Google is testing a new “AI Mode” in Search. Our search habits could soon change, as the AI-driven chatbot-like experience delivers conversational responses instead of traditional link lists.

AI Mode Wants to Chat With You

Unlike the existing AI Overviews, which provide summaries on top of search results, AI Mode is a separate full page of AI-generated replies to your various queries. This feature, powered by Google’s Gemini 2.0 model, aims to handle more open-ended and complex questions involving a back-and-forth dialog between you and the chatbot.

The AI Mode gets its dedicated tab on the Search page alongside the existing categories we know so well, like Images and News.

Select the AI Mode tab and ask it questions. Gemini works behind the scenes and delivers comprehensive answers. It also allows follow-up questions via text, voice, or images. The responses are supplemented with links to source information and other relevant data.

Like Gemini, your past queries will be collated in a narrow panel on the left. A Google Help page mentions AI Mode requires Search History to be enabled; this lets you revisit your past questions and sync responses between desktop and the Google app for Android and iOS.

The AI Mode for Google Search is a Labs experiment for anyone in the US. Google’s The Keyword blog says it’s now being rolled out to a small set of users outside of Labs (US only). So there’s a good chance you will see it on your search page.

A Step Toward More Conversational Searches

The introduction of AI Mode is Google’s attempt to make Search a more intuitive and efficient tool without requiring multiple searches or a separate visit to Gemini. By leveraging its advanced AI technologies, Google aims to provide direct, comprehensive answers within the Search page.

I like that it’s not as annoying as the AI Overviews, which seem to distract from the links. The AI Mode is just a tap away, so I don’t have to open another tab and query Gemini separately. The unity between traditional search and AI-powered conversations feels more natural now.

This development also positions Google to better compete with AI-focused search alternatives like Perplexity and ChatGPT, which offer conversational responses. By giving you the alternative of an AI chatbot search, Google wants to stay relevant and sustain its dominance in the search engine market.

While AI Mode is still in the experimental phase, its potential to transform our search habits is significant. Like Gemini, I assume it will have free and subscription tiers in the future. As Google continues to refine this feature, you can expect to have more conversations while you search.