Google is currently testing a new AI-powered feature for its iOS app aimed at enhancing the search experience for users. The feature, which is designed to speed up searches, adds AI suggestions as users begin typing queries in the search box.
Spotted during a teardown of the Google app, the feature adds a pencil icon next to the camera and microphone icons in the search bar. When clicked on, the pencil icon creates a new page with a text box and AI recommendations. When the user starts typing, the Gemini icon lights below with the message “Generate AI suggestions.” These suggestions assist in refining search queries by providing additional background information and refining the search parameters.
For instance, when looking for a present, the AI could recommend options such as “price range,” “event type,” and “connection to the recipient.” When the user chooses “friend,” “under $50,” and “birthday,” the search results will be narrowed down to present budget-friendly birthday gift suggestions for a friend. This initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency of searches, customizing them to better align with user requirements.
While the AI suggestions feature is not yet available in the global or beta versions of the app, it marks another step in Google’s broader strategy to integrate AI into its products. Recently, the company added Gemini’s feature to summarize Drive folders and is also developing an AI ‘Call To-do List’. Having this new AI search feature, Google has been able to improve its user application in such a way making searches faster and more individual.
