Google is currently testing a new “AI Mode” button on its homepage. This experimental feature may replace the iconic “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, a staple of the Google Search interface since the company’s early days.
The “I’m Feeling Lucky” button has traditionally bypassed the usual search results and sends users directly to the top-ranked page related to their query. It’s a nostalgic tool for longtime users and a quirky reminder of Google’s early internet personality. However, with advancements in generative AI and a shift toward more intelligent, conversational search experiences, Google appears ready to evolve.
According to a recent report by The Verge, users have spotted the new “AI Mode” option either replacing the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button under the search bar or appearing within the search bar itself. Screenshots shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads show varying implementations, suggesting that Google is conducting A/B testing with select user groups.
The functionality of “AI Mode” is not fully clear yet, but it likely leverages Google’s Gemini AI to provide answers in a more synthesized, chatbot-like format instead of returning standard search results. This aligns with the company’s broader push into AI-driven search, exemplified by its Search Generative Experience (SGE), which offers AI-generated summaries and contextual answers.
This change could mark a significant shift in how users interact with search engines. Instead of simply directing users to a webpage, AI Mode might offer curated, conversational results — a step closer to the vision of AI as a personal assistant.
While some users may miss the fun and spontaneity of the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, this update reflects Google’s growing focus on integrating AI more deeply into everyday search tasks. Whether AI Mode becomes a permanent feature or simply another test remains to be seen, but it clearly points to the future of search being smarter and more interactive.
