Google Search is experimenting with a new conversational mode that is powered by generative AI, the company announced at its annual I/O developer conference today. With new generative AI capabilities in Search, Google says it’s taking more of the work out of searching, so users will be able to understand a topic faster, uncover new viewpoints and insights, and get things done more easily.

In this new experience, users will see suggested next steps when conducting a search and display an AI-powered snapshot of key information to consider, with links to dig deeper. When you tap on a suggested next step, Search takes you to a new conversational mode, where you can ask Google more about the topic you’re exploring. Context will be carried over from question to question.

The experience is integrated with Google Shopping and is designed to quickly connect users with useful information online. For instance, say you’re looking for a new bike, you will get a snapshot of noteworthy factors to consider and products that fit the bill. You will see the option to ask a follow-up question or select a suggested next step. You can ask if the bike comes in new colors, and Search will understand your intent and know that you’re looking at specific bikes.

The experiment is called Search Generative Experience (SGE). The new experience will be available in the United States on an experimental basis through Google Labs in the coming weeks. If you’re in the US, you can join the waitlist today by tapping the Labs icon in the latest version of the Google app or Chrome desktop.

Google is experimenting with a new AI-powered conversational mode in Search by Aisha Malik originally published on TechCrunch