Trusting the algorithm… to pick a brunch spot. Yesterday Google announced new features to make its flagship search engine more appealing, and surprisingly didn’t mention AI once. The search titan is hustling to make sure “Googling” remains a relevant verb. It found that 40% of Gen Zers prefer searching on TikTok or Instagram when looking for a lunch spot (aesthetic pics from peers > walls of sponsored blue links from corporate). The latest features reflect Google’s effort to remain indispensable:
- Google Stories? Searching for hotels and restaurants will now lead users to an Instagram-esque Story format for better vibe checks, including summaries of what visitors found noteworthy (think: intel about just how “partial” that ocean view really is).
- Review-happy: Last week the company added a “Perspectives” feature that’ll highlight insights from experts under topics you’re searching.
- Let it fly: A new “price guarantee” badge will show users when flights aren’t getting any cheaper. If prices continue to drop after you book, Google says it’ll pay you the difference.
Battening down the hatches… Gen Z’s search shift, plus the increasingly common refrain that ads and spam sites are killing Google’s core product, seems to have lit a fire under the search heavyweight. It’s never been more important to stay competitive as Microsoft pushes its ChatGPT-fueled Bing search engine. Still, Google didn’t even name-drop its Bard AI bot in its Search updates.
The best offense is a good defense… Instead of making a run, Google’s protecting its home base: Search. It’s shelved most of its big-bet “moonshot' projects (think: WiFi balloons, techy contact lenses) as it navigates choppy waters and fresh competition. The fact that AI wasn’t mentioned in the updates suggests Google thinks it can win with things that ChatGPT can’t do, like real-time flight-price monitoring and curated restaurant reviews.