In the past month, Google’s newly launched AI Overview feature has sparked quite a buzz in the tech world. With over 1.5 billion monthly users, the tool is beginning to shift how people approach search on Google. Think of AI Overview as a smart assistant hiding behind the search bar—ready to step in with concise, personalized responses based on your language and location.
You might’ve noticed that when you search for something like “What is generative AI?” a clear, straightforward explanation appears right at the top of your search results. There’s no need to click through pages of links. That’s AI Overview at work—turning scattered information into an easy-to-grasp summary using everyday language. It’s already available in more than 100 countries and supports over 40 languages. And it’s not just translating—it tailors its answers depending on where you are. For example, if you’re in Taipei and search for Mother’s Day restaurant ideas, it won’t just serve a list of websites—it’ll suggest nearby places with recent reviews.
The engine driving all of this is Google’s latest model, Gemini 2.0, released in late April. This upgrade has seriously raised the bar for what AI Overview can handle. Beyond basic summaries, it now tackles complex questions including multi-language input, technical jargon, math problems, and even programming code. Want to compare the cameras on an iPhone 16 and a Galaxy S25? AI Overview can break down the specs and explain—in plain terms—which one performs better at night photography.
There’s also a new feature called “AI Mode” that’s just as intuitive. Say you’re browsing on your phone and come across a confusing word or an unfamiliar image—you simply long-press or circle it on your screen, and the AI will instantly jump in with more context. You can even follow up with questions like, “How does this affect daily life?” and the AI will respond with continuity, remembering your previous queries to make the conversation feel more natural and fluid.
Of course, all these changes also present both challenges and opportunities for content creators. Since the launch of AI Overview, many have noticed a drop in traffic for articles that explain basic concepts—those are now easily summarized by the AI. But readers are showing more interest in content that goes deeper: analysis, insights, and real experiences. It’s clear that people still turn to human writers for the kind of value AI can’t replicate—personal stories, nuanced perspectives, and contextual understanding.
If you’re a creator, now’s the time to think about what makes your work irreplaceable. Maybe it’s sharing first-hand experiences, exclusive insights, market observations, or insider perspectives. Instead of just explaining how a tool works, why not show how you used it yourself? Or make a short demo video. These are the types of value that engage audiences and keep them coming back.
Looking ahead, Google is planning to roll out an even more interactive search experience. Imagine saying, “Help me plan a three-day trip to Kaohsiung,” followed by, “Can you add kid-friendly attractions and keep the cost under $5,000 per person?” The system will adjust its suggestions on the fly. That kind of back-and-forth feels a lot warmer and more helpful than just typing in a few keywords.
In a way, AI Overview is reshaping how close we are to information—but it’s not replacing anyone’s unique voice. If anything, by taking care of the tedious, repetitive work, it’s giving creators more room to dive into content that requires emotion, thought, and depth. In the future, the most valuable content won’t be the fastest—it’ll be the one that makes you feel something, or see things from a new angle. No matter how smart AI gets, it still can’t replicate your story—or your passion.