Google is taking another step forward in integrating artificial intelligence into its search engine by testing a new feature called 'AI Mode.' This enhancement is designed to make information retrieval more interactive and conversational, changing the way users engage with search results.
According to a report by 9to5Google, the AI Mode is powered by Gemini 2.0 and is currently undergoing internal testing with Google employees in the United States. If successful, the feature may be rolled out to the general public later this year.
Unlike conventional search, which primarily returns a list of blue links, AI Mode focuses on answering open-ended and exploratory questions. This feature moves beyond simple fact-finding and provides AI-generated summaries while still linking to relevant sources for deeper exploration.
The interface closely resembles a chatbot, allowing users to engage in a dynamic, back-and-forth interaction by asking follow-up questions. This represents a significant departure from traditional keyword-based search methods.
AI Mode will be featured alongside existing search filters such as Images, News, and Shopping. When selected, it will take up the full screen and replace the usual '10 blue links' with AI-driven responses, creating a more immersive and informative search experience.
The AI Mode aims to offer users more in-depth and tailored answers to their queries. For instance:
Instead of simply listing websites about spaghetti servings, AI Mode can calculate how many boxes of pasta are required for a group, considering portion sizes.
It can compare products in detail, helping users make more informed purchasing decisions.
Users can get guided explanations on niche topics such as aquascaping, with links to authoritative sources for further reading.
Google has been steadily incorporating AI into its search engine for over a year. The introduction of AI Overviews, which summarize search results at the top of the page, was one of the initial steps toward making search results more digestible and relevant.
With AI Mode, Google is taking this approach further by structuring search results into an interactive and research-friendly format. This development aligns with Google's broader vision of leveraging AI to enhance user experience.
The launch of AI Mode comes at a time of rising competition in AI-driven search. Companies like OpenAI and Microsoft Bing have been aggressively promoting their AI-powered conversational search models, challenging Google's dominance.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has stated that 2025 will be a pivotal year for innovations in Search. With AI Mode, Google aims to maintain its leadership in search technology by offering a more intuitive and insightful search experience.
Currently, AI Mode is in its early testing phase, with no official launch date confirmed. However, if internal trials prove successful, it could soon become a game-changing feature for billions of users worldwide, reshaping how information is accessed and processed online.
Google's AI Mode represents a transformative shift in how users interact with search engines, moving beyond static search results to an intuitive, conversational experience. By integrating Gemini 2.0, Google aims to enhance search capabilities, making it easier for users to find and process information through AI-generated summaries and interactive responses.
As AI-powered search competition intensifies, with rivals like OpenAI and Microsoft pushing conversational models, Google’s move signals a commitment to maintaining its dominance in the search market. If AI Mode proves successful in testing, it could redefine how billions of users engage with Google Search, making information retrieval more dynamic, efficient, and personalized.