Google has officially announced a new AI feature in its search engine called “Web Guide”, which operates differently from existing features, according to a report by tech site LifeHacker.
The new feature groups similar links together and provides a brief description for each group, helping users quickly identify the content and determine its relevance. This approach differs from Google’s standard AI mode, which typically summarizes links, provides a short answer at the top of search results, or functions like a chatbot.
Using Web Guide allows access to links across all search pages, including some that may not be easily reachable through traditional search methods.
Experimental Feature via Google Labs
Although officially announced, the feature is still experimental and can be activated through Google Labs, the platform that lets users test new experimental features.
Google recommends using the feature for open-ended or multi-part queries that require comparing different sources, as Web Guide can organize links in diverse ways and present them in formats that enhance content analysis.
Background and Context
The launch comes after widespread criticism from websites regarding Google’s standard AI search mode, which has led to a drop in website traffic and reduced ad revenue for sites that rely heavily on search engine visits, according to a separate report by the New York Post.
Google has not clarified whether Web Guide will replace the traditional AI search mode or serve as a complementary feature, but the company is expected to provide more details in the future.
