Thinking of buying a new laptop? Then you might want to know which processor best suits your work or how a particular model compares to alternatives. Google makes this easier with 'AI Mode', a new experimental feature in Search. Users can now ask complex questions and receive an in-depth answer immediately, including follow-up questions.
What is AI Mode and how does it work?
AI Mode is available for Google One AI Premium subscribers through Search Labs. The feature utilizes a customized version of Gemini 2.0 and can handle complex search queries by employing advanced reasoning techniques and multimodal analyses. This allows AI Mode, for instance, to compare different laptops based on performance and battery life, providing additional information instantly.
Google's AI Mode operates with a 'query fan-out' technique, executing multiple search queries simultaneously and combining them into a clear response. The feature leverages web content and real-time sources such as the Knowledge Graph and shopping data.
What does this mean for users and businesses?
For users, AI Mode means a more efficient search experience. Instead of performing multiple separate searches, they can directly ask for detailed answers and follow-up questions. Google observes that search queries are on average twice as long and that users are more frequently asking follow-up questions.
For businesses, the way information is found is changing. AI Mode pulls information from various sources and presents it directly in an AI-generated answer. This could impact traffic to websites, as users are less likely to click through. Companies need to adjust their content strategy to remain relevant within AI-driven searches.
Reliability and Future Developments
Google emphasizes that AI Mode prioritizes factual information and reliable sources. For sensitive topics such as health information, the feature may display only web pages instead of AI-generated answers. However, there remains a chance of errors, as with any new AI technology.
Google continues to develop AI Mode. Future updates will include more visual elements and integrate information from various sources, such as user content. The interface will also be improved, allowing the AI to better determine when to show links or display images or videos.
How to gain access to AI Mode?
Google One AI Premium subscribers can enable AI Mode through Search Labs. On desktop, the feature is accessible via google.com/aimode, while mobile users can select the AI Mode button in the Google app.
With this new development, Google is responding to the growing demand for in-depth and interactive search experiences. The impact on SEO and content marketing will become clearer in the coming period as AI Mode continues to evolve.