Google has introduced a new “AI Mode” experimental feature in Search designed to handle complex, multi-part questions and follow-ups. As reported by Aisha Malik for TechCrunch, the feature enables users to explore topics in depth directly within Google Search, competing with services like Perplexity AI and ChatGPT Search.
The new feature is initially available to Google One AI Premium subscribers through Search Labs. AI Mode utilizes a custom version of Gemini 2.0 and employs a “query fan-out” technique that runs multiple related searches across various data sources simultaneously, consolidating results into a comprehensive response.
According to Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, users are asking questions approximately twice the length of traditional search queries and following up with additional questions about 25% of the time.
The system is designed to prioritize factuality and verify information, paying special attention to sensitive topics like health. When confidence in information is low, it may simply provide web links rather than a synthesized answer.
Google plans to enhance AI Mode by making it more visual and incorporating diverse information sources, including user-generated content. The company is also training the model to determine when to include hyperlinks or prioritize images and videos in responses.
Alongside AI Mode, Google announced the deployment of Gemini 2.0 for AI Overviews in the US, improving capabilities for coding, advanced math, and multimodal queries. AI Overviews are now available without sign-in and have been extended to teen users.