Google Unveils New 'AI Mode' Search Feature in the UK
Google launches 'AI Mode' in the UK, focusing on conversational search responses.
Key Points
- • Google launches 'AI Mode' search feature in the UK.
- • AI Mode provides conversational answers instead of traditional search results with links.
- • Concerns arise over reduced traffic to businesses and news outlets due to fewer links in AI-generated responses.
- • A Pew Research study indicates a significant drop in link clicks when AI summaries are present.
On July 29, 2025, Google rolled out its innovative 'AI Mode' search feature in the UK, marking a significant evolution in the way users interact with search technologies. This new operational mode generates responses in a conversational style, moving away from the traditional search result format that included links to external websites. While existing search functionalities remain available, the introduction of AI Mode signals a major shift in user experience, as it simplifies information retrieval for users who increasingly prefer quick, concise responses.
AI Mode employs Google's Gemini AI platform and has already seen implementation in regions like the US and India prior to its UK launch. Users will be able to opt into this mode via a special tab or directly within the search bar. Hema Budaraju, Google's product manager for search, expressed that the AI Mode is intended to enhance users' journeys in seeking information, despite the potential detriment it poses to external sites that generate revenue from search traffic.
Concerns are mounting regarding the impact this move may have on businesses and news outlets dependent on Google for user traffic. For example, the Daily Mail reported a dramatic 50% decrease in referral clicks from Google since the introduction of AI features. This drop aligns with findings from a recent Pew Research study, which revealed that users click on links only once in every 100 searches when AI-generated summaries dominate the results page. This trend raises alarms for news organizations struggling to attract readers to their articles.
Furthermore, the implications of AI Mode extend beyond user behavior, as questions surrounding the integration of advertising revenue within AI responses remain unresolved. Analysts are also apprehensive about the environmental repercussions of increased AI usage, noting the significant energy consumption associated with running AI data centers. Despite these challenges, Google emphasizes its commitment to sustainability while continuing to advance its technology.