Google has introduced a transformative update to its search experience, dubbed ´AI mode´, which leverages advanced artificial intelligence to make searching more conversational and expert-driven. Announced at the company’s annual developer conference, the new mode is now broadly available in the United States, just months after limited early testing. This feature enables users to interact with Google search as if speaking to a knowledgeable assistant, providing tailored answers across a wide swath of topics. The update includes integrating the latest Gemini 2.5 artificial intelligence model, enhancing the engine’s reasoning abilities, and rolling out experimental capabilities like automated ticket purchases and live video-based search queries.
Further signaling its expanded commitment to artificial intelligence, Google previewed a return to the smart glasses market with upcoming Android XR-powered glasses, featuring voice-activated AI and a hands-free camera. Developed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, the glasses are designed to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban product line, though pricing and release dates have not been disclosed. These developments build upon last year’s introduction of ´AI overviews´, which provide conversational summaries at the top of search results and have been adopted by an estimated 1.5 billion users. According to Google, these summaries are encouraging longer, more nuanced search queries, marking a new paradigm in information retrieval.
Despite claims from Google leadership that artificial intelligence integration will stimulate more search activity and drive traffic to external sites, third-party studies report a nearly 30% decline in clickthrough rates, arguably a reflection of users finding direct answers and not needing to visit publisher websites. This trend has raised concerns within the online publishing community about the long-term impact on site traffic. Internally, Google views artificial intelligence-driven changes as both a response to and shield against increasing competition from rivals like ChatGPT and Perplexity. The company also faces regulatory scrutiny and remains entangled in antitrust proceedings related to its dominance in search. Looking ahead, Google will test even deeper artificial intelligence integrations, including deeper search capabilities, opt-in access to users’ apps for more personalized results, and an ´Ultra´ subscription service offering enhanced features and storage.
