Google is set to launch a new project called "Magi" which will bring generative AI to Google Search. According to a report by the New York Times, Google is upgrading its existing search engine with AI features as part of the Magi project. The project is said to offer a "far more personalized experience than the company's current service." The new technology will allow Search to answer questions about software coding and write code based on a user's request. The feature will also allow users to ask follow-up questions, while ads will be displayed under generated results.
The initial launch of Magi will be limited to the United States and will be gated to a maximum of one million users before increasing to 30 million by the end of the year. Google currently has 160 designers, engineers, and executives working full-time and quickly iterating on Magi. As of last week, employees have been invited to test and query Magi, with a public launch coming in May, which sounds like it will coincide with I/O 2023.
Beyond Magi, Google is also racing to build an all-new search engine powered by AI. The system would learn what users want to know based on what they're searching when they begin using it. It would also offer lists of preselected options for objects to buy, information to research, and other information. It would also be more conversational, similar to chatting with a helpful person.
According to the same report, Google learned in March that Samsung was considering replacing Google with Microsoft's Bing as the default search engine on its devices. The contract is under negotiation, and Samsung could stick with Google. The company is countering with a pitch of its own to Samsung. An estimated $3 billion in annual revenue was at stake with the Samsung contract. An additional $20 billion is tied to a similar Apple contract that will be up for renewal this year.
Overall, Google's Magi project is set to revolutionize the way users interact with Google Search, providing a more personalized and efficient experience.