According to most SEO experts, Google began implementing a turn-about to their search engine results, in early May 2023.
By early December these multiple launched algorithm updates, released under the auspicious title; "Useful Content" was completed.
In the process, Google changed its displayed results, by eliminating users' "Organic" keyword search (therefore removing any niche marketers who ranked high for those Keywords.
In addition, Google instituted full implementation of AI-responsive search results, as well as a "Retail" grab (with Images) to populate Brands, or a very limited number of media-owned sites to the front page.
Sites such as Google, Walmart, Home Depot, Popular Mechanics, etc. now dominate every search.
The consumer using Google's search engine is now relegated not to the sites that test, and review products, but instead, they are directed towards a highly organized/curated set of results that suits Google's newest business model.
Full control of all searches, regardless of user intent.
As a result, small-medium niche/review sites have been obliterated - that is unless Google gets inundated with outcry from the consumer, and feels the weight of this deceptive marketing practice.