Google is dramatically broadening its AI-driven search capabilities with the more general availability of AI Overviews and the launching of AI Mode, a chatbot-like search. These features will enhance user interactions with Google Search, as AI-based answers are promoted alongside standard web links.
Google AI Overviews, which offer AI summaries of search queries, will now show up for more searches. The feature will also be available to non-logged-in Google account users, making AI-driven responses a more integral part of the search experience.
Google, however, has accepted that the AI responses would not be perfect and may show bias. In a blog post, Robby Stein, VP of Product for Search, conceded that responses generated by AI sometimes contain false or misleading information. To reduce mistakes, tighter safeguards are being implemented on sensitive subjects such as health and finance.
Google AI Mode has also been launched, a new search option that works like a chatbot, much like Perplexity AI or ChatGPT Search. The mode shows up as a tab on Google Search, in addition to options such as Images and News.
AI Mode creates responses based on Google's search index and web data in real time, combining AI-created summaries with applicable links. Traditional search prioritizes website rankings. Google AI Mode, on the other hand, aims to present immediate answers in a conversational format.
AI Mode is in experimental testing and is available to Google One AI Premium subscribers only. Google users who subscribe to the US$20-per-month AI Premium plan can enable it via the Search Labs feature. The company will be keeping an eye on user feedback before rolling it out further.
Google's AI-driven search evokes fears about whether it will change website traffic and conventional search habits. Responses generated by AI could potentially decrease the requirement for users to click on links outside a website. Thus, potentially harming publishers and content creators.
Robby Stein says that AI Overviews and AI Mode boost user engagement by offering more context before users click through. He maintains that they are intended to enhance search experiences and not substitute conventional website-based results.
Gemini 2.0, Google's newest AI model, seeks to perfect AI-created answers, especially for in-depth topics. For example, subjects like coding, math, and reasoning-based searches.
The rollout of the AI mode is a signal that Google is increasingly depending on AI-powered search. It remains to be seen how it will change traditional searches and web traffic for publishers.