Google Search Labs
Search Labs is a Google project committed to testing new features in search, primarily using artificial intelligence. This platform offers an array of experimen...
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What is Google Search Labs?
Google Search Labs is a program that lets users test early-stage Google Search experiments and share feedback to help improve new features before they become publicly available. Users can access experiments through the Labs icon (a science flask) in the latest version of the Google app for Android and iOS or in Chrome desktop on the new tab page. The program focuses on generative AI-powered search experiences that help users understand topics faster, uncover new viewpoints and insights, and get things done more easily.
Key experiments in Search Labs include Search Generative Experience (SGE), which brings generative AI directly into search to provide AI-powered overviews at the top of search results; Web Guide, a newer experiment that organizes search results by grouping pages related to specific aspects of the query using Gemini AI; and previously available features like Code Tips (coding assistance across programming languages) and Add to Sheets (inserting search results directly into spreadsheets). Experiments may change how Google Search appears, including different design layouts and AI overviews.
Search Labs is designed for people who want to experiment with cutting-edge search technology and contribute feedback to shape the future of Google Search. The program is available in 7 languages and over 120 countries and territories, with users needing a personal Google Account (not Google Workspace accounts), being 13 or older, and having the latest Google app or Chrome browser. Users can turn experiments on or off at any time and provide feedback through the Share feedback option on each experiment's card.
Google Search Labs pricing
Pricing model: Free
Search Labs is free to join with no cost for the waitlist or testing experiments. There is no paid plan for Search Labs itself. Google One Premium subscribers with 2+ TB storage get priority access to Search Labs and SGE. Basic Google AI features (AI Overviews and basic AI Mode via Search Labs) are free. Google AI Pro at $19.99/month offers deeper models and Gemini integration but is separate from Search Labs.
Google Search Labs pros
- Access to early-stage Google Search experiments before public release
- Generative AI-powered search overviews save time on research
- Turn experiments on or off at any time for flexibility
- Direct feedback mechanism to help improve Google Search
- AI Overview offers simpler and Break It Down version options
- Web Guide organizes results by grouping related aspects using AI
- Add to Sheets lets you insert search results into spreadsheets directly
- Follow-up questions in natural language for deeper exploration
- Available in 120+ countries and 7 languages globally
- Priority access for Google One Premium subscribers with 2+ TB storage
- Works on Chrome desktop and Google app on Android and iOS
- Code Tips provides coding snippets and explanations for multiple languages
- AI Mode helps uncover new viewpoints and insights on topics
- No cost to join the waitlist and test experiments
- Experiment with bold新 products and ideas Google is exploring
Google Search Labs cons
- Requires waitlist signup withVariable wait times
- Not available to Google Workspace or Education accounts
- Under 18 users limited to US and English only
- Experiment quality and availability varies significantly
- Some experiments like Code Tips have ended
- Limited to 7 languages despite 120+ country availability
- Experiments may change search appearance unexpectedly
- Generative AI experiments still in development phase
Frequently asked questions about Google Search Labs
What happens after I join the waitlist for an experiment?
If you're on the waitlist and the experiment is ready for you, Google will notify you by email if you opted in to receive email updates about Labs. You'll be able to turn the experiment on and off at any time, and you'll have the opportunity to provide feedback. If you changed your mind after joining, you can leave the waitlist.
How long will I have to wait for access?
The amount of time you'll wait varies depending on the experiment and availability. Google does not provide exact wait times, and it depends on when the experiment is ready for you.
When will Labs be available in my country?
Google cannot share exact dates for when Labs will be available in your specific country, but they are currently expanding outside of the US. Labs is already available in over 120 countries and territories across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe/Middle East/Africa.
What terms of service apply to Labs?
When relevant, you may be asked to review and accept terms of service specific to an experiment. These also apply: Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service.
Why can't I use Labs with a Google Workspace for Education account?
Before making generative AI tools available to Google Workspace for Education accounts, especially for users under 18, Google wants to ensure school administrators have transparency and control over student access, and that school staff are informed about generative AI tools to make decisions aligned with school policies. Google continues working with the education community to explore new ways to bring helpful tools to educators and students.
How long will experiments be available?
You can find the end date of an experiment on its card on the Labs page, though these dates may change over time. Experiments are in development and availability varies.
What happened to Code Tips?
The Code Tips experiment has ended, but Google took what they learned from it and applied it to AI Overviews. Now you can find responses to coding queries directly in AI Overviews instead of a separate Code Tips experiment.
Can I leave Labs or an experiment after joining?
Yes, you can turn an experiment off and on at any time. To leave the waitlist for an experiment, go through the same signup steps and click Leave waitlist when you land on the Search Labs waitlist page. You can also give feedback on Labs itself by tapping Share feedback at the bottom of the Labs page.
What devices and accounts do I need for Search Labs?
You need an Android phone/tablet or iPhone, or Chrome desktop on Windows/Mac. You must be 13 or over (under 18 limited to US and English only). You need a personal Google Account that you manage on your own. Google Workspace accounts, including Google Workspace for Education accounts, are not eligible for Labs.
How do I give feedback on an experiment?
Open your browser on your Android device, sign in to your Google Account with Incognito mode off, tap the Labs icon, find the experiment, tap its card, scroll to the bottom, and tap Share feedback. You can also give feedback on Labs itself by tapping Labs, scrolling to the bottom, and tapping Share feedback.