A Game-Changing Update for Google Search

Brace yourselves, because Google Search is on the brink of a monumental transformation! The tech giant is preparing to make "AI Mode" the new go-to experience, fundamentally changing how users interact with search.

AI Mode takes Google's existing capabilities to the next level, similar to ChatGPT, allowing for an ongoing conversation after your initial search. This shift is turning Google from merely a gateway to the web into a self-contained platform focused on generative AI.

Hints from Google product manager Logan Kilpatrick have fans buzzing—he teased on X that AI Mode could become the default experience soon. Notably, visiting google.com/ai now leads users straight to AI Mode, and Kilpatrick's cryptic reply to a user’s query hinted at imminent changes.

Expanding AI Mode Globally

Currently, AI Mode is operational in over 180 countries outside the EU, though it hasn’t yet replaced the traditional search function. The latest update introduced agent capabilities, enabling users to book local services or purchase event tickets directly through the chat feature.

Legal Turmoil: Are We Witnessing the Decline of the Open Web?

Ironically, as Google pushes its new AI-centric model, its legal team is making dire claims about the future of the open web. In a lawsuit regarding its ad tech division, they stated, "the open web is already in rapid decline." This assertion highlights a significant shift in advertising dollars moving away from open websites toward alternatives like connected TV and AI chatbots.

Google argues that dismantling its ad business would aggravate this decline, potentially jeopardizing the publishers that rely on open web revenue. The company is resisting proposals that would mandate selling its AdX exchange or changing its auction logic to increase competition.

A Contradictory Defense?

The irony in Google’s position is palpable. While they proclaim themselves defenders of the open web, they are simultaneously developing AI Mode that channels more traffic into their ecosystem, potentially exacerbating the very trend they caution against. As the landscape of online search and advertising shifts, the implications for both users and publishers are profound. Will this new AI-centric approach ultimately hinder the open internet, or lead to innovative solutions? Only time will tell!