Google has introduced two major updates to improve its search experience: a Gemini 2.0 upgrade for AI Overviews and a new experimental feature called AI Mode.
Gemini 2.0 Expands AI Overviews
Google is rolling out Gemini 2.0 for AI Overviews in the U.S. starting March 5, 2025, targeting tough questions like coding problems, advanced math, and multimodal queries.
Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, noted, “With Gemini 2.0, we deliver faster, higher-quality responses and show AI Overviews more often for these complex searches.” More features are in the works, he added.
The update also widens access. Teens can now use AI Overviews, and no sign-in is required, making it simpler for everyone, Stein highlighted.
AI Mode: A New Search Experiment
Google has launched AI Mode in Labs, an experimental feature built on a custom version of Gemini 2.0. It tackles advanced searches with reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and deeper exploration.
Stein explained, “AI Mode lets users ask nuanced questions, compare options, and get AI-generated answers with links for more details.” It simplifies tasks like learning new concepts or evaluating products, he said.
What makes AI Mode unique is its integration with Google’s top systems, including the Knowledge Graph, real-time data, and shopping info for billions of products.
Using a “query fan-out” technique, it runs multiple related searches across subtopics and sources, then combines them into a clear, comprehensive response. This provides more depth than a typical Google search, Stein added.
Practical Examples
Take a question like, “What are the differences in sleep tracking features between a smart ring, smartwatch, and tracking mat?” AI Mode uses a step-by-step approach—planning, searching, and refining—to deliver a thorough answer with links. Users can follow up with, “What happens to your heart rate during deep sleep?” and get a quick, well-structured reply with relevant resources, Stein noted.
Commitment to Content Discovery
Stein emphasized, “Helping people discover web content remains at our core. AI Mode makes it easier to explore topics and take action.” The system’s advanced retrieval lets users express detailed, specific needs, guiding them to high-quality web content in various formats, he highlighted.
User Feedback and Future Plans
Testers have praised AI Mode’s speed, accuracy, and fresh responses, Stein said. Starting March 5, 2025, Google expands it as an opt-in test in Labs, with Google One AI Premium subscribers getting first access.
“We’ll refine it quickly based on feedback from eager users,” Stein added.
Future updates will include visuals like images and videos, richer formatting, and new ways to reach web content, he noted.
Availability
Gemini 2.0 for AI Overviews begins in the U.S. on March 5, 2025, opening to teens without a sign-in. AI Mode testing starts the same day in Labs, with invitations rolling out to Google One AI Premium subscribers, Stein confirmed.