Google AI overviews launch in UK

Google’s AI overviews are starting to look in search queries for a “small slice” of logged-in customers within the UK.

Google’s Search Generative Expertise has been in testing as a Labs experiment within the U.S. since Might 2023. SGE has by no means been obtainable within the UK.

Why we care. SGE, AI overviews – no matter you name it – may doubtlessly change how folks search and the quantity of natural visitors your website will get from Google. It’s nonetheless unknown how typically (if ever) searchers click on on the citations in Google’s AI-generated solutions.

Way forward for SGE. Google started testing AI overviews from SGE on a “subset of queries, on a small share of search visitors within the U.S.” as Search Engine Land reported on March 22. This appears much like the UK search visitors check.

Some have speculated SGE may launch extensively at Google I/O, however Google has not confirmed a date. And Elizabeth Reid, Google VP, Search, has indicated there seemingly gained’t be a light-switch “second” when SGE replaces Google Search as we’ve recognized it.

Might SGE change into paid? In the meantime, Google is contemplating making AI-powered search options obtainable solely to subscribers, in keeping with a Monetary Instances report. It’s unclear if that is particular to SGE or different AI search options. Maybe these “premium” options could be a part of the Google One paid bundle that features Gemini.

Primarily, the report indicated “basic” Google Search would stay free. Advertisements would proceed to look alongside search outcomes even for subscribers. No resolution has been made on whether or not or when it should launch:

“Google mentioned the corporate was ‘not engaged on or contemplating’ an ad-free search expertise however that it could ‘proceed to construct new premium capabilities and providers to reinforce our subscription choices throughout Google’.”

– Google considers charging for AI-powered search in massive change to enterprise mannequin (subscription required)