If you’re a long-time Samsung user, you’re undoubtedly used to your devices coming complete with Google installed as the default search engine, and with good reason. Google has been the search standard to beat for years now, so much so that its name has become synonymous with the idea of using a search engine in the first place.
But that was before AI-powered alternatives like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and the new Bing AI Search came along. Those options have definitely been grabbing headlines, but they’ve also inspired large numbers of Google users to consider them further.
Now it’s beginning to look like some of Google’s longest-standing partners may be thinking the same way. For example, The New York Times just announced that longtime Google partner Samsung could be looking to switch the default search engine on all its devices to Bing. But how likely is that to happen, and what should the digital marketing sector know about the possibility?
How Likely Is Samsung to Switch to Bing?
As previously stated in The New York Times, Samsung has not expressly stated the reasons they’re considering a switch. However, many reasonably assume it’s due to the huge strides Bing has taken within just a few short months.
The efficiency of the new Bing, combined with the booming popularity of AI tools, has given Google the type of stiff competition it hasn’t had in years (if ever). Alphabet Inc. stock values have fallen while Microsoft’s have risen. And now Google may lose a partnership worth multiple billions of dollars.
However, it remains to be seen whether this is likely to happen. At present, negotiations between Samsung and Google are still ongoing regarding the renewal of their current contract.
What Is Google Doing in Response?
Google has been responding to recent advancements, including the improved strength of competitor Bing, by brainstorming new advancements of its own. One was the introduction of Google Bard, Google’s own answer to the current AI search trend.
However, the search engine giant is also developing another AI-enhanced search option, currently codenamed Magi. According to sources, this latest incarnation of Google will deliver a more personalized user experience by anticipating the searcher’s needs and will likely build on the experience already offered by Bard.
Currently, this new Google search engine is in early-stage development, and there is currently no projected release date for it. Potential features it may include when it is released include the ability to initiate complete financial transactions, write software code, and more.
Google has also announced the development of several other game-changing projects, including:
- GIFI: A feature similar to Bing’s new image generator that will allow Google users to create images of their own using cutting-edge AI technology
- Tivoli Tutor: A text conversation platform designed to help teach users new languages
- Searchalong: An enhanced search feature that would allow users accessing Google through Chrome to continue to pose questions to a chatbot as they search
What Does All This Mean for Marketers?
If you’re in marketing or SEO, then your main concern is probably what all of these new developments mean for you, as the ongoing Google-Microsoft battle has many marketers wondering what’s next. Here are some possibilities to consider.
User experience (UX) will be even more important
As Google and the rest of the search engines have evolved and become smarter over the years, one factor has become increasingly important – user experience. This isn’t going to change, with or without AI-powered search options. That said, it will be even more important for websites to be streamlined and organized, offering a fantastic user experience.
Other search engines may become more important
Whether or not Samsung moves ahead with a switch from Google to Bing, this news is a solid reminder that Google isn’t the only player in the game. If they’re not already doing so, marketers should craft strategies that also consider other options, particularly Bing, to ensure all their bases are covered.
“Zero click” search may become a thing
In many ways, search engines are already delivering a lot of the information searchers need right there on the SERP instead of requiring them to click through to a website every time. As AI technology and advanced features continue to shape search engines, the possibility of a “zero-click” world gets greater, so marketers should plan for that.
Ultimately, the possibility that Samsung is considering partnering with Bing over Google is a sign that the world of SEO is evolving. Marketers everywhere should prepare by staying on top of industry news and prioritizing key factors like user experience moving forward.
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