First Glimpse: AI Features Coming to Search

Google Search’s Upcoming AI Mode: A First Look

Summary: Key Points

• Google is internally testing a new AI-powered mode for its Search functionality.
• An internal email has leaked, providing insights into the feature’s workings and potential user experience upon release.
• This AI Mode is built on a custom version of Gemini 2.0, enabling advanced reasoning and thinking capabilities.

Development and Background

• Google is currently developing an AI mode for its Search engine.
• This new mode aims to make search more conversational.
• The goal is to allow users to ask follow-up questions, refining their initial queries for more tailored results.
• References to the feature were initially detected in the Google app’s code in October.
• A button to launch this AI mode on mobile devices was later identified.
• Now, internal testing of the AI mode has reportedly begun at Google.
• This testing phase provides a clearer idea of how the feature will function when it is released to the public.

Insights from a Leaked Internal Email

• A recent internal email was sent to Google employees, inviting them to test the new AI Mode for Search.
• The email describes the AI Mode as a more intelligent method for researching topics using the search platform.
• The Mode will organize information into easy-to-understand summaries.
• These summaries will include links for further exploration of content across the internet.

Technology Behind the AI Mode

• The AI Mode is powered by a customized version of Gemini 2.0.
• This custom version is built for advanced reasoning and thinking.
• It is designed to handle open-ended, exploratory queries effectively and provide helpful advice and comparisons.
• A core feature of the AI Mode will be the ability for users to ask follow-up questions, allowing for a dynamic and interactive search experience.

Example Queries for AI Mode

These examples were provided in the internal email, highlighting how the AI Mode is intended to be used:

• Example 1: Quantity Calculation
  • "How many boxes of spaghetti should I buy to feed 6 adults and 10 children, and have enough for seconds?"
• Example 2: Product Comparison
  • "Compare wool, down, and synthetic jackets in terms of insulation, water resistance, and durability."
• Example 3: Information Gathering and Follow-up
  • "What do I need to get started with aquascaping?"
    • Follow-up Question: "What are some nearby stores to buy supplies?"

User Interface (UI)

• The internal email included a screenshot demonstrating the early release desktop experience for the AI Mode.

Desktop Experience Details

• A new "AI Mode" option, displayed as a button/chip, is positioned alongside existing search filters such as Images, News, and Shopping.

• Selecting this "AI Mode" option opens a chat interface.

  • The chat interface will present answers to queries.
  • A text box at the bottom will allow users to input follow-up questions.
  • A side panel will show linked relevant information.
• The AI Mode is also accessible on mobile devices for testers, but no screenshots of the mobile interface were included in the email.

Next Steps and Future Availability

• Google has begun internal testing, often referred to as "dogfooding," of the AI Mode.
• This testing phase suggests that a beta testing period might be initiated soon.
• The progress of the AI Mode’s development is being closely followed in anticipation of its public release.
• Users are eager to experience this new AI Mode.
• There is keen interest in how the AI Mode will compare to using the Gemini AI directly for similar types of queries.