Google employees are experimenting with a new AI Mode search function.

      Google is actively working on enhancing its search engine with additional AI capabilities. Currently, its U.S. employees are testing a new feature known as “AI Mode.”

      The tech outlet 9to5 Google discovered an internal email that revealed employees had been invited to test this new AI Mode, designed to act as an intelligent search function integrated into Google Search. This feature provides “easy-to-understand summaries with links to delve into content across the web.”

      Functionally, it allows users to pose more “open-ended” and “exploratory questions” to create a more intuitive searching experience. According to the publication, users will receive AI-generated, overview-style answers directly in their search results.

      AI Mode utilizes Gemini 2.0, which is currently available for free on Google’s platforms. However, this feature will operate on a customized version to enable enhanced reasoning and advanced thinking capabilities.

      The internal email provided examples of queries that AI Mode can assist with, such as:

      “How many boxes of spaghetti should I buy to feed 6 adults and 10 children, with enough for seconds?”

      “Compare wool, down, and synthetic jackets regarding insulation, water resistance, and durability.”

      “What do I need to start aquascaping?”

      Follow-up: “What are some nearby stores to purchase supplies?”

      AI Mode functions in both desktop browser searches and on mobile devices. Its main interface resembles the Gemini chatbot, yet the top of the page maintains the look of Google Search, complete with filters for Images, News, Shopping, and more. There’s also a “dig deeper” text box for further contextual searches if desired. To the right, users can find links to search results, showcasing how this feature combines Google Search with AI functionalities.

      In December 2024, 9to5 Google previously discovered a mobile APK for this feature, providing insight into how AI Mode operates with voice commands. At that point, Google viewed OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search as its primary competitor, but since then, new competitors have emerged.

      During a recent earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai mentioned that Google plans to invest up to $75 billion in AI, aiming to make 2025 a significant year for innovations in Search.

      Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends, covering various topics in the computing domain, including…

      In its Year in Search 2024 report, Google highlighted numerous topics that made it into the top 10 searches. Amid significant events like the Olympics and the U.S. presidential election, one name stood out for the chaos it created: CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm founded in 2011 in Austin, Texas—this same firm was (at least partly) responsible for the largest IT outage ever.

      So, what exactly did CrowdStrike do to achieve this notoriety? In brief, it was linked to faulty code that disrupted the essential functions on affected Windows computers. This error generated messages on users' PCs indicating: "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart." The consequence was widespread downtime for PCs across various sectors, notably impacting airports. From an IT standpoint, this presented a disastrous scenario.

      OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, may be nearing the development of a third-party search tool that incorporates the chatbot into various websites as a primary feature. If successful, OpenAI could potentially target Google both as a search engine and a web browser.

      According to a source that spoke with The Information, the project is called NLWeb (Natural Language Web) and is currently in a prototype stage. OpenAI has presented this prototype to several potential partners in the travel, retail, real estate, and food sectors, including brands like Conde Nast, Redfin, Eventbrite, and Priceline. This tool would allow ChatGPT's search features to be integrated into the websites of these acknowledged brands and their services.

      OpenAI announced its second new search feature of the week on Thursday, called ChatGPT Search. This tool will provide real-time data from the internet in response to user prompts. ChatGPT Search seems to serve as both OpenAI's answer to Perplexity and a competitive move against Google.