Google is set to demonstrate a version of its search engine with chatbot features this year, according to a report by the New York Times. This move comes as Google puts artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of its strategy and seeks guidance from founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin on its AI product strategy.
The implementation of chatbot features in search engines has the potential to significantly reshape search engine optimization (SEO) as we know it. Microsoft is also reportedly working on adding chatbot features to its search engine, Bing. With the ability to accurately answer more complex questions, chatbot search features could potentially steal traffic from existing content.
In December, Google CEO Sundar Pichai reportedly issued a “code red” following the launch and reaction to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, recognizing the technology as an urgent and significant threat to Google’s search business. As a result, Google executives called in Page and Brin, who had stepped down in December 2019, for several meetings about the company’s AI product strategy.
According to the report, Google plans to unveil more than 20 new products and demonstrate a version of its search engine with chatbot features this year. The slide presentation reviewed by the New York Times outlined three priorities for the chatbot search feature: getting facts right, ensuring safety, and getting rid of misinformation.
To address these priorities, Google may block certain words to avoid hate speech and will try to minimize other potential issues relating to hate and toxicity, danger and misinformation.
Google’s move to introduce chatbot features in its search engine is a significant step towards improving the search experience for users. With the help of Page and Brin, Google is looking to tackle the challenges that come with implementing AI in search, such as accuracy, safety, and misinformation. The company’s efforts to revamp its search engine with chatbot features is sure to keep the competition on their toes.