Google has been the main way people search the internet for over 20 years. It used to show a list of 10 blue links to help people find information.
Now, Google is changing how search works by using artificial intelligence (AI). On Tuesday, Google introduced a new feature called AI Mode in its search engine. This feature works like a chatbot — you can ask a question, follow up with more questions, and get detailed answers powered by AI.
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, said this is a complete new way to search. Tests showed that people are using search differently with this new feature.
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Google also announced other AI tools, like smarter email replies and a shopping tool that can buy clothes automatically when they go on sale.
Google is adding AI to search to stay ahead before other AI companies take over. Two years ago, Google warned its employees about the threat of AI after ChatGPT, a chatbot by OpenAI, became popular and started a rush to add AI to tech products.
But Google has been careful to use AI because it depends a lot on search. Last year, Google made nearly $200 billion, mostly from search ads. People trust Google to give them the best answers.
However, AI sometimes makes mistakes. For example, one Google AI system once suggested something dangerous like eating rocks.
AI might already be affecting Google’s search popularity. In a recent court case, an Apple executive said Google’s search traffic dropped for the first time in 22 years because more people use AI tools. Google replied that its search traffic is still growing overall.
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Pete Meyers, an expert who studies Google Search, said Google waited because they were unsure if AI was good enough and how to make money from it. Now, they are adding AI because they have to, even though it feels uncomfortable.
AI Mode started in the US on Tuesday and doesn’t show ads yet. Google will have an event for advertisers soon, where it may share more details.
