Google Advances Search with AI Overviews and New AI Mode
Google is enhancing its AI-powered search features, rolling out Gemini 2.0 upgrades for AI Overviews and introducing an experimental AI Mode. These updates aim to provide users with more comprehensive and insightful answers to complex questions.
Robby Stein, VP of Product, Google Search
AI Overviews, already utilized by over a billion people, are receiving a significant upgrade with Gemini 2.0, initially in the U.S. This enhancement allows the system to handle more challenging queries, starting with areas like coding, advanced math, and questions requiring multimodal responses. Google anticipates a significant improvement in response quality and speed, providing more frequent and relevant AI Overviews for these types of inquiries.
A key aspect of this update is expanded accessibility. AI Overviews are now available to teens, and users no longer need to sign in to access the feature.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Google is also introducing an early experiment in Labs: AI Mode. This feature expands the capabilities of AI Overviews by incorporating advanced reasoning, thinking, and multimodal functionalities. It is designed to assist users in tackling their most complex questions and provide AI-powered responses, along with options for follow-up questions and relevant web links.
AI Mode functions using a custom version of Gemini 2.0, particularly well-suited for questions demanding detailed exploration, comparative analysis, and logical reasoning. This means users can ask intricate, multi-part questions and seek further clarification through follow-up inquiries.
AI Mode utilizes a “query fan-out” technique, simultaneously running multiple related searches across different subtopics and sources. This methodology consolidates results into a single, easy-to-understand response, enhancing the breadth and depth of information compared to traditional search methods.
For example, if a user asks, “what’s the difference in sleep tracking features between a smart ring, smartwatch and tracking mat,” the system will conduct various searches to compile and synthesize the data. This approach allows for a more efficient and in-depth exploration of a topic.
Google emphasizes that providing access to content from across the web is central to its strategy. AI Mode allows users to articulate their search queries with all their nuances to find the right web content by leveraging the model’s advanced information retrieval.
Google is currently conducting testing of AI Mode within Labs. Early feedback from internal teams and trusted testers highlights the speed, quality, and up-to-date nature of the responses. Testing is now expanding with a limited, opt-in experience in Labs, to gather feedback.
Google is using the model’s reasoning capabilities to improve factuality. The aim is for the AI-powered response to present information objectively based on what’s available on the web; however, the company acknowledges that it may not always get it right. Google is working to address these types of challenges and to improve the user experience based on the feedback it receives.
Google One AI Premium subscribers will be the first to try out this experience in Labs. More updates are anticipated, including visual responses with images and video, and improved formatting. The initiative highlights Google’s commitment to continuously improving and refining its AI-powered search features to meet the evolving needs of its users.
