Google's Iconic Homepage Sees a New Contender: "AI Mode" Button Emerges Google's minimalist homepage, a digital landmark visited billions of times a day, is known for its steadfast design. Changes to this prime online real estate are rare and always significant. Recently, however, keen-eyed users and search industry watchers have spotted a notable new addition: an "AI Mode" button, signaling a potentially transformative shift in how users might interact with the world's most popular search engine. This experiment underscores Google's accelerating drive to weave artificial intelligence deeper into the fabric of its core products. A New Neighbor for the Search Button: Prime Real Estate for AI The new "AI Mode" button is reportedly being tested directly beneath the familiar Google search bar, appearing alongside the traditional "Google Search" button. For some users participating in this experiment, this new AI option has replaced the long-standing "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, a whimsical feature that has been part of Google's identity for years. As noted by CNBC and search expert Glenn Gabe , this placement gives the AI Mode "prime real estate," making it highly visible and accessible. This strategic positioning suggests Google is keen on encouraging users to explore AI-powered search functionalities. Clicking the "AI Mode" button, as demonstrated by user @AndellDam , transports the user into a dedicated AI Mode interface, distinct from the standard search results page. However, for those preferring the classic experience, simply typing a query and hitting 'enter' still initiates a normal Google search, ensuring that traditional functionality remains undisturbed . From Results Page to Homepage: The Evolving Test Strategy The appearance of AI Mode on the homepage marks an evolution in Google's testing strategy. In a March 2025 announcement, the company had indicated that "AI Mode" would initially be tested on Google's results page for select users . The current experiment, placing the feature directly on the highly coveted homepage, suggests an increased emphasis on making these advanced AI capabilities more immediately discoverable and integral to the initial search experience. A Google spokesperson confirmed that this specific homepage test began rolling out to some users in the Google "Labs" program—Google's platform for testing experimental features—around mid-May 2025 . This controlled rollout allows Google to gather valuable user feedback on a feature that could fundamentally alter its most-used interface. Unlocking Advanced Capabilities: What "AI Mode" Promises Google's vision for "AI Mode" extends beyond simple keyword matching. The company previously billed it as an early experiment in Labs designed to perform "more advanced reasoning, thinking and multimodal capabilities so you can get help with even your toughest questions" . This points towards a search experience capable of understanding complex, nuanced queries, potentially synthesizing information from multiple sources, and perhaps even interacting with users through different modalities (text, images, voice) more seamlessly. While the specifics of the AI Mode interface are still emerging from these limited tests, the underlying goal appears to be to provide users with a more powerful tool for information discovery and problem-solving, particularly for queries that go beyond simple fact-finding. An Experiment in Progress: The "Labs" Approach It's crucial to understand that the "AI Mode" button on the homepage is currently an experiment. A Google spokesperson emphasized that the company "tests many experiments with its users of 'Labs,'" and that "tested products do not always go on to launch broadly" . This iterative approach is standard practice for Google, allowing for refinement and validation before any potential large-scale deployment. The search community, including figures like Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable , is closely monitoring these developments. Observations from users like @AndellDam and Glenn Gabe, who shared screenshots and initial impressions , provide early insights into how this feature is being implemented and perceived. The Broader Picture: Google's Deepening AI Integration This homepage experiment with "AI Mode" doesn't exist in a vacuum. It aligns perfectly with Google's broader strategic imperative to integrate AI more deeply across its entire suite of products and services. With significant investments in AI models like Gemini and frequent AI-centric announcements at events such as Google I/O , the company is clearly betting big on artificial intelligence as a core driver of future innovation. The potential introduction of a prominent AI search mode directly on the homepage could represent one of the most significant user-facing manifestations of this strategy. It suggests a future where users might choose between a traditional keyword-based search and a more conversational, context-aware AI-powered exploration, all from the same starting point. The Road Ahead: A Glimpse into Search's Future? The appearance of the "AI Mode" button on Google's homepage is a tantalizing glimpse into the potential evolution of search. While its future is not yet set in stone and depends on the outcomes of the current "Labs" testing phase, its presence alone is a strong indicator of Google's direction. It signals a move towards a more intelligent, versatile, and potentially more interactive search experience. For now, the digital world watches with interest. Will the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button make a permanent departure for some, making way for an AI-driven future? Or will this experiment lead to a different integration altogether? Only time and Google's extensive testing will tell. What is clear is that the lines between traditional search and AI-powered assistance are becoming increasingly blurred, right from Google's very own front door.
