Google is reportedly exploring a significant change to its search engine homepage, potentially replacing the iconic "I'm Feeling Lucky" button with an AI-powered "AI Mode". This shift reflects Google's increasing focus on integrating artificial intelligence, particularly its Gemini AI model, into its core search functionalities.

The "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, a fixture on the Google search page since the company's inception in 1998, directly takes users to the first search result, bypassing the search results page. While once a useful time-saver, it has largely become a playful throwback in the era of high-speed internet.

In contrast, the "AI Mode" aims to provide intelligent assistance by transforming the search engine into a conversational chatbot. This new feature, powered by Gemini, allows users to ask complex, multi-part questions and receive AI-generated answers with follow-up questions and helpful web links. For example, a user could ask "when is the best time to book a flight to Hawaii, and what should I pack for the trip?" and receive a detailed breakdown of each question with links to relevant sources. Google's AI mode uses a "query fan-out" technique, which issues multiple related searches across subtopics and data sources concurrently to provide an easy-to-understand response.

"AI Mode" is not the same as "AI Overviews," which provides AI-generated summaries at the top of some Google searches. Instead, "AI Mode" allows Gemini to conduct the search and engage in a conversation with the user. This approach aligns with the growing trend of conversational AI in search, as seen with OpenAI's ChatGPT Search.

Google has been gradually rolling out "AI Mode" to users. It initially started as an experimental opt-in feature through Google Labs and became available to all Labs users earlier this month. Now, it is reportedly appearing on the main Google homepage, potentially replacing the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. Some users are also seeing the "AI Mode" shortcut within the search bar itself.

The potential replacement of the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button with "AI Mode" has sparked mixed reactions. While some users appreciate the enhanced capabilities and convenience of AI-powered search, others express concern about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated information. AI systems can sometimes make mistakes or fabricate facts, as highlighted by the issues with Google's AI Overviews. There are also concerns that AI-powered search might reduce traffic to websites, as users may rely on AI-generated summaries instead of visiting the original sources.

Google emphasizes that helping people discover content from the web remains central to its approach. With "AI Mode," the company aims to make it easier for users to explore and take action by providing access to high-quality web content and real-time sources.

This potential change to the Google homepage underscores the company's commitment to AI-driven innovation. Google is integrating Gemini and other AI-powered services across its apps and platforms, aiming to provide users with more helpful and personalized experiences. The timing of this potential change, with Google I/O kicking off next week, suggests that AI will be a major focus of the event.