Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Google Search's AI evolution includes more ads (The Verge, 5/20/2026)
https://www.theverge.com/tech/934585/google-ai-shopping-ads-searchGoogle’s AI-powered Search era apparently also extends to its ads. Now, when you search for a product, Google’s Gemini AI chatbot will surface relevant items and generate a “custom explainer” about why you should purchase a specific one.
The update comes just one day after Google revealed a new Search box for larger, more conversational queries, along with a focus on AI-generated results. In an example shared by Google, someone searching for a “compact espresso pod machine” might see a Nespresso Vertuo Up under a “Sponsored Product” label, alongside an AI-generated description saying:
For a quality machine, look for capsule compatibility and flavor diversity, the ability to produce rich crema, a fast heat up, and one-touch options for custom cup sizes and iced coffee. Slim, fast-starting machine using Vertuo capsules with rich flavor extraction and customization brew concentrations (e.g. for iced coffee). Heats up in 3s and makes 6 cup sizes.
Search will also surface ads with a built-in chatbot. These ads will show an “Ask a question” button, which you can press to start a conversation with Gemini. The AI chatbot will then use the information from a product or service’s website to answer your questions, and can also prompt you to fill out a form to put you in touch with the business.
-snip-
The update comes just one day after Google revealed a new Search box for larger, more conversational queries, along with a focus on AI-generated results. In an example shared by Google, someone searching for a “compact espresso pod machine” might see a Nespresso Vertuo Up under a “Sponsored Product” label, alongside an AI-generated description saying:
For a quality machine, look for capsule compatibility and flavor diversity, the ability to produce rich crema, a fast heat up, and one-touch options for custom cup sizes and iced coffee. Slim, fast-starting machine using Vertuo capsules with rich flavor extraction and customization brew concentrations (e.g. for iced coffee). Heats up in 3s and makes 6 cup sizes.
Search will also surface ads with a built-in chatbot. These ads will show an “Ask a question” button, which you can press to start a conversation with Gemini. The AI chatbot will then use the information from a product or service’s website to answer your questions, and can also prompt you to fill out a form to put you in touch with the business.
-snip-
1 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.