Google AI Overviews Get a Boost with Gemini 2.0 and New AI Mode

Google has upgraded its AI Overviews in the United States, now running on the advanced Gemini 2.0 model. This enhancement is set to improve how AI handles complex queries, including coding challenges, advanced math problems, and multimodal searches. According to Google, this update promises faster, more accurate, and higher-quality responses for users.

The tech giant claims that over a billion users are currently engaging with Google AI Overviews. However, this figure is somewhat misleading, as AI Overviews are automatically integrated into search results without users opting in. In a move that broadens this integration, Google is now expanding AI Overviews to include teens and users who aren’t logged into their accounts, eliminating previous ways to bypass the feature.

In addition to enhancing AI Overviews, Google is testing a new feature called AI Mode, available through Search Labs. Unlike AI Overviews, AI Mode requires users to opt-in and offers expanded capabilities, including advanced reasoning, in-depth comparisons, and multimodal processing. This feature appears as a tab on the far left of the search interface, even preceding the “All” tab. Users can ask detailed questions, follow up with additional queries, and access curated web links for further information.

Google AI Overviews and AI Mode are both powered by a customized version of Gemini 2.0, which the company claims is particularly effective for handling questions that require deeper exploration and analysis. Google emphasizes that this new AI experience combines advanced model capabilities with its robust information systems, promising users access to high-quality web content and real-time data from sources like the Knowledge Graph. Shopping data for billions of products is also integrated, making AI Overviews more versatile for users.

However, Google’s disclaimer notes that AI responses might occasionally seem biased or opinionated, despite efforts to present information objectively based on web sources. Google assures users that these issues will be addressed in upcoming testing phases. The company also plans to introduce more visual responses, including images and videos, alongside improved formatting and new methods to access useful web content.

Initially, Google One AI Premium subscribers will receive invitations to try out AI Mode, providing them with an early look at these new capabilities. As Google continues to refine AI Overviews and AI Mode, users can expect a more dynamic and visually rich search experience in the future.