop the operating system. Another innovation Pichai highlighted is Gemini Deep Research, an AI agent that can generate comprehensive research reports in minutes. This feature aims to automate tasks traditionally performed using Google Search, suggesting a future where Google does the research for its users. "You're really expanding the kinds of tasks Search can handle, even if they don't provide instant answers," Pichai noted. "We're exploring these areas and will introduce new user experiences throughout 2025." Additionally, Pichai mentioned Project Mariner, another AI agent that can interact with websites on behalf of users, potentially reducing the need for direct website visits. He also hinted at enhancing user interaction with Search, possibly turning it into a more conversational, chatbot-like interface. "The Search product will continue to evolve," Pichai said. "Making it easier for people to interact and ask follow-up questions presents a significant growth opportunity." The rise of ChatGPT, now a staple with millions of weekly users, poses a direct challenge to Google Search's dominance. In response, Google is developing its own AI chatbot, Gemini, and integrating AI directly into Search. However, Google's initial foray into AI overviews faced setbacks, with the system occasionally generating incorrect and bizarre responses, such as suggesting people eat rocks or add glue to pizza. Google acknowledged these issues and committed to refining AI overviews. Despite these challenges, Google's journey with AI in Search is just beginning.

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