Google Tests AI Mode in Search, Experimenting With ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ Button Replacement
Image Credit: Souvik Banerjee | Splash
Google is testing a new “AI Mode” feature in its search engine, offering select U.S. users a conversational AI interface in place of the traditional “I’m Feeling Lucky” button. Rolled out via Google’s Search Labs program, the experimental feature is designed to deliver AI-generated responses and is expected to receive further attention at the upcoming Google I/O 2025 developers conference.
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AI Mode Features
AI Mode gives users access to a chatbot-style search experience, powered by Google’s Gemini 2.0 technology. When users enter a query, they are redirected to an interface that provides concise AI-powered answers, explanations, or recommendations. The system accepts queries through text, voice, or images using Google Lens. Users can also ask follow-up questions for tasks such as trip planning, making comparisons, or searching for local information. AI Mode includes web links in its responses to allow for source verification. The new AI Mode button, introduced near the search bar for some users, has prompted comparisons to the familiar “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, which previously offered direct access to the top-ranked search result. For now, Google is experimenting with the button’s placement, and the classic feature may still be available to some users.
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Current Availability
The AI Mode feature is available exclusively to U.S. users who opt into the Search Labs program. On May 2, 2025, Google expanded access to all Labs participants in the United States after initial limited testing. The feature remains in an experimental phase, with no timeline announced for a broader rollout. Google is actively collecting user feedback to improve the accuracy and usefulness of its responses.
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Google I/O 2025 Outlook
Google is expected to highlight AI Mode at its I/O 2025 conference, focusing on its integration with Gemini technology. The company may showcase how the feature handles complex and conversational queries, positioning it as a competitive advancement alongside other AI-powered search tools, such as ChatGPT and Bing AI. This reflects Google’s ongoing effort to embed AI throughout its search ecosystem.
Industry and User Impact
AI Mode aims to streamline information retrieval for users who prefer conversational answers. However, its reliance on AI-generated responses has raised concerns among web publishers and content creators about the potential reduction in traffic to external sites. In the tech industry, Google’s feature demonstrates the company’s strategy to leverage its search dominance to further advance conversational AI search.
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Source: 9to5 Google, Yahoo! News, TechCrunch, Google Blog
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