Google Search's AI Overviews now available in 100+ countries
What's the story
Google has announced the expansion of its AI Overviews feature in Search, to over 100 countries and territories.
Initially launched in the US in May, the feature is now set to reach more than one billion global users every month.
The tech giant is also extending language support for AI Overviews, including English, Japanese, Hindi, Indonesian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Feature evolution
A tool for enhanced user experience
Since its launch, Google has been polishing the AI Overviews feature to make it more useful.
A recent update brought in-line links that appear in the text of AI Overviews, resulting in a spike in website traffic.
However, the change has raised concerns among some publishers and websites over the potential traffic impact from these overviews being displayed prominently.
Information
Google leverages Overviews for advertising expansion
Google is also tying its advertising business with AI Overviews. The company recently revealed that ads within these overviews will appear on relevant searches for mobile users in the US. The move shows strategic use of the feature to enhance its ad reach and visibility.
Feature refinement
AI Overviews' initial challenges and subsequent improvements
The launch of AI Overviews wasn't smooth either, as the facility initially served inaccurate and potentially harmful information to users.
In response to the issues, Google has now added safeguards on AI Overviews to prevent them from happening again.
The tech giant is also planning to bring a similar feature on its Shopping page, further expanding its reach.