Google Tests AI Mode in Search, Possibly Replacing 'I’m Feeling Lucky' Button

Google is exploring the integration of an AI Mode search feature, which could potentially replace the long-standing "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. User reports from platforms like X and Threads indicate that the tech giant is testing various placements for the new AI Mode tab. In some instances, it appears in the search bar next to the "search by image" button, while in others, it takes the place of the "I’m Feeling Lucky" button beneath the search bar. Additionally, the AI Mode button has been seen with a distinctive rotating rainbow border that highlights it among Google's other options. On May 1st, Google announced that a small percentage of US users would begin seeing the AI Mode option in their Google Search experience. These early tests offer insight into how the feature might look if it becomes widely available. However, the scope of these trials remains limited to participants in Google's experimental Labs environment, as confirmed by Google spokesperson Ashley Thompson in a statement to The Verge. Thompson explained, "We frequently test different ways to make our features more accessible to users. This is just one of many experiments we are conducting." Despite this, the potential replacement of the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button with AI Mode has stirred discussions and concerns. The "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, which has been a part of Google's homepage since its inception, allows users to go directly to the top search result. It is a beloved, albeit less frequently used, feature for many. The introduction of AI Mode reflects Google's broader strategy to leverage advanced AI capabilities in its search functionality. By offering chatbot-like interactions, Google aims to provide users with more direct and efficient answers to their queries. Whether this means the traditional search results page will become less prominent or the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button will disappear entirely remains to be determined. For now, these tests are merely experiments, and the final design and placement of the AI Mode feature are still under consideration. The rotating rainbow border, particularly noticeable in the design that replaces "I'm Feeling Lucky," is likely intended to draw attention to the new option. Given Google's history of iterating and refining features based on user feedback, it is plausible that the appearance and functionality of AI Mode could change before a full rollout. While the impact of these changes on user experience is uncertain, they underscore Google's commitment to innovation in the realm of search technology. The company continues to explore ways to enhance and streamline the process of finding information online, balancing the needs and preferences of its diverse user base. As AI technology advances, the integration of such features into mainstream search engines like Google is a significant step forward in the tech industry, potentially reshaping how we interact with and find information on the web.