Google’s Search Generative Experience Gets a Visual Makeover and Local Flavor in India
Google, the tech giant, is shaking things up in India with a wave of updates to its search engine and other services. The company has made its Search Generative Experience (SGE), an AI-powered feature that generates summaries and responses to queries, even more visually engaging and localized. These updates, announced at the Google for India 2023 event, aim to provide a more insightful and personalized search experience for Indian users.
Embracing the Power of Visuals
Google is making SGE more visual by adding images and videos to its generated overviews. This move goes beyond simple text summaries, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of their queries. For instance, searching "what are the various ways to drape a saree?" now provides an interactive experience incorporating images and videos showcasing different saree draping styles. This visual enhancement makes information more engaging and easier to grasp for a wider audience.
Localizing Search for a More Personalized Experience
SGE is also getting a strong dose of localization. Users searching for local information, like "things to do in Mumbai," will receive location-specific results that incorporate user reviews from sources like Google Maps. This personalized approach enhances the user experience by providing relevant information tailored to their location and interests.
Making Government Schemes Easier to Understand
Google is making it simpler for Indian users to navigate and understand government schemes. In the coming weeks, SGE will provide easy-to-access information on over 100 government schemes covering healthcare, housing, employment, women’s welfare, farming, and more. Users can access this knowledge in both Hindi and English languages, making it more accessible to a larger population.
Expanding the Reach of Google Lens
Google Lens, the image recognition tool, is expanding its capabilities to encompass skin conditions. Users can now visually search for information about skin conditions by taking a picture of their affected skin. Google Lens will then provide visual matches and related information, potentially aiding in understanding and seeking treatment.
Boosting Google Pay for Merchants and Consumers
Google Pay, the popular digital payments app, is getting various upgrades for both merchants and consumers.
For merchants: Google Pay is partnering with ePayLater to provide credit lines for businesses. The company is also introducing sachet loans starting as low as Rs. 15,000 in collaboration with DMI Finance. These financing options aim to empower small businesses by providing them with access to capital.
- For consumers: Axis Bank is making its personal loans available on Google Pay, with more banks expected to follow suit. This move expands the financial services available on the platform, offering convenient loan options for consumers. Additionally, Google Pay users can now avail credit lines from banks using UPI (Unified Payments Interface) for instant payments.
Enhancing the Shopping Experience on Google Search
Google is revamping its shopping experience by introducing a more visual product feed, simplifying the discovery process for small businesses and consumers. When searching for products, like "best phone under Rs. 15,000," users will now see a visually appealing feed of options with filters to refine search results quickly. This feature helps shoppers find the ideal product without needing to sift through countless listings.
Transforming YouTube News with an Immersive Watch Page
YouTube is also receiving an update, launching an immersive watch page for news that pulls content from credible sources. This feature will be available in 11 Indian languages starting in Q4 2023 and will provide a more engaging and informative news experience.
Conclusion
Google’s latest updates demonstrate its commitment to providing a more relevant and engaging search experience for Indian users. By adding visual elements, localizing its AI-powered search, providing easier access to government information, and expanding its Google Pay and Lens services, Google is creating a more convenient and personalized ecosystem for its users. These enhancements highlight the company’s dedication to understanding and catering to the unique needs of the Indian market. As AI technology continues to evolve, Google’s innovative approach indicates its commitment to leveraging it to improve its products and services and provide valuable experiences for its users worldwide.
