This feature request proposes adding a language output preference setting for Quick Answer responses. It would allow users to specify their preferred language for Quick Answer summaries, independent of the query language or search result languages.
The feature is designed for multilingual users who frequently search in one language but prefer to consume AI-generated summaries in another. Currently, Quick Answer determines response language automatically based on query and results, which can be inconsistent for users who work across multiple languages.
Impact on existing workflows:
• Enhances consistency: Users get predictable response languages matching their comprehension preferences
• Improves accessibility: Non-native English speakers can search using optimal English keywords while receiving responses in their native language
• Maintains current behavior: Users who don’t set a preference would continue experiencing the current automatic language detection
• Minimal disruption: This would be an optional setting, not a mandatory change to existing functionality
Use Case 1: Academic Research
A graduate student researching international literature searches using English keywords like “renewable energy policy Europe 2024” to access the most comprehensive academic sources. However, they prefer Quick Answer summaries in their native language to quickly grasp key concepts before diving into English papers. This accelerates their research workflow while maintaining access to quality English-language sources.
Use Case 2: Technology News and Updates
A software developer regularly searches for technology news and documentation in English (as most tech content is primarily in English), but prefers to read Quick Answer summaries in their native language during their morning news routine. This helps them quickly scan multiple topics before deciding which articles warrant deeper English reading.
Use Case 3: Travel Planning
A user planning a trip searches for “best restaurants in Tokyo” or “Paris museum tickets” in English for broader results, but wants Quick Answer summaries in their preferred language for easier comparison and note-taking. When sharing plans with family members who may not be comfortable with English, having summaries in a common language is valuable.
Use Case 4: Product Research
Someone comparing products or services searches using English terms to get the widest range of reviews and specifications, but needs Quick Answer summaries in their native language to quickly evaluate options and share findings with colleagues or family who prefer that language.
Implementation Details:
The setting could be added to Settings > AI Search Settings, similar to the existing “Auto Quick Answer” toggle:
Quick Answer Output Language: [Dropdown]
- Auto (detect from query/results) [Default]
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- [other supported languages...]
Reference Implementations:
1. Kagi Universal Summarizer already implements this exact functionality through its language parameter, which supports translation to various target languages. The Quick Answer feature could leverage the same underlying translation capabilities.
2. Google Translate allows users to set default target languages, remembering preferences across sessions.
3. DeepL provides language preference settings that persist across different translation requests.
4. ChatGPT/Claude allow users to request responses in specific languages through system prompts or preferences, though Quick Answer would benefit from a more persistent UI setting.
Technical Consideration:
Since Quick Answer already uses LLM technology to generate summaries, adding a language specification parameter (similar to Universal Summarizer’s existing implementation) should be technically straightforward. The setting would essentially instruct the LLM to generate its summary in the specified language while maintaining citation accuracy to the original sources.
Additional Enhancement (Optional):
Consider adding a quick toggle in the Quick Answer UI itself (similar to the feedback buttons), allowing users to temporarily switch languages for specific queries without changing their global preference.
