Google's AI Mode seen as 'strategic adaptation' in search race

Even though at the start of the unprecedented artificial intelligence race that kicked off at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, search giant Google looked like it lagged behind the Microsoft/OpenAI team and later on, Meta, the cards now appear to be reshuffling once again.

In recent months and weeks, Google has become more aggressive in asserting it has caught up to competitors, particularly witnessed through the unveiling of "AI Mode" and a new video-focused model, "Veo 3."

In tech circles, the "AI Mode" has been seen not only as a new feature but as a sort of paradigm and a significant addition to the company's AI offering that could actually put Google back on track to fight rising competition.

Experts also consider it "a strategic adaptation aligned with the rise of AI-powered search," and "an adjustment to evolving tech habits."

Google itself says it is "our most powerful AI search, with more advanced reasoning and multimodality, and the ability to go deeper through follow-up questions and helpful links to the web."

'Transform' user experience

"AI Mode has the potential to transform user experience through contextual responses and extensive data integration," said Alp Cenk Arslan, an AI and security expert and an assistant professor at the Turkish National Police Academy.

However, he argued that claiming that this move “defends” Google’s leadership in the search engine market "may overlook current competitive dynamics."

He cited that its rivals, like P