In a significant update to its search capabilities, Google has unveiled the integration of Gemini 2.0 into its "AI Overviews" and has introduced a new feature called "AI Mode." These enhancements aim to improve the way users find answers to complex queries, including coding challenges and advanced mathematics, while also making AI resources more widely accessible than ever before.
With AI Overviews, Google claims that over a billion individuals are interacting with this feature, although the term "users" is a bit misleading, as the functionality is automatically available rather than something users can choose to activate. Alarmingly, this new AI-centric approach is expanding its reach, now including teenagers and users not logged into Google accounts, meaning more individuals will encounter AI Overviews without their explicit consent.
To further enhance the search experience, Google is testing "AI Mode," which offers users the option to engage with advanced AI capabilities via Search Labs. This mode allows for deeper interactions with search queries, including follow-up questions and access to curated web links, all designed to streamline the searching process.
AI Mode utilizes a tailored version of Gemini 2.0, claiming to provide sophisticated reasoning and multi-modal capabilities. Google positions this as a valuable tool for users seeking detailed comparisons or in-depth explorations of topics that would typically require multiple search attempts. However, the efficacy of "reasoning" in AI is still a point of contention among experts.
This new feature combines powerful AI with Google's preeminent information systems to offer high-quality content and real-time updates from sources such as the Knowledge Graph, along with extensive shopping information. Google also acknowledged that, despite aiming for objectivity, some AI-generated responses may unintentionally reflect biases, committing to address these issues in future testing phases.
Lastly, for those eager to explore these advancements, Google will begin inviting Google One AI Premium subscribers to try out the "AI Mode" in the coming weeks.
