Google introduced two AI-powered features: AI summaries in Discover and a Sports feed in Search.
Google Discover. Users will now see AI-generated previews of trending topics they follow. The summaries cite multiple publishers and can be expanded to view more details and linked articles.
- The feature is available in the U.S., South Korea, and India, after earlier testing in the U.S. this summer.
- A Google spokesperson seemed to confirm the Discover AI summaries “officially” launched in the U.S. in July. At that time, the Discover AI summaries appeared on iOS and Android for trending lifestyle topics (e.g., sports, entertainment). TechCrunch reported this, but there was no official announcement from Google.
What’s new. In Search, a new What’s new button will soon appear when users look up teams or players on mobile.
- This feature opens a feed of trending updates and articles about the topic.
- This is rolling out in the U.S. over the coming weeks.
Why we care. Discover has been a reliable traffic source for many publishers. Google says the new tools help people explore more of the web, not less, but publishers should watch whether this shift to AI-generated summaries reduces the need for users to click through to read stories. This could result in a similar negative impact on traffic as AI Overviews have had for many websites in Google Search.
Dig deeper. Google traffic to news publishers is steady, but it isn’t traditional Search
Google’s announcement. New AI-powered features help you connect with web content in Search and Discover.
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