Google has introduced a new experimental feature designed to enhance the search experience on its platform. On Thursday, the tech company announced the launch of Web Guide, a filtering option that organizes search results into categories, thus allowing users to explore topics more effectively. Currently, this feature is available on an opt-in basis, meaning users must actively choose to access it, and its availability may be limited to select regions.
Google Search Introduces Web Guide for Enhanced Query Results
In a recent blog post, Google provided details about Web Guide, which is part of its Search Labs initiative. Users are able to opt in by selecting the Web Guide option once it becomes visible to them. While a report from TechCrunch indicated that the feature had been spotted, employees from Gadgets 360 did not encounter it, which aligns with typical trends, as new features often debut in the US before being expanded to other markets.
Web Guide on Google Search
Photo Credit: Google
Users who are able to access the feature can click to opt in and will notice a new filter on the Google Search results page. This “Web” filter is positioned on the right side of the “All” option. According to Google, the feature intelligently organizes search results, making it simpler to locate relevant web pages and information.
Web Guide effectively simplifies complex search queries, highlighting key points that users may find useful. Based on these highlights, the tool categorizes the various URLs, each accompanied by a summary gathered from the linked web pages.
Powered by a specialized version of Gemini, Web Guide enhances the understanding of both search queries and online content. It employs a “query fan-out technique” similar to that used in AI Mode. This method enables the AI to issue several related search queries at once, thereby identifying the most pertinent results.
The experimental feature will only appear when users select the Web tab in Search, while the All tab will still display traditional search results along with AI Overviews. Google has also indicated that it may integrate this new results format into the All tab in the future if it determines this would improve user experience.
