Summary
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Google is rolling out a new AI mode which enables users to start conversations, share files and interact with information in a way that is more like an AI chatbot experience
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The new feature is geared towards users in the US who are over 18 and have enabled their web search history, allowing them to access a dedicated AI mode tab in search
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AI mode lets users ask questions using text, voice or images and gets chatbot replies, enabling deeper and more contextual searches with follow-up questions
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The feature presents information as a unified answer, drawing on real-time data, product details and promotions, and pushing the list of links to the side
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This is a potential game-changer for publishers and the web, although Google has not seen a big drop in traffic to external sites so far
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The new feature is still in the experimental stage and Google is promising to listen to user feedback to keep improving the experience before a wider roll-out