SEO Updates: Google Incognito AI Overview, Bing's UX Test, AI's Environmental Impact, and the Latest in SEO and AI Developments - Date: August 15th

Google SEO News

Google Experiments with AI Overviews in Incognito Mode for Unsigned Users

Google is testing AI Overviews for users who are not signed into their accounts, even when browsing in Incognito mode. This feature, typically not available in private browsing without opting in, is now being observed by some Chrome users. The test suggests that Google is exploring broader applications of AI overviews beyond signed-in accounts.

SEO Recommendations by Jason

This is epic. Our knowledge of incognito has always been anonymous usage of search engines. With an AI overview, I don’t see how this would be possible in the long term, as an AI overview ultimately should customize results based on the usage of the search engine that is sensitive to the user. Google may roll out an AI overview with more of a generic usage vs a customized and self-learning model like ChatGPT or other NLPs.

Bing SEO News

Bing Tests New User Experience: Opening Searches in New Window

Microsoft is experimenting with Bing Search by opening search results in a new browser window when a search is performed from the homepage or when navigating through search result pages. This change, seen by some users in Chrome, is unusual and could significantly alter user browsing behavior. The test is inconsistent across browsers, raising questions about its broader rollout.

SEO Recommendations by Jason

Interesting and strange update by Bing. Important for website owners and marketers to check bounce rates and CTR from Bing traffic to evaluate if these changes disrupt their inflow of traffic or click quality.?

2017 Google Document Reveals Bing Was Faster on Mobile

A 2017 internal Google document, revealed during DOJ trials, claims Bing was faster than Google in serving mobile search results. The document highlights Bing's efficiency across several performance metrics, including result rendering speed and server-side latency. This historical insight underscores the competitive dynamics in search engine performance.

SEO Recommendations by Jason

The war of Bing vs Google isn’t one we want to see, but the reality is SEO pros and Marketers know that in their website analytics, in organic search traffic, number 1 is Google and number 2 is Bing. Whether one search engine ecosystem is more powerful or faster than the other isn’t a determining factor of search dominance today. Google has become extremely successful of keeping people in search properties by SEO search functionalities like Maps, Reviews, Shopping, Travel, etc. All these extensions have provided a richer search experience, improving LTV and adoption.?

General Search Marketing News?

1. Google Found Guilty of Antitrust Violations A U.S. judge ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain its monopoly on online search and advertising, in a case brought by the Department of Justice in 2020. Google was found to have paid billions to be the default search engine on devices, which the court sees as stifling competition. This decision could lead to significant changes in Google's business operations, including potential structural changes.

2. OpenAI's New Search Engine - Search GPT OpenAI is reportedly developing its own search engine, known as Search GPT. Early access users report a simple interface with three columns, no ads, and a strong emphasis on citations. Search GPT is said to offer better accuracy than Google's AI overviews and provides localized search results. This move could disrupt the search market, especially as Google faces growing scrutiny.

3. Google Reverses Decision on Phasing Out Third-Party Cookies Google has reversed its plan to phase out third-party cookies in Chrome, opting instead for a new approach that gives users more control over their web browsing privacy. The Privacy Sandbox APIs will continue to be developed as alternatives. This decision is likely to be welcomed by the advertising industry, which had been preparing for a cookie-less future.

4. Reddit Blocks Bing Over Data Usage Dispute Reddit has blocked Bing and other search engines from accessing its content after failing to reach agreements on how its data is used, particularly for AI training. This move follows successful deals with Google and OpenAI. Reddit's visibility has surged, with a 1,328% increase in SEO visibility after Google's Helpful Content Update. The situation highlights growing tensions over data usage and compensation between platforms and search engines.

5. AI’s Environmental Impact - Rising Emissions and Sustainability Concerns The rapid expansion of AI has led to significant increases in carbon emissions for tech giants like Microsoft and Google. Both companies have seen emissions rise by 30-50% due to the energy demands of AI infrastructure. Efforts to offset these impacts include carbon credit deals and investments in renewable energy. However, the environmental cost of AI remains a critical issue as the industry continues to grow.