Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly recognized for their ability to assist users in various tasks, from research and coding to summarizing information and providing knowledge across diverse topics. However, these advanced systems can sometimes struggle with seemingly straightforward inquiries. A recent incident involving Google’s AI Overviews highlighted this issue, as the tool mistakenly indicated that the current year was 2024.
In the past few days, numerous users reported that when they inquired about the current year, Google’s AI Overviews erroneously responded with 2024. This confusion was echoed by this reporter, who received the same incorrect answer when asking if it was 2025.
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Fortunately, Google addressed this glitch late Thursday, restoring accuracy to its AI responses.
When questioned about the cause of this error, Google did not provide specific details but mentioned that they were actively working on updates to prevent similar occurrences in the future. A spokesperson stated, “As with all Search features, we rigorously make improvements and use examples like this to update our systems. The vast majority of AI Overviews provide helpful, factual information, and we’re actively working on an update to address this type of issue.”
Google has been developing AI Overviews for several years, and while the feature has shown promise, it has also encountered notable missteps. For instance, it once suggested that users consume “one small rock per day” due to its supposed nutritional benefits and even recommended adding glue to pizza to enhance cheese adhesion. Additionally, when the feature was launched in Hindi in India, it was found to produce inconsistent and confusing answers.
In recent weeks, Google’s CEO has highlighted the growing usage of AI Overviews, reporting that the feature is now utilized by 1.5 billion users across more than 100 countries. He noted that in markets such as the U.S. and India, this feature accounts for over 10% of search engine usage for related queries. The company is heavily investing in encouraging users to engage more with its AI-driven search and Q&A functionalities.
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