Google on Thursday introduced a brand new AI-powered search device to assist vacationers discover flight offers — whilst regulators proceed to query whether or not the search big’s dominance in journey discovery stifles competitors.
Known as Flight Offers, the brand new device is on the market inside Google Flights and is designed to assist “versatile vacationers” discover cheaper fares. Customers can sort pure language queries right into a search bar — describing how and once they need to journey — and the AI surfaces matching choices.
These queries may be like “week-long journey this winter to a metropolis with nice meals, nonstop solely” or “10-day ski journey to a world-class resort with contemporary powder,” Google stated in a weblog put up.
The device makes use of its AI fashions to know the nuances of what customers are in search of after which goes by means of reside Google Flights information to point out related outcomes, the corporate stated.
Regulators, together with the European Fee, are at present investigating how Google could also be favoring its personal search merchandise — together with Google Flights — in ways in which hurt competitors. EU regulators are eyeing Google for enforcement beneath the Digital Markets Act, aiming to rein within the energy of main tech platforms. In response, the Alphabet-owned unit is reportedly planning to suggest adjustments to appease regulators, together with the addition of a price-comparison field in search outcomes.
Initially, Google has introduced Flight Offers in beta, with plans to roll it out within the U.S., Canada, and India over the following week. The corporate stated the purpose of the beta launch is “to collect suggestions and discover how AI can enhance journey planning.”
Google didn’t instantly reply to questions on which Gemini fashions energy the device, what information sources are used, or what privateness safeguards are in place.
The transfer is a part of a broader experiment as Google seems to be to compete with OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity, and different main AI gamers by integrating generative AI into journey search.
Opponents like Reserving.com, Expedia, and Indian journey aggregator MakeMyTrip have already rolled out their very own AI integrations to streamline journey planning. In that sense, Google is arriving a bit late. However with its scale and attain, the corporate might nonetheless pose a critical problem — if the device proves efficient and beneficial properties traction.
Nonetheless, the traditional Google Flights interface will live on. The unique flight search device, launched in 2011, is even getting an replace with an choice to exclude fundamental economic system fares for journeys inside the U.S. and Canada.
