
Google turns internet queries into conversations
Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has expressed confidence that weaving Gemini artificial intelligence into search will benefit the tech firm's business
Google has begun letting people turn online searches into conversations, with generative artificial intelligence providing spoken summaries of query results.
With Audio Overviews, Gemini AI models quickly sum up query results in conversational style, according to Google.
"An audio overview can help you get a lay of the land, offering a convenient, hands-free way to absorb information whether you're multitasking or simply prefer an audio experience," Google said in a blog post. "We display helpful web pages right within the audio player on the search results page so you can easily dive in and learn more."
Google is beefing up online search with generative artificial intelligence, embracing AI despite fears for its ad-based business model.
CEO Sundar Pichai recently unveiled a new AI mode in Google search.
The search engine's nascent AI mode goes further than AI Overviews which display answers to queries from the tech giant's generative AI powers above the traditional blue links to websites and ads.
Since Google debuted AI Overviews in search slightly more than a year ago, it has grown to more than 1.5 billion users across several countries, according to Pichai.
Google's push into generative AI comes amid intensifying competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has itself incorporated search engine features into its popular chatbot.
© 2025 AFP

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If you use smart home or embedded devices, turn them off when you need to have a private conversation. A device that's asleep looks inactive, but it is still powered on and listening for a wake word or signal. Unplugging a device or removing its batteries is a good way of making sure the device is truly off. Finally, be aware of the terms of service and data collection policies of the devices and platforms that you are using. You might be surprised by what you've already agreed to. Christopher Ramezan is Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, West Virginia University. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation


Japan Today
13 hours ago
- Japan Today
Google turns internet queries into conversations
Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has expressed confidence that weaving Gemini artificial intelligence into search will benefit the tech firm's business Google has begun letting people turn online searches into conversations, with generative artificial intelligence providing spoken summaries of query results. With Audio Overviews, Gemini AI models quickly sum up query results in conversational style, according to Google. "An audio overview can help you get a lay of the land, offering a convenient, hands-free way to absorb information whether you're multitasking or simply prefer an audio experience," Google said in a blog post. "We display helpful web pages right within the audio player on the search results page so you can easily dive in and learn more." Google is beefing up online search with generative artificial intelligence, embracing AI despite fears for its ad-based business model. CEO Sundar Pichai recently unveiled a new AI mode in Google search. The search engine's nascent AI mode goes further than AI Overviews which display answers to queries from the tech giant's generative AI powers above the traditional blue links to websites and ads. Since Google debuted AI Overviews in search slightly more than a year ago, it has grown to more than 1.5 billion users across several countries, according to Pichai. Google's push into generative AI comes amid intensifying competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has itself incorporated search engine features into its popular chatbot. © 2025 AFP