Google Expands AI Overviews with Local Language Support and New Experimental Features

Recently, Google has unveiled new advancements for its AI Overviews, broadening its reach to additional nations. This enhancement means that users in India and six other countries will now have access to this Google Search-based snapshot feature. Each nation will benefit from local language support, making the tool more accessible. Initially launched in May exclusively for the US, AI Overviews has undergone a minor redesign along with the expansion, and the tech giant is currently testing two new experimental features.

A blog update revealed various changes regarding AI Overviews, with the most notable being the expansion of its availability to other regions. The feature will now extend to Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and the UK, in addition to the previously included US. It will deliver text in the respective local languages, although it remains uncertain whether every regional language will be supported.

In addition to the geographical expansion, a small design tweak has been implemented. At the close of each paragraph within AI Overviews, users will now notice a URL icon that indicates the relevant websites that informed the content. The sentences containing these references will still be marked for easy identification.

Moreover, Google is experimenting with incorporating direct links within the text, allowing users to quickly access source sites. The company stated that including links to relevant web pages within AI Overviews is effectively increasing traffic to publisher sites.

The tech giant is also piloting two new experimental features. The first enables users to save specific AI Overviews for future reference. A Save button will appear at the end of the text, located near the feedback options. When users search for the same query later, the saved AI Overview will automatically appear. Users can manage these saved overviews by tapping on their profile icon and accessing the Interests page.

The second experimental feature offers users the option to view snapshots in a simpler, more straightforward language. This toggle option will be available with a single tap for certain technical topics. Currently, these experimental features are exclusive to participants in the 'AI Overviews and more' initiative within Search Labs, and they are limited to English users residing in the US.