Google Tests AI Mode Side Panel In Search Results
Google is testing an AI Mode side panel in Search, which may show chat history when signed in. This test could change the user experience.
Original reporting · searchenginewatch.com
Original: “Google tests AI Mode side panel in Search results”
Read “Google tests AI Mode side panel in Search results” at Search Engine Watch →
How this was written. The 5:45 Ops Desk wrote this article with a language model from Search Engine Watch’s reporting (model: @cf/meta/llama-3.3-70b-instruct-fp8-fast); it describes that reporting rather than adding to it. The original, linked above, is the full story.
Key points from Search Engine Watch’s report
- Google is testing an AI Mode side panel in Search results, which may display chat history when signed in.
- The test could change the way users interact with AI Mode and improve the user experience.
- The outcome of the test is unclear, but it could lead to a wider rollout of the AI Mode side panel.
- Other search engines, such as Bing and ChatGPT, are also testing new features.
- The tests could signal a shift in the way search engines display results and interact with users.
Google is testing a new feature in its Search results, according to Search Engine Watch. The feature, called AI Mode, appears as a side panel on the page. This is different from the usual AI Mode tab that users are accustomed to.
The side panel was spotted while searching on Google in Incognito mode. In this mode, the panel displayed a 'You're signed out' message. It is unclear what the panel would show when a user is signed in, but it may display the user's AI Mode chat history.
If the user's chat history is displayed, clicking on a chat may take them into AI Mode. However, this is only an assumption and has not been confirmed. The test was noticed in a specific search query, but it is unclear how widespread the test is.
Google may be planning to change the way users interact with AI Mode, but the company has not announced any plans. The appearance of the side panel could be a test rather than a bug, according to Search Engine Watch. The test could be an attempt to improve the user experience and make AI Mode more accessible.
The test is one of several recent changes to search engines. For example, Google is serving swapped results to scrapers, which can affect ranking data. Other search engines, such as Bing, are also testing new features, including a hover effect that highlights sitelinks.
ChatGPT is also testing new features, including a larger product carousel with 'Shop now' buttons. These tests could signal a shift in the way search engines display results and interact with users. As search engines continue to evolve, users can expect to see more changes and tests in the future.
The outcome of the test is unclear, but it could have implications for the way users interact with Google Search. If the test is successful, it could lead to a wider rollout of the AI Mode side panel. Search Engine Watch reported that the test is currently limited, but it could be expanded to more users in the future.
Questions and answers
What is the AI Mode side panel in Google Search?
The AI Mode side panel is a new feature that appears on the side of the page, which may display the user's chat history when signed in.
Is the AI Mode side panel available to all users?
The AI Mode side panel is currently being tested and is not available to all users.
What other changes are search engines testing?
Other search engines, such as Bing and ChatGPT, are testing new features, including hover effects and larger product carousels with 'Shop now' buttons.
