Google is unveiling a new experimental feature called “AI Mode” in Search, aimed at competing with popular platforms like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search. The tech giant made the announcement on Wednesday, highlighting that this mode enables users to pose complex, multi-part inquiries and follow-up questions to gain deeper insights into various topics directly within Google Search.
The rollout of AI Mode begins this week for Google One AI Premium subscribers, accessible via Search Labs, Google’s experimental initiative.
AI Mode employs a tailored version of Gemini 2.0, making it especially useful for inquiries that require extensive exploration and comparisons thanks to its advanced reasoning, analytical thought, and multimodal capabilities.
For example, users could inquire: “What are the differences in sleep tracking features among a smart ring, smartwatch, and tracking mat?”
In response, AI Mode can provide a comprehensive comparison detailing what each product offers, along with links to the articles from which the information is derived. Following this, users might ask a follow-up question like: “What happens to your heart rate during deep sleep?”, facilitating an ongoing search.
According to Google, previously, users would have needed to perform multiple queries to compare intricate options or explore new concepts through conventional searches.
With AI Mode, users can access both web content and real-time data from diverse sources such as the Knowledge Graph, real-world information, and shopping details for millions of products.
“Our testing indicates that users are asking questions that are roughly double the length of what they would typically include in traditional searches, and they also follow up with additional questions about a quarter of the time,” Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, shared with TechCrunch. “This indicates that they’re tackling more complex questions that require further discussion, which presents an exciting opportunity to enhance Google search.”
Stein mentioned that feedback from the introduction of AI Overviews, which offers informative snapshots at the top of search results, highlighted user demand for AI-driven answers across a broader spectrum, prompting the development of AI Mode.
AI Mode utilizes a “query fan-out” method, simultaneously executing multiple related searches across various data sources to compile the findings into a coherent, easily understandable response.
“The model has been designed to prioritize accuracy and provide verifiable information, which is crucial, especially in sensitive areas,” Stein explained. “For topics like health, if the model is uncertain, it may default to supplying a list of relevant web links, which could be more beneficial in that moment. The model strives to be as helpful as possible based on the context and its confidence in the reply. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that mistakes can still occur, as is common with new and cutting-edge AI technologies.”
As this is an early-stage experiment, Google intends to refine user interaction and broaden functionality. Plans include enhancing the visual aspects of the experience and providing information from a broader array of sources, including user-generated content. The company is also training the model to discern when to incorporate hyperlinks in its responses (e.g., for booking tickets) or when to emphasize images or videos (e.g., for how-to queries).
Google One AI Premium users can enable AI Mode by opting into Search Labs, then entering a query in the Search bar and selecting the “AI Mode” tab. Alternatively, they can go directly to google.com/aimode to access the feature. On mobile, users can open the Google app and tap the “AI Mode” icon found below the Search bar on the home screen.
In conjunction with today’s announcement, Google revealed the launch of Gemini 2.0 for AI Overviews in the U.S. The new AI Overviews functionality is expected to tackle more challenging queries, starting with advanced math, coding, and multimodal questions. Additionally, Google shared that users will no longer be required to sign in to access AI Overviews, and the feature is rolling out to teen users as well.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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