Google’s AI search engine to take on Microsoft’s Bing: Everything to know about Project Magi

Bing and a slew of other AI-powered search engines seem to be giving Google sleepless nights. However, it has been reported that Google is now bracing itself to build an “all-new” search engine based on AI. Reportedly, the internal docs accessed by the media outlet show that Google is also updating its existing search engines with a slew of AI features. And all these new projects are being rolled out under the name Magi.

What is project Magi?

Google’s Project Magi is paving the way for a whole set of new features that are being steered by executives, designers, and engineers. All the stakeholders involved in Project Magi are currently working in “sprint mode.” Reportedly, the new search engine that is coming to shape under Google’s new project will give users a far more personalised experience than its existing version. It is believed that nearly 160 people are working full-time on the project.

It is to be noted that these plans, purportedly seeking to reimagine the search experience, are in their nascent stages, and there is no clear timeline yet known about the potential announcements. The new system will learn what users are seeking after they begin using it. The new search will offer preselected options on what to shop for, information to look for, and other information from its learning. Reportedly, the new search experience will be more conversational, an experience similar to seeking the advice of a helpful person. In essence, Google’s new AI search will feature an interface similar to ChatGPT.

As per the report, even before the search engine is modified, the Magi Project will see Google add some AI features to the existing search experience. Interestingly, search results and search queries will continue to lead to financial transactions and will feature ads. As of now, Google’s chatbot Bard does not feature ads. The new features will also help users get answers on coding and writing code based on their prompts.

When to expect new search tools under Project Magi?

The same report has stated that earlier this month, Google asked some of its staff to test features under Magi. It also encouraged the staff to ask follow-up questions to test the search’s ability to sustain conversations. If the report is to be believed, Google may unveil these tools to the public sometime in May.

It has been reported that Google plans to initially release the tools to one million users, progressively rolling out to up to 30 million by the end of 2023. As of now, it seems that these features will be exclusively available in the US.

The key aspect of the latest AI search will be that Google will be abandoning the conventional way it displays search results. Currently, it shows 10 results on a search result page; however, with an AI chatbot, this could change as users will get instant answers.

What will this mean for Google?

The development comes at a time when Google is facing an array of issues. Samsung’s decision to switch from Google Search to Microsoft Bing seems to have set Google in motion. Additionally, the company has been battling economic slowdowns, antitrust investigations in the US and Europe, and issues pertaining to content moderation, among other challenges.

If the Magi project helps Google come back with force and assert its position as the leader in search, it could be a game changer. According to Jim Lecinski, Google’s Vice President of Sales and Services, as the leader in search, the company has been working to ensure that it is a participant in the ongoing AI race.