Google is accelerating its year-long overhaul of its search engine with new artificial intelligence technology, introducing an ‘AI mode’ that makes interacting with the search engine more conversational. The feature, now available in the United States, allows users to engage with Google’s search engine as if they were having a discussion with an expert on various topics. Google is also integrating its latest AI model, Gemini 2.5, into its search algorithms and plans to test additional AI features, such as automatically purchasing concert tickets and conducting searches through live video feeds.
AI’s Impact on Search Engine Traffic
The expansion builds upon Google’s introduction of ‘AI overviews,’ which provide conversational summaries at the top of search results. While Google executives initially predicted that these overviews would lead to more searches and clicks on other websites, data from search optimization firm BrightEdge suggests that clickthrough rates from Google’s search results have actually declined by nearly 30% over the past year. This decrease is attributed to users becoming increasingly satisfied with the AI-generated summaries.
New AI-Powered Features and Products
Google is also exploring other AI applications beyond its search engine. The company is developing a new pair of Android XR-powered smart glasses, designed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, which will feature a hands-free camera and voice-powered AI assistant. This move comes 13 years after the debut of ‘Google Glass,’ a product that was discontinued due to privacy concerns. Additionally, Google is testing AI features such as ‘Deep Search,’ which will delve deeper into complex topics, and a tool that will generate graphical presentations of sports and finance data.
Premium AI Services
Google is introducing an ‘Ultra’ subscription package, priced at $250 per month, which will offer 30 terabytes of storage and access to its advanced AI capabilities. This represents a significant upgrade from its previous top-tier package, ‘AI Pro,’ which costs $20 per month and includes two terabytes of storage.
The company’s AI mode has acknowledged that its introduction may make Google more powerful, particularly in terms of information access and online influence, while also warning that web publishers should be concerned about potential reductions in traffic from search results. As Google continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of online information and the digital landscape.
