Google just rolled out AI Overviews for all in the US, including those signed out of their respective Google accounts.
The company confirmed the news after a test carried out during the early hours of the morning. So you no longer need to be logged in to see the results. Hence, to test the feature, simply carry out a search through your Chrome browser without logging in. You will immediately see the AI Overview at the top of the search.
The feature was first discussed in May of this year which is when Google rolled out details about the offering at the I/O developer’s event. Now, we’re seeing it launch in six more nations, not to mention the rollout of links to the feature. This is to help those worried about the negative impact this offering could have on SEO. Additionally, the company included Search Labs experimental tests.
The news comes after Jon Henshaw first posted about the discovery he made through LinkedIn. Google did confirm the mention when asked, adding how it was 100% launched to all in the country.
It’s an important mention as more AI Overviews might give rise to a changed click trend from different search results. While many fear more traffic roadblocks, Google disagrees. It feels less clicks will give rise to more quality traffic.
However, online publishers are not convinced. They are wary of the consequences and how it could impact their revenue stream. This is especially true as Google will not display impressions and data related to AI Overviews from its Search Console.
It also means SEO tools could better track AI Overviews as one expert shared how she was able to do it through the incognito mode offering. It’s still a huge debate on how useful this offering by Google could be but we know one thing for sure. This is here to stay, whether some might like it or not.
AI Overviews caused a stir when it was in the experimental phase and now that it’s gotten a complete rollout in the US and also expanded to different countries we need to get used to it. The real implications it has on search results will soon be revealed as more people get used to seeing and using the feature.
Image: Jon Henshaw
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