Limited rollout to near global availability, Google’s AI Overviews have defined what it means for Google’s search experience to be AI-powered. Google is testing a major visual update that includes adding a polished and modern look to the feature through a Gemini-style animation for the loading page.
What is New in the Animation?
A Reddit user recently spotted the new animation, and their video and images have been shared so you can see it (via 9to5Google). It’s a radical departure from how the blue line changes. Instead, users are presented with blue and green hues similar to Google’s Gemini branding.
Feature of the Updated Animation
- Color Scheme: Old blue lines are replaced by a blue-green gradient that matches Gemini’s visual aesthetic.
- Onscreen Text: During the loading process, new phrases like “Generating,” “Working on this,” and “Putting it all together” appear alongside the usual “Generating” message.
- Variability: In other cases, words like ‘looking this up’ replace conventional messages to make the experience new and interesting.
Limited Availability for Now
Google’s Gemini 2.0 tests, which it announced earlier this year. In the announcement, Google also said that Gemini 2.0 would be added to AI overviews and tested on a limited scale.
There is no word yet on when this animation will be available more widely, but its existence fits with Google’s efforts to make its AI-enhanced experiences.
AI Overviews: Coming up: A Growing Part of Google Search
Google began incorporating conversational AI into search by launching AI Overviews, transitioning from its previous approach of supporting independent AI tools. The feature faced problems, and users complained about slow, sometimes imprecise responses. But Google soon put these problems to rest, making the feature faster and more reliable.
By the end of 2023, AI overviews will begin to be seen as an evolution of search, offering a more conversational and interactive experience. This tool provides complete visual and functional benefits, and Google ads the name Gemini-inspired features that, in total, complete the tool.
A First Step Towards a Gemini-Powered Future
Google seems to be tweaking this to place Gemini branding and capabilities across its ecosystem, which indicates that the world’s most valuable company is in a hurry to make AI the cornerstone of its strategy. However, Gemini has since become a byword for Google’s AI ambitions, from rebranding Bard in early 2023 to an app of its own, released later that year.
The fact that Google decided to add something visually appealing, like the new loading animation, shows that Google isn’t just working on functionality but also on a more interesting user interface.
Conclusion
It is a small upgrade that won’t change anyone’s mind about Google’s commitment to AI and search; it is a nice one and a continuation of the company’s efforts to trick people into spending more time and energy using its platforms. Currently limited to a small set of users, Gemini branding and the introduction of dynamic text are pointing to a more immersive future of AI overviews.
In another iteration of how far search technology has come and where it is going next, features like this (and those that will follow) will keep leading Google’s search forward. Watch this space for updates as these gradually migrate into the wider search experience.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
