Similar in the way that platforms have been focusing on short-form videos over the last few years, the attention is now turning towards AI chatbots with Google being the newest to add. ChatGPT interface to Searchas a way to capitalize on growing interest.
You can see that Google’s AI Mode in Google Search allows you to take a conversational approach to discovering the web, with a ChatGPT like UI. You can converse with it as if you were a human expert. Googlestates that
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Google started testing its AI Mode in Marchand is now expanding access to users of Google Labs in the U.S. Due to the positive feedback we are receiving, we have removed the waitlist for anyone in the U.S. to get immediate access.
It seems that there is a lot of enthusiasm for Google’s AI solutions, which are powered through its evolving Gemini AI system
The interest has been so great that Google is also making the option available to regular Google users. A select group of non-Labs US users will be able to access the option in the coming weeks. This follows Meta’s standalone AI app that allows users to converse directly with Meta AI and X launching a separate Grok app.
Generative AI has become a key element of discovery, but Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted this week that Meta AI is often used as a sounding-board for conversations. Zuck says:
“One of the most common uses we see Meta AI being used for is to talk through difficult conversations with people they care about. ‘I have this issue with my girl friend.’ It’s very helpful to get help with a conversation. For example, “I need to have an important conversation with my boss, how can I do that?” As the AI gets to know you more and more, it will be very compelling. It is interesting to think about how different apps might fall into different usage categories in this regard.
Some people associate AI with ChatGPT and others have set up personal parameters within that app to provide them with personalized, customized answers. Meta AI may not be as appealing to them, and they are less likely to switch. Meta AI could be seen as a more social tool, as Google’s AI Mode is, due to the way people view Meta.
I’m interested to see how people use the AI tools and what their most common questions are. Are people asking Grok more topical questions? Are they looking for more product information on Google?
In this regard, I think the context in which these tools are presented is important. However, the tool that will win will be the one who can best adapt to each individual’s preferences. You’d think Meta would be the best in this regard, as it uses your Facebook and IG information to customize your response, while Google is not very good at this aspect.
It’s best to wait and see how the usage patterns turn out. Google has also added some new tricks to AI Mode. These include visual product and place cards (which can be tapped for more information) and the ability to resume previous searches via a side panel.
It’s interesting to see the different ways that each app approaches the AI shift and the tools it develops for this. It’s also worth noting the way people use each app and if they start to combine their engagement to one main AI tool.
