Introduction to AI Mode

Google is once again revolutionizing the Search experience. Nearly a year after introducing AI Overviews to all users in the US, the company is now preparing to launch a dedicated AI tab on its search engine. This new feature, called AI Mode, is powered by the advanced Gemini 2.0 model, which has been trained to find and organize information on the web. The results are presented in an interface designed to facilitate follow-up questions, essentially providing a comprehensive response to ChatGPT Search.

The Vision Behind AI Mode

Robby Stein, Vice President of Product for Google Search, explains that the primary goal of AI Mode is to enable effortless searching. This development is a direct response to user feedback following the rollout of AI Overviews to over 1 billion users. Many users have expressed a desire for more AI-generated summaries in their search results, with some even adding "AI" to their search queries to prompt an AI Overview response.

How AI Mode Works

AI Mode utilizes a "query fan-out" technique, conducting multiple concurrent searches across various topics and data sources. It also leverages Google’s proprietary systems, including the Knowledge Graph, to supplement the information it finds online. The version of AI Mode available to Google One AI Premium subscribers features a dedicated interface, although not all planned elements are currently in place. The tool aims to create a rich visual experience, such as generating comparison charts when comparing different products, and displays sources more prominently than AI Overviews.

Testing and Development

In testing, AI Mode has shown promising results, with users crafting longer queries and asking follow-up questions more frequently. Stein notes that users are bringing more complex questions to the surface and using the feature to clarify and deepen their understanding. While AI Mode shares some similarities with Google’s Deep Research tool, it provides quicker response times, making it suitable for everyday use.

Availability and Accessibility

Google One AI Premium subscribers can start testing AI Mode today on both desktop and mobile. For other users, Google has enhanced AI Overviews, now powered by Gemini 2.0, to provide faster and better responses for math, coding, and multi-modal queries. Additionally, AI Overviews are now available to more people, including teens in nearly every market, and no longer require a Google account sign-in.

Conclusion

Google’s introduction of AI Mode marks a significant step in the evolution of search technology, offering users a more intuitive and comprehensive way to find information. With its advanced Gemini 2.0 model and user-centric design, AI Mode is poised to revolutionize the search experience, making it easier for people to find answers and explore topics in depth.