Google is reportedly preparing to integrate an AI Mode option into its Search page, enabling users to receive conversational answers from an advanced chatbot akin to its Gemini model. This new feature will provide a fresh alternative to traditional search results, enhancing the search experience with AI-driven interactivity.
How AI Mode Will Work
According to a report by The Information on Dec. 19, AI Mode will be accessible through a tab located near the existing options like All, Images, Videos, and Shopping. Similar to Google’s Gemini chatbot, the AI Mode will provide conversational answers accompanied by links to external websites. Users will also have access to a search bar for follow-up questions, promoting deeper engagement with search results.
A Google spokesperson noted, “As our state-of-the-art models continue to advance, there’s a huge opportunity to bring these new capabilities into Search, helping people discover even more of the web.”
Growing Trend of AI-Powered Search
Google’s move aligns with a broader industry trend as several companies introduce AI-powered conversational interfaces:
- Perplexity AI: On Dec. 18, Perplexity AI announced the closure of a $500 million funding round, tripling its valuation to $9 billion. CEO Aravind Srinivas shared that the company serves over 100 million weekly queries and aims to reach 100 million daily queries.
- Reddit: On Dec. 9, Reddit began testing its AI-powered conversational interface, Reddit Answers. This tool provides curated summaries of discussions, links to related communities, and recommendations based on user inquiries, with the option to ask follow-up questions.
- OpenAI: In July, OpenAI introduced prototype AI search features to a select group of users and publishers. The company highlighted its goal of integrating real-time web information with conversational capabilities, aiming to make online searches faster and more efficient.
Enhancing Search Efficiency
These advancements reflect a broader shift toward leveraging AI to simplify and enhance the online search process. Google’s forthcoming AI Mode, along with similar innovations from other tech companies, signals a new era where conversational AI transforms how users interact with digital information.
As AI technologies evolve, the integration of conversational interfaces promises to make discovering information on the web more intuitive and user-friendly.
