Google is advancing with AI-driven search outcomes, broadening its AI Overviews feature to encompass a wider array of queries, including intricate math, programming, and multimodal searches. This growth is fueled by Google’s state-of-the-art AI model, Gemini 2.0. Moreover, AI Overviews will now be available to a larger audience beyond the U.S., including individuals who are not logged in, such as adolescents.

The firm is also trialing a new AI search chatbot, akin to ChatGPT’s search mode and Perplexity. Named AI Mode, this feature integrates Google’s live search functionality for timely responses. Presently offered in Google Labs, AI Mode indicates a possible transition towards AI-generated search results becoming the standard.

In spite of earlier missteps in AI-generated search—like advising users to use glue on pizza—Google is steadfast in its mission to incorporate AI across its services. Robby Stein, Google’s VP of Search, mentioned that users increasingly turn to Google Search for intricate inquiries. However, AI Overviews cannot be disabled, and the challenge of AI hallucinations persists.

An evaluation of the first six months of AI Overviews by ex-Mashable editor Mike Pearl revealed that while the feature performs well for straightforward searches, it falters with rare queries, often misinterpreting online information. It also operates on incorrect assumptions, such as recommending baking soda as a thickener for soup. Pearl cautioned that if AI-generated replies fail to identify mistakes, users might not recognize misinformation either, potentially jeopardizing Google’s trustworthiness.

Despite persistent inaccuracies—some of which have turned into a running gag—Google is actively exploring AI-driven search. AI Mode seems to be a direct counter to the rising popularity of AI-enhanced search platforms like Perplexity and ChatGPT. These alternatives have gained momentum as users increasingly seek information from chatbots, challenging Google’s supremacy.

Screenshots from Google Labs depict AI Mode as a new tab within the Google Search application, alongside existing filters like All, Places, Maps, and Images. This feature is powered by Gemini 2.0, which utilizes reasoning capabilities to deconstruct queries into sequential instructions for confirmation. This method aims to minimize hallucinations by enabling the model to verify its replies instead of merely predicting the subsequent word.

Google One AI Premium subscribers, who are charged $20 monthly, will be the first to experience AI Mode, while other users can sign up for a waitlist through Labs.