Google has announced the global expansion of its AI Overviews feature, making AI-generated summaries available to all users, even those who are not logged in. Additionally, a new search mode, AI Mode, will transform the standard search experience into an interactive dialogue with artificial intelligence.
AI Mode: A New Approach to Search
AI Mode is an integrated chatbot designed to enhance search functionality within Google. Similar to Perplexity or ChatGPT Search, it provides direct answers instead of requiring users to browse links. However, it is tailored specifically for Google’s ecosystem. Currently, AI Mode is only accessible to Google One AI Premium subscribers, who must manually enable it in the Labs section.
This feature allows users to receive AI-generated responses based on Google’s index while also providing links to relevant sources. Visually, AI Mode resembles the Gemini chatbot, but it offers real-time data analysis and direct interaction with web pages. According to Google, this approach enhances user experience by delivering immediate context while still encouraging engagement with external websites.
The Future of AI in Google Search
Some experts suggest that Google is shifting away from traditional search, where users navigate through a list of links, notes NIX Solutions. However, Robby Stein, Google’s Vice President of Search Team Products, disagrees. He states that AI Overviews help users by providing context, making them more likely to click on links and explore further. The company maintains that these advancements are meant to enhance—not replace—conventional search mechanisms.
AI Mode and AI Overviews represent a significant evolution in search technology. The AI Overviews feature will now use the upgraded Gemini 2.0 model, which is expected to improve responses for queries related to math, programming, and logical analysis. While the full impact of these changes remains to be seen, it’s clear that AI will play a key role in shaping the future of search. We’ll keep you updated as more developments emerge.