Google has allegedly initiated internal trials of a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature for its Search platform. Known as AI Mode, this feature was first speculated in December 2024. It reportedly opens a full-screen interface where users can pose intricate and investigative inquiries, with the AI replying in a conversational style and showing URLs if they wish to explore the subject further. This feature is said to be distinct from AI Overviews, which are displayed at the top of the search results in Google Search.
Google Search May Include an AI Mode
As per a report from 9to5Google, the Mountain View-based tech company is currently dogfooding (testing a product or service internally) the AI Mode. Referencing an internal email to Google personnel, the publication asserted that the company is now encouraging employees to utilize and test the feature.
The mentioned email characterizes AI Mode as “Search intelligently research[ing] for you – organising information into easy-to-digest breakdowns with links to explore content across the web. ” Google reportedly shared example queries to assist users in understanding the optimal use case for the tool. One such example mentions, “How many boxes of spaghetti should I buy to feed 6 adults and 10 children, and have enough for seconds? ”
Google is said to have also disclosed in the email that AI Mode operates on a customized version of Gemini 2. 0 that possesses “advanced reasoning and thinking capabilities. ” Lastly, the email also contained a screenshot of the user interface. This is claimed to represent an early interface and not the finalized version. The feature is reportedly functional on mobile devices as well.
According to the screenshot, the AI mode will be situated among other filters like Images, Videos, and News. After a user taps on it, a full-screen interface emerges where the Gemini-powered AI chatbot conversationally addresses the inquiry. On the right side, it also presents URLs from which it derived the information. Users can click on any of the links to delve into the subject.
At the bottom, there is a text field that enables users to pose a follow-up inquiry. The mobile applications will also permit users to access the microphone to verbally input the prompt. Thumbs-up and down icons have additionally been incorporated at the bottom, enabling users to submit feedback regarding the quality of responses. Notably, Google has not made an official announcement regarding the feature, and it remains uncertain when it may become available to users.
