Google has unveiled a new feature that allows users to search the internet by taking a video. The “Video Search” feature enables people to point their phone camera at an object, ask a question, and receive relevant search results. This innovation, which uses artificial intelligence (AI), marks a significant shift in how we interact with search engines.
Android and iPhone users worldwide can activate the feature by enabling “AI Overviews” in the Google app. For now, it supports only English at launch. This update follows Google’s growing use of AI in search. Earlier this year, Google introduced AI-generated results at the top of search queries. These results faced criticism for inaccuracies, including a pizza-related error. However, the company has since improved the feature’s performance.
Google’s head of search, Liz Reid, highlighted the ease the new feature provides, giving the example of someone at an aquarium pointing their camera at fish to ask why they swim in groups. Google’s AI will then analyze the video and provide accurate search results based on the user’s question.
Analysts have praised this development, saying it represents a key step forward in using AI to make search more interactive and personalized. Along with video search, Google has rolled out other updates, including enhanced shopping results and a Shazam-like music-identifying tool.
These new features showcase Google’s efforts to remain dominant in the search market, where it continues to face growing competition.