This feature, capable of providing a synthetic response thanks to AI, has been more widely deployed by Google. However, it remains unavailable in France.
/ Published on October 29, 2024 at 11:26 AM
Google recently deployed its AI Overviews feature in more than 100 countries. Initially launched in the United States on May 14, 2024, it was extended to six other countries in August of the same year. This advancement allows Google to reach a global audience estimated at over a billion users each month, according to statements from the company in a blog post published on October 28, 2024.
AI Overviews Feature: An Overview of Capabilities
The AI Overviews generate accurate and concise responses to user queries through artificial intelligence. Presented in a box at the top of the search results page, these responses come from Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence. By including links to the resources used to formulate these responses, this feature encourages users to deepen their research. The absence of these tools in France raises questions about the reasons for this exclusion.
Absence in France: An Unexplained Decision
With a broad deployment in the United States, Canada, and many other regions, France has not yet gained access to AI Overviews. This delay suggests that Google may need time to comply with European regulations, notably the Digital Markets Act, which aims to regulate the behavior of web giants.
Languages and Language Support
In the countries where AI Overviews is now operational, several languages are supported. These languages include Spanish, English, Japanese, and Portuguese. Although French is not yet available, integration is being considered in the coming months. This development could facilitate the adoption of these tools by a French-speaking audience.
Changes Made to the Feature
Google has made notable improvements to AI Overviews in response to concerns from digital stakeholders. From now on, the responses generated by AI Overviews will include links directly within the text. On desktop, redirecting links appear in a sidebar, while on mobile, site icons are positioned at the top of the box. These changes aim to increase traffic to the referenced sites and address concerns about content visibility.
Ad Insertion: Tests Underway
Google has also begun testing ad insertion in the AI Overviews boxes, but only in the United States. These ads are designed to be relevant to user queries and are clearly distinguished from organic content. This initiative could generate new revenue for the company while enhancing the user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Google AI Overviews
Why is Google’s AI Overviews tool not available in France?
Currently, Google has not announced the deployment date of AI Overviews in France. It is possible that the company needs time to comply with European legislative requirements, such as the Digital Markets Act.
Which countries have access to Google’s AI Overviews feature?
The AI Overviews feature is now deployed in more than 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several European countries, but not yet in France.
How does AI Overviews improve the search experience on Google?
AI Overviews offers synthetic and concise answers based on user queries, accompanied by links to relevant resources, thus enabling more effective and in-depth research.
What is the technology behind Google’s AI Overviews?
The AI Overviews are powered by Gemini, the artificial intelligence technology developed by Google, which allows for generating accurate and contextualized responses.
When will French be supported by AI Overviews?
Although the deployment of AI Overviews is already underway in several languages, Google has indicated that French is expected to be supported in the coming months.
How can users interact with the results of AI Overviews?
Users can either be satisfied with the answer provided by the AI or deepen their research by clicking on the embedded links that redirect to relevant articles and web pages.
Are there concerns about the impact of AI Overviews on website traffic?
Yes, concerns have been raised by industry stakeholders who fear a decrease in site visibility. However, Google has updated the feature to integrate more links to address these concerns.
Are ads present in Google’s AI Overviews?
Google has begun testing the insertion of ads in its AI Overviews, but this is currently limited to users in the United States.
