Another initiative, Project Mariner, is designed to interact with websites on behalf of users, which could eliminate the need for manual navigation.
This initiative comes in response to the 2022 release of OpenAI's ChatGPT, which posed a challenge to Google's traditional search model.
The integration of AI aims to broaden the range of questions that Search can handle, including more complex inquiries that require detailed responses.
Pichai suggested that Google is exploring ways to enhance user interaction with Search, potentially making it more conversational and chatbot-like.
Additionally, Gemini Deep Research, another AI feature, automates the creation of long research reports, transforming how users engage with Google Search.
Despite facing initial setbacks with AI overviews that yielded inaccurate results, Google is committed to embedding AI features into its Search platform.
Google plans to implement Project Astra across various business applications, including augmented reality smart glasses.
During an earnings call on February 3, 2025, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the company is embarking on a significant journey to integrate artificial intelligence into its Search functionality.
Pichai emphasized that 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for search innovation, driven by advancements in AI technology that will expand the types of queries users can make.
He referenced Project Astra, a multimodal AI system developed by DeepMind, capable of analyzing live video and responding to user inquiries in real time.
Overall, Google's Search is evolving into a more sophisticated AI assistant, capable of browsing the internet and providing direct answers rather than merely returning links.
