Google Revamps AI Search Summaries with Engaging New Animation and Updates

Google appears to be experimenting with a fresh animation for its artificial intelligence search summary feature called AI Overviews. Recently, a social media user shared details about a new loading animation that is set to replace the familiar blue lines that indicate the AI is crafting a summary for a search request. According to this post, the updated animation features a blue and purple spotlight effect that moves around, reminiscent of what users experience with the Gemini AI assistant on Android devices and Gemini Live.

On December 28, a Reddit user shared a screenshot illustrating the AI Overviews' new animation in a thread dedicated to Bard. Multiple users within the discussion echoed similar observations regarding the new visual update. Additionally, a report confirmed the new animation's existence and noted that it is currently visible to select users, though it has still pending a more extensive implementation scale. Staff members from a tech news outlet were unable to confirm the animation's presence at the time.

The updated animation is displayed after a user submits a query to Google Search, right before the AI generates a summary. Previously, users were greeted by “blue lines” that indicated the AI Overviews was generating a response. With the introduction of the new animation, it seems that the technology company is shifting to a dynamic blue and purple spotlight effect. This style mirrors that used by the Gemini AI assistant and Gemini Live.

In addition to the animation, the shared post highlighted several other subtle adjustments. The current wait messages that appear while the AI formulates a response include phrases like “Searching” and “Generating.” However, the screenshot featured new wait messages such as ““Searching for this,” “Addressing it,” and “Organizing” it all together.”

Although these alterations might seem trivial enhancements, they could serve to boost the appeal of AI Overviews and reduce the tedium associated with loading times. This initiative seems to align with recent remarks made by the company's CEO regarding the ambition to enhance the consumer side of its AI tools and focus on addressing genuine user challenges in the coming year.