Google AI Overview: What Google's new AI search feature is changing

With the introduction of AI Overview Google is making one of the biggest changes to its search engine in years — and is causing a stir. The new function uses artificial intelligence to summarize content directly in the search. This not only changes the way we find information, but also the role of classic websites. What is behind the new feature? And what does it mean for users and companies?

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Google AI Overview: This is how the new Google feature works

With AI Overview, Google integrates an AI-supported short answer directly into the search results. The overview usually appears at the top of the page — even before the classic results.

• The summaries are based on generative AI (Gemini model)
• Content is aggregated from various sources
• The generated answer provides a compact summary in just a few sentences
• Links to the sources are shown below
• The feature is currently available for logged-in users in Germany and Austria

This fundamentally changes the familiar logic of Google search: Instead of browsing through a variety of links, users now receive a pre-formulated answer directly.

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Overview with AI: Why it is being discussed controversial

The introduction of AI Overview is not only celebrated — it is also attracting criticism. Publishers, SEO experts and content creators in particular are concerned.

1) Worry about traffic loss

When answers appear directly in the search, users click on the source pages less often. This jeopardizes advertising revenue and reach.

2) Questions about the database

Google mentions the sources used, but it remains unclear how content is weighted and selected. This raises questions about transparency.

3) Quality and accuracy

Especially when it comes to complex or sensitive topics, inaccurate or simplified summaries can be problematic.

4) Competitive advantage through own tools

Google uses its own AI models and training data from the open web — this causes displeasure among those whose content is processed without compensation.

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What users get out of it

Despite the controversy, the feature offers real benefits for many users:

• Quick access to relevant information
• Better overview of complex issues
• No need to click through multiple websites
• Increased convenience when searching on the go

Especially when it comes to practical questions such as “How do I remove red wine stains? ” or “What is intermittent fasting? “The overviews provide helpful short answers.

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What companies and SEO managers should consider

For website operators, visibility in Google results is changing. Traditional rankings are increasingly taking a back seat.

New content requirements

If you want to remain visible in search results, you must strategically prepare your content:

• Clear structure and concise answers
• Observe E-A-T principles (expertise, authority, trustworthiness)
• Contextual depth instead of superficial keywords

Focus on long-tail strategies

AI overviews work particularly well for specific search queries. Content that answers more in-depth questions remains in demand.

Creating added value instead of producing mass

Artificial intelligence can provide simple answers — but people often prefer well-founded classifications. Authentic content is becoming more relevant.

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What does the Google AI overview mean for journalism?

Publishers and media companies are facing a challenge. Your content could appear in the overviews — but whether readers still visit the original sources is an open question.

Range decreases, visibility increases

While click numbers could fall, naming the brand as a source increases the potential visibility of the brand.

Monetization models under pressure

If AI takes over the content without readers coming to the website, important advertisements are missing.

Demands for fair compensation

Media companies are therefore demanding that Google Publisher compensate — similar to previous debates about Google News.

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AI Overview: Google's plans for the future

According to Google, AI Overview is just the start. In the future, even more search queries will be processed directly via AI — with the following goals:

• Solving complex search tasks (e.g. travel planning)
• Personalize results more
• Extend the connection with other Google services
• Inclusion of interactive follow-up questions

Google sees AI Overview as part of a “Search Generative Experience” (SGE), which is to be gradually expanded.

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Overview with AI: Opportunities for innovative companies

Instead of just focusing on changing rankings, companies can also use the new feature strategically:

• Identify relevant questions early on
• Provide high-quality content for AI summaries
• Develop your own AI tools or snippets
• Positioning as a trusted source

The central question is: How can my company remain relevant in the world of AI-based search?

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Google AI Overview: Common Questions (FAQ)

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What is the Google Overview with AI?

AI Overview is a new search feature from Google that uses AI to automatically generate answers to search queries and display them directly in the results.

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Who can use AI Overview?

The feature is currently available for logged-in users in Germany and Austria. Prerequisite: activated Google search labs.

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Why is Google's AI Overview controversial?

Publishers and website operators fear that the new feature will result in fewer clicks on their content, even though this serves as the basis for AI answers.

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How can companies access the Overview with AI react?

Through high-quality, contextual content, technical optimization and targeted positioning as a trustworthy source.

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Conclusion: AI overview as a wake-up call for digital transformation

The introduction of AI Overview marks a turning point for Google search — and for everyone who wants to be visible in the digital space. In future, it will no longer be enough “just” to produce good content. They must also be prepared in such a way that they can be understood, processed and quoted by AI systems.

Companies, media companies and content creators are now asked to adapt their strategies. It is not about fearing the new technology — but about understanding it and actively helping to shape it.

The KI Company helps you make your content fit for AI — from strategic advice to implementation. Please feel free to contact us for a non-binding discussion!