Google Tests Shortcut For New AI Search Mode On Mobile

Google is intensifying its initiatives to enhance the visibility and detail of AI summaries in search results. As the company aims to refine these overviews into more detailed replies, users may soon see this feature integrated into mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms.

Reports indicate that Google is testing a new shortcut within its Android app for a forthcoming “AI Mode,” which is presently undergoing internal trials. Android Authority reverse-engineered this in-development feature and uncovered a shortcut for AI mode positioned directly beneath the search bar.

This new shortcut is set to replace the existing icons for image/audio search or translation features linked with Google Lens. Nevertheless, distinct icons for voice search and Google Lens still appear in the revamped interface, indicating that Google is likely to retain Lens for the time being rather than immediately replacing it with an image search powered by Gemini.

Interestingly, the icon representing this new mode closely resembles what Google employs for Gemini Live, an interactive and conversational function of its AI chatbot. Internal code references found by Android Authority refer to it as “Search Live,” hinting that this feature may primarily serve Google search purposes.

AI Mode may transform how we Google

As AI chatbots gradually emerge as viable conversational substitutes for conventional web searches, Google is eager not to miss out on this trend. In addition to enabling us to search for information via its own Gemini chatbot, the company is integrating AI into web searches, with the anticipated AI mode viewed as an extension of its AI overviews.

Leaked screenshots suggest that the AI mode will provide more detailed responses atop search results, akin to what Gemini offers. Instead of merely listing the top website results, this mode could consolidate information from various web pages while providing links to the original sources. Users would also have the option to pose follow-up questions, and the feature would occupy the entire upper section of the search results.

Currently, Google is assessing this feature internally, which may result in some adjustments before it is released to the public. Given that search advertisements constitute the bulk of Google’s revenue, it will be intriguing to see how they are integrated within the AI mode, particularly if this is established as the default search interface.