Google Search is getting an "AI Mode" with Gemini integration

[Skye Jacobs]

Forward-looking: Acutely aware that users are turning to AI chat models in place of search, Google is on the brink of shaking up its core product. As other search engines follow suit, this trend could redefine how we interact with and retrieve information online for better or worse.

Google is poised to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into its core search functionality. Recent reports and app examinations suggest that the tech giant is preparing to unveil an "AI Mode" to bring its Gemini agent to the forefront of the search experience.

The Information reported that Google plans to offer its extensive user base the option to switch to an AI Mode within Google Search. This new interface resembles the company's Gemini AI chatbot, potentially bridging the gap between traditional search and AI-powered interactions. This development comes as Google's standalone Gemini chatbot has been striving to catch up with OpenAI's popular ChatGPT.

Earlier investigations by Android Authority uncovered evidence of this AI integration in a beta version of the Google app. The publication noted the presence of a dedicated "AI mode" button, which also appeared on Google's Android search widget. A conversation history button was also added to the app, hinting at a more conversational approach to search.

I shared about AI mode last week. Here's how it will look -> Here's how you'll access Search's upcoming AI Mode (APK teardown)

"Google is working on a new AI Mode for Google Search, which presumably will allow users to interact with Search more conversationally."... pic.twitter.com/N0blRKeMZj

– Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) December 9, 2024

Dataminers at 9to5Google discovered references to "aim" and "ai_mode," suggesting a dedicated tab within the Google app. This tab will feature buttons for voice interactions and the ability to send images for analysis, expanding how users can engage with the search engine.

Google has already been subtly weaving its AI capabilities into search. Its controversial AI Overviews feature provides users with AI-generated summaries for queries so they don't have to sift through multiple sources. Users can also ask complex questions involving math, coding, and multimodal inputs. Google also expanded search beyond text, enabling video and image-based queries through Google Lens, with Gemini analyzing live content to answer user questions.

The potential introduction of AI chat access directly from the search results page represents a strategic move by Google to compete in an increasingly AI-driven search market. The move comes as other major players in the tech industry are making similar strides. OpenAI's ChatGPT is rolling out AI-powered search to all free users, while Microsoft offers Copilot-powered search. Even privacy-focused alternatives like DuckDuckGo have introduced AI summaries and chat features.

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Google Search is getting an "AI Mode" with Gemini integration

 

[NumberNine]

Popularity and financial success often herald the death of functionality in the world of software. If you use a tool and its creators begin to grow profits, go ahead and find something else you can rely on because the sands will shift. Enshitification is a symptom of profit seeking.

 

[WhiteLeaff]

Google is about to sabotage itself...

 

[RudyBob]

I got on the internet in 1994 and at that time it seemed to me much of my time was spent following links that got me nowhere. Anything that provides better (more of the desired effect) search results I am all in on. Now lets' build the power plants to provide the needed energy for AI

 

[yannus]

I got on the internet in 1994 and at that time it seemed to me much of my time was spent following links that got me nowhere. Anything that provides better (more of the desired effect) search results I am all in on. Now lets' build the power plants to provide the needed energy for AI

Well, if you remember the end of altavista or the beginning of google, you know that search engines understand average users requests better but answer advanced users requests less acurately. Censorship combined to less control over the search engines, is just so frustrating. Except for shopping, google isn't what it used to be.

 

[HardwareHunt365]

I think it will be quite similar to the AI beta mode currently on my Google search. It has a "Search Labs | AI Overview" at the top just before the web search results appear. Example, "How to apply bandage" and I get a brief instructions, along with YouTube videos on the right side of it, followed by the usual web search results.

 

[FaTaL]

I got on the internet in 1994 and at that time it seemed to me much of my time was spent following links that got me nowhere. Anything that provides better (more of the desired effect) search results I am all in on. Now lets' build the power plants to provide the needed energy for AI

Only way I see that happening is going Nuclear and there hasnt been a nuclear power plant built in US in almost 40 years...

 

[Angga B]

"One-click internet". Google is shapeshifting from a "search engine" into an "answer engine", posting its own curated/redacted answer (from its own trained AI, fully biased of course) to the topmost result of people who try to search anything.
Trying hard to prevent people to explore the internet.
What Google ended up doing is it's making the internet irrelevant while monopolizing the traffic. Which in turn is a certain way in killing the internet.
With years of Google behavioral patterns I can safely say that they can not argue it's unintended.