Google has handled “billions of queries” through its generative AI capabilities and intends to “broaden the range of queries we can support for users” even more, according to Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai during the Q1 2024 Alphabet earnings call.

AI overviews, which Google rolled out in the U.S. at the end of March and in the UK earlier this month for a limited number of searches, are also contributing to increased Search usage, as noted by Pichai:

• “Our testing shows that users engaging with the new AI overviews are using Search more frequently, and we’re seeing higher satisfaction levels with the results.”

During the Q&A session, Pichai was repeatedly questioned about search behavior and user interaction within SGE. Here’s what he shared:

• “Historically, when the organic side performs well, monetization naturally follows. The same trends tend to apply. With generative AI in Search and our AI Overviews… we believe we’ll be able to serve a wider variety of queries.”
• “We’re now better equipped to handle more complex questions in general. This trend appears consistent across various query categories. Of course, it’s still early days, and we’ll proceed thoughtfully, prioritizing the user experience, but we feel optimistic about the implications of this shift.”
• “We’ve observed rising engagement, though I see this as a long-term development. Looking back, there were many concerns last year, but we always believed we could enhance the user experience.”
• “There were doubts about the cost of delivering these features, but we are very confident in our ability to manage those costs effectively. Concerns around latency have also eased significantly thanks to the progress made in speed and efficiency.”
• “Regarding monetization, based on our current tests, I’m confident we can navigate this transition smoothly. It will unfold over time, but we feel well-prepared.”

Why this matters. All indications suggest that Google is steadily moving toward a Search Generative Experience. While I remain doubtful about improvements in user satisfaction—given how underwhelming AI overviews and SGE currently are—I also recognize that I’m not the typical Google user. And this was an earnings call, after all, where Pichai is known for speaking extensively while revealing very little.

SGE will keep evolving throughout 2024. During the Q&A, Pichai was asked to provide more details on the types of queries or situations where generative AI is performing best so far. His responses remained general:

• “With SGE and Search, we’re beginning to validate our belief that this will expand the scope of queries where we can deliver actual answers, backed by sources from across the web, offering diverse perspectives—all presented innovatively. We’ve been deploying AI overviews in the U.S. and U.K., focusing mainly on more complex queries where we believe SGE will clearly enhance the user experience.”
• “We’ve already processed billions of queries, spanning multiple categories. We’re continuing our testing and are highly metrics-driven in these areas. But I’m optimistic because we’re seeing real improvements in user experience both through feedback and our internal metrics, and we’ll continue refining this throughout the year.”

Later, when asked for further insights into how AI might affect Search volume or broader Google use cases, Pichai responded with a vague endorsement of Google’s forward-looking trajectory:

• “We see this as a positive turning point for Search. It allows us to evolve our product in a meaningful way. Search remains a unique tool—whether you need direct answers, want to explore further, or seek different perspectives from across the web. The innovation required to maintain that depth and breadth is something we’ve been building toward for years.”
• “I believe we’re in a strong position, especially given the path of innovation we’re pursuing. Overall, I view this moment as a significant and positive milestone.”

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