Google Launches New AI Features and Updates
On Tuesday, Google introduced a new suite of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, building on a year-long evolution in how search engines operate, altering how people access information and shifting web traffic away from other sites.
The latest phase, unveiled at Google’s annual developer conference, includes a new “AI Mode” option available to US users. This feature enables interactions with search engines as if conversing with experts who can tackle a variety of questions.
AI mode is now accessible to all users in the US, just a couple of months after initial testing began in a limited lab setting.
Additionally, Google plans to integrate its latest AI model, Gemini 2.5, into the search algorithm and will commence testing other features. These include capabilities like automatically purchasing concert tickets and searching through live video streams.
In a demonstration of its commitment to AI, Google announced a return to the smart glasses market with a new pair that will run on Android XR. This comes over 13 years after the initial launch of Google Glass, which was abandoned due to concerns about privacy.
While the company hasn’t shared the release date or pricing for the Android XR glasses, they indicated collaboration with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on their design. These glasses will compete with similar offerings from Meta’s platform and Ray-Ban.
This expansion follows a shift that began a year ago, with the introduction of a feature called “AI Overview,” which is increasingly seen at the top of search result pages, challenging conventional web link rankings.
According to Google, approximately 1.5 billion users are engaging with the “AI Overview,” often using longer and more sophisticated search queries.
At the conference, Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated, “We are entering a new era of the AI platform shift, translating decades of research into real-world applications.”
Despite Pichai and other executives predicting that the AI overview would increase searches and clicks on external sites, data from research firm BrightEdge suggests otherwise. Their recent study found a nearly 30% drop in click-through rates from Google search results over the past year.
The decision to roll out AI modes broadly, following a short testing period, reflects Google’s assurance that the technology will not spread misinformation that might threaten its reputation. It acknowledges growing competition from AI-driven search options like ChatGPT.
The swift emergence of AI alternatives is a recurring issue in ongoing legal proceedings, particularly after a federal judge ruled that search engines operate as an illegal monopoly last year.
In testimony earlier this month, longstanding Apple executive Eddy Cue pointed out that searches via Safari on Apple devices have been decreasing.
Google attributes this trend to the rise of AI, indicating that changes in search engine operations are necessary as technology transforms the competitive landscape.
Nonetheless, Google’s reliance on AI seems to reinforce its position as the primary internet gateway. This is a key reason for Alphabet Inc.’s substantial market value of $2 trillion.
In the past year, Google recorded 136 billion monthly visits, based on data from oneLittleweb.com.
Interestingly, when an Associated Press reporter inquired whether the adoption of AI modes would enhance Google’s strength, it was noted that the search engines would likely not suffer significantly from the transition to AI technologies.
“Yes, it’s probable that Google’s AI mode will strengthen the company, particularly in information access,” the mode indicated, adding that web publishers might experience diminished traffic due to changes in search results.
Anticipated tests in Google’s Labs category hint at upcoming AI technologies that will soon be accessible to the general public.
Besides exploring ticket purchases and restaurant reservations using Project Mariner Technology, Google plans to test live video functionalities and optional access to users’ Gmail and other Google applications to better understand preferences and habits. Other features slated for this summer include a “deep search” function that leverages AI to explore complex subjects and tools for visually presenting sports and financial data.
Google is also introducing a subscription package called “Ultra,” priced at $250 per month for 30 terabytes of storage. This represents a significant advancement beyond their previously available package, now referred to as “AI Pro,” which offers two terabytes for $20 a month.
