Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is undergoing a significant upgrade, now boasting the capability to generate images alongside written drafts. This exciting development aligns Google with Microsoft’s Bing Chat, which has utilized OpenAI’s DALL-E model to produce images since March.
Here’s how it functions: If you’re participating in Google’s Search Labs program with SGE enabled, simply input your query into the Google search bar. SGE will then craft a selection of images based on your prompt for you to choose from. As Google spokesperson Craig Ewer confirmed, the Imagen family of AI models powers this functionality.
A demonstration in the form of a GIF illustrates how this tool can be employed. The GIF showcases Google’s Search Generative Experience responding to the prompt, “Draw an image of a capybara wearing a chef’s hat and cooking breakfast.” Additionally, you can fine-tune the specific details and queries that Google employs to create each image.
Moreover, you can generate Google’s AI-created images directly from Google Images. While browsing the results on Google Images, you may encounter a prompt that encourages you to generate images based on your query, with the resulting images appearing in a sidebar.
In a blog post, Hema Budaraju from Google emphasizes their commitment to the responsible deployment of image-generation tools. The tool has been designed to prevent the creation of images that violate the company’s prohibited use policy for generative AI. This approach seeks to avoid issues encountered by Bing’s image generation tool, such as generating images of popular cartoon and video game characters engaged in inappropriate activities near sensitive landmarks.
All images generated with SGE will include metadata labels and embedded watermarks, indicating that AI produced them. During the initial phase, Google restricts image generation from depicting photorealistic faces or prompts involving notable individuals. The company’s plans for the future in this regard remain uncertain.
Furthermore, Google is implementing an age limit for image generation, restricting the feature to users aged 18 and older. Adolescents with access to SGE won’t be able to utilize this feature.
In addition to image generation, Google is introducing the ability to produce written drafts directly from the search bar using SGE. Google can generate drafts based on your query, allowing you to choose between long, short, or casual tone drafts. If you’re satisfied with the result, export it to Google Docs or Gmail.
While SGE has been available since May, Google has continually enhanced it with additional features, including more video content and improved links. Although opinions on SGE may vary, with some users finding it a bit sluggish, these new image and draft creation tools offer valuable and practical enhancements to the experience.
