Google Tests New Refresh Shortcut for AI Mode

Google is currently testing an update to its AI Mode in search, aiming to enhance user navigation after they enter a query.

The AI Mode, fueled by the Gemini 2.0 technology, offers an upgraded search experience that merges contextual AI Overviews with relevant search links. At present, this feature is available to Google One AI Premium subscribers in a preview phase. However, Google might expand access to free users and also enhance the process for resetting discussions within AI Mode.

Recently, an APK teardown reported by Android Authority has uncovered details about a prospective new feature in Google's AI Mode. This addition is a shortcut that permits users to refresh their conversation without needing to leave the AI Mode page.

Currently, initiating AI Mode on Google Search involves several steps. Users can access the feature through the AI Mode shortcut in the Google app on their home screen or by applying the AI Mode filter on desktop search results. Once a query is made, follow-up questions can be posed on the same topic. However, to start a completely new conversation, users must return to the home page of the app or desktop and re-enter AI Mode.

The shortcut being tested in the app's beta version (16.11.32.sa.arm64) aims to eliminate the need for switching back and forth between the main Google Search and the AI Mode apps to renew conversations. An icon that resembles a paper and pencil, located at the top left of the results page, enables users to refresh the page without exiting AI Mode.

This feature has only been observed in the beta release and hasn’t yet been rolled out to the public version of AI Mode but may be included in future updates.

Meanwhile, Google One AI Premium subscribers have been enjoying early access to AI Mode. Recently, users on the waitlist, who hold free Google accounts, have started receiving notifications about their access to this feature, as reported by 9to5Google.

These users can now see the AI Mode filter prominently displayed on the home screen of the Google app or within the Google search results.

Google, AI, Search