Google Launches AI Mode, Replacing Traditional Search Links

Alphabet’s Google has launched an experimental version of its search engine that eliminates the classic 10 blue links, opting instead for an AI-generated summary. The new feature, available exclusively to Google One AI Premium subscribers, can be accessed via a tab labeled “AI Mode” located alongside options such as Images and Maps.

Robby Stein, Vice President of Product, explained in a blog post that the move comes in response to feedback from power users who requested AI-generated responses for more of their searches. Google One AI Premium, a $19.99-per-month subscription plan, offers additional cloud storage and special access to exclusive AI features.

Reuters reports that this new “AI Mode” is powered by Google’s Gemini 2.0 model, which is designed to handle complex queries with improved reasoning capabilities. Unlike the traditional search results, AI Mode provides a more comprehensive AI-generated summary, including hyperlinks to cited webpages. Users will no longer see the standard blue links but instead will have a search bar to ask follow-up questions.

AI Overviews, which provide summaries above traditional search results, are already available in over 100 countries. Since May, Google has begun integrating advertisements into these AI Overviews. With the introduction of AI Mode, users now experience a more streamlined and interactive search experience, highlighting the growing influence of AI on Google’s search landscape.

As Google’s core business, search-related advertising, faces increasing competition from AI-driven platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the company is diversifying its offerings with AI-enhanced features. Google’s $350 billion revenue in 2024 was largely driven by its search advertising, which now competes against challengers backed by Microsoft.