Game On: Microsoft vs. Google in the Ultimate AI Showdown

Google has announced its plans to incorporate generative artificial intelligence (AI) into its flagship search engine, following the footsteps of Microsoft Corp.’s recent update to its rival search engine, Bing. This move by Google reflects the growing demand from users for more advanced and intelligent search capabilities.

The US tech company introduced an update to its search engine on Wednesday, incorporating AI developments permeating the computer industry ever since Microsoft supported OpenAI’s ChatGPT launched six months ago.

The most current AI advancements by Google will allow users to input text queries, get entire papers or emails that AI made, create slideshows with AI-generated images, and automatically create tables.

After taking the stage at the event, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said “We are reimagining all of our core products, including search.” 

When Google Search and AI are combined, users can enter a question and obtain a single primary result summarising the information found. However, there will still be links for other types of searches underneath the generated answer.

What is Google Bard?

BARD AI is a generative AI that creates different types of material besides answering questions and carrying out text-based tasks like providing summaries and responses. By condensing content from the internet and presenting links to websites with more information, Bard also supports the investigation of ideas.

Bard can be implemented into websites, messaging services, or applications to enhance Google search and offer users believable, in-depth solutions to their inquiries.

According to Vice President Cathy Edwards, U.S. users will have access to the Search Generative Experience via a wait list in the upcoming weeks. Google will evaluate search results’ value, timeliness, and cost during the trial period.

Google also disclosed a new feature for Google’s Android operating system that will proactively alert customers about unidentified AirTags, tiny devices designed to track personal objects like keys and wallets.

When it comes to search, Google continues to be in the lead. StatCounter estimates that the company holds 93% of the global market share, compared to about 3% held by Microsoft’s Bing. But for Microsoft, the goal is not to overtake the competition. Instead, it involves taking minuscule shares away from Google.

Shares of Alphabet increased 4% on Wednesday. Compared to the 8% increase in the S&P 500 index during the same period, they have increased by 26% this year. Alphabet’s shares soared by that amount, reaching $112.65. The increase, according to AP, was Alphabet’s biggest since Bing upgraded its search engine with AI in February.