As the Search Generative Experience (SGE) nears its one-year anniversary, Google is reportedly considering making it a paid feature, but is not considering an ad-free offering.
Top comment by Justin Landis
I'm not sure if it's the way I use the internet or for other reasons but although I have this turned on for my account I don't don't find that I rely on it all that much. I only use it about 20-30 percent for general search queries. All other times I just scroll past it.
I'm glad it's there, and it is helpful to have as an option but in its current iteration I'm not so sure I'd pay specifically to use it.
Since the announcement last I/O and initial rollout in late May, SGE has been available through Search Labs, which recently got a slick visual overhaul. Users have been able to opt-in and test the AI-powered experience.
Google recently tested making it available to those not in the preview program, but the Financial Times reports today that the company is “looking at options including adding certain AI-powered search features to its premium subscription services.” That subscription would be the $19.99 Google One AI Premium tier that offers access to Gemini Advanced.
The reason for this is that SGE results are more computationally intensive. There would be no change to the existing Google Search offering for everyone else, while SGE would continue to show ads. In fact, Google told the FT that it’s “not working on or considering” an ad-free search experience.
Google executives “have not yet made a final decision on whether or when to launch it” and might just launch certain parts of SGE to free users.
More on Google Search:
- Google’s new ‘Head of Search’ Liz Reid teases ‘more’ SGE developments
- Google SGE will let you visualize clothing using AI and shop for real matches
- Google bringing its Search Generative Experience (SGE) to over 120 new countries & territories
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