Google’s Gemini API Adds Grounding Feature, Rivals OpenAI’s SearchGPT 

Google AI Studio and the Gemini API have introduced “Grounding with Google Search,” allowing developers to improve response accuracy by incorporating real-time data from Google Search.

With this update, Gemini 1.5 models can pull live information from Google Search, increasing accuracy and transparency. Developers can access grounding features directly through the “Tools” section in Google AI Studio or by enabling the ‘google_search_retrieval’ tool in the Gemini API.

Grounding with Google Search is available in Google AI Studio’s free trial. Gemini API pricing is set at $35 per 1,000 grounded queries. Key advantages of grounding include reduced hallucination in model responses and providing users with relevant, up-to-date information. 

The feature also supports linking responses to real-time search results, which boosts transparency and directs traffic to source publishers.

Developers can activate a dynamic retrieval feature for cases where only certain queries require real-time data. This feature assigns a score that predicts when grounding may improve response quality, allowing developers to control grounding based on a set threshold score.

Examples in Google AI Studio’s Compare Mode show how grounding improves answer quality. Without grounding, responses reflect the model’s knowledge cut-off, while grounded answers deliver current information with supporting links and Search Suggestions.

Google’s development came on the same day OpenAI released SearchGPT in ChatGPT, which offers improved web search capabilities for timely, accurate answers, blending natural language interaction with up-to-date data in sports, news, stock quotes, and more.

There we go, and they couldn’t help but to do it alongside a Google release. https://t.co/lxQOT8n0tp

The Google Gemini grounding feature will be competing with platforms like Perplexity AI and ChatGPT’s web search. Recently, the Perplexity AI chief announced that the platform will soon release new updates. Meanwhile, Meta is also developing its own search engine, which will be integrated into its social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, to provide real-time information.