Google has introduced a new feature called “AI Mode” in Search, aimed at competing with popular services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
This mode allows users to ask detailed, multi-part questions and follow up to explore topics more deeply within Google Search.
Starting this week, AI Mode will be available to Google One AI Premium subscribers through Search Labs, which is Google’s testing platform.
This feature is built on a special version of Gemini 2.0, making it particularly useful for questions that require in-depth exploration and comparisons, thanks to its advanced reasoning and thinking capabilities.
For example, users can inquire about the differences in sleep tracking features among various devices, such as smart rings, smartwatches, and tracking mats. AI Mode can provide a thorough comparison of each product’s features and include links to relevant articles.
Previously, answering complex questions required multiple searches, but AI Mode simplifies this process. Users can access web content and real-time information from sources like the Knowledge Graph and shopping data for countless products.
According to Robby Stein, the VP of Product at Google Search, testing has shown that people are asking questions that are roughly twice as long as typical search queries, with many following up about a quarter of the time. This indicates users are engaging with more challenging questions that require back-and-forth interaction.
Stein also mentioned that as Google has expanded its AI Overviews feature, which shows a summary of information at the top of search results, users expressed a desire for AI-powered answers across more searches, prompting the introduction of AI Mode.
The AI Mode employs a technique called “query fan-out,” which allows it to conduct multiple related searches at once across different data sources to compile the results into a clear response.
The model has been trained to prioritize factual information and verify its claims, especially in sensitive areas like health. If it isn’t confident, it may simply provide a list of relevant web links instead of a definitive answer.
As this feature is still in its early stages, Google plans to enhance the user experience and add more functionalities over time. For instance, they aim to make the interface more visual and incorporate information from a variety of sources, including user-generated content.
Google One AI Premium subscribers can access AI Mode by opting into Search Labs, entering a question in the Search bar, and selecting the “AI Mode” option.
They can also go directly to google.com/aimode to use the feature. On mobile devices, users can tap the “AI Mode” icon in the Google app below the Search bar.
In addition to this announcement, Google revealed the launch of Gemini 2.0 for AI Overviews in the U.S. This update allows AI Overviews to assist with more complex queries, including coding, advanced math, and multimodal questions.
Furthermore, users no longer need to log in to access AI Overviews, and the feature is now being made available to teen users as well.
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