Google constantly improves its search engine, and Google Search Labs is part of that effort. It's a place where exciting new AI features are tested. The most intriguing thing about Search Labs is that you can take part in the experiment.
Among the many AI products shown off at Google I/O 2023, the changes to Google Search promise to be the most exciting for our everyday lives. While these changes aren't live, you can test them in Google Search Labs.
Search Labs is a way to experiment and test upcoming products. These aren't all AI-related. Some experiments speed up your workflow, whether you're on your phone or one of the top budget Chromebooks.
What is Google Search Labs?
Google Search Labs is a new division of Google Labs that focuses on experiments related to Google Search. Not all these experiments will be fully released, and many don't provide a consistent experience.
New products arrive in Search Labs over time, while products that are ready for the next stage (or that don't pan out) disappear. For example, the Add to Sheets and Notes on Search experiments are no longer available. The Code Tips experiment will end in days, while SGE generative AI in Search and SGE while browsing will run through the end of 2023.
SGE stands for Search Generative Experience and includes AI overviews that might answer your query within search results.
The only way to try more Search Lab experiments is to sign up as soon as possible.
How to sign up for Google Search Labs
To sign up for Search Labs, you'll need the Chrome browser for desktop or mobile, a personal Google account (Workspace accounts aren't valid), and be 18 years or older. You'll also need to be in a region with Search Labs availability.
After you've met the requirements, here's how to sign up for Search Labs:
- Open the Google Chrome app.
- Tap New Tab in the upper-right corner of your screen.
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Tap the Labs icon.
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Tap Join waitlist.
You're notified by email when you receive access to Search Labs. You also receive a push notification when you sign up on mobile. If you change your mind, leave the waiting list by following the steps you used to sign up. A Leave waitlist button replaces the Join waitlist button.
If you want to jump the line a little, priority access to the feature is one of Google One Premium's exclusive features.
What can I do with Google Search Labs?
When you gain access to Search Labs, you can test the experiments on the Google account you signed up with. You can experiment on a desktop computer from Google's Chrome browser. Use the Chrome browser or the Google app from an Android phone or iPhone. Turn each feature on or off by tapping the Labs button at the top of your screen in the Chrome browser or Google app.
Go to the Google Search Labs website to see the latest selection of experiments. This will be updated with the experiments that are available to test.
What countries does Google Search Labs support?
Google Search Labs is available in more than 120 countries and seven languages. In the Americas, the list includes the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Brazil, and several Latin American countries.
In Asia, Google Search Labs is accessible to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, American Samoa, Taiwan, New Zealand, and more. Support in Africa is good, with most countries having access to Search Labs.
Notably absent are Canada, Australia, China, and European countries. Since Google Search Labs uses AI, there are regulatory restrictions to consider. Google is working to expand access to its AI, but that will take time.
To see all the details, check out our coverage of Google Search Labs' ongoing expansion.
Google Search Labs gives you early access
Signing up for Google Search Labs gives you access to new features before most people have heard of them. Not every feature in Search Labs will make it to full release.
Google Labs lets you sign up for other AI experiments, ranging from the amazing Magic Editor in Google Photos, Magic Compose in Google Messages, and MusicLM for AI-generated songs.
Software tools weren't the only thing announced at Google I/O 2023. We went hands-on with the most exciting Google device in years, the Google Pixel Fold.