Google Promotes AI Mode via Homepage Doodle to Showcase Gemini-Powered Search
In an unusual but strategic move, Google has used its iconic homepage Doodle — traditionally reserved for celebrating historical figures and cultural milestones — to promote its latest AI-powered search experience: AI Mode.
On Tuesday, Google replaced its standard Doodle with an interactive animation that directs users to try out AI Mode, the company’s advanced Gemini-based AI search tool. This marks one of the most high-profile promotions of AI Mode since its rollout began in March 2025.
What Is AI Mode?
AI Mode is Google’s chatbot-like search experience that delivers fast, intelligent responses to complex queries. It uses Google Gemini, the company’s flagship AI model, to interpret user input — whether typed, spoken, or submitted via image — and generate relevant, conversational answers.
According to Google, AI Mode helps users:
- Get faster answers to complex or multi-step questions
- Use voice and image inputs for more natural interaction
- Replace multiple traditional searches with one smart query
The feature is embedded directly into the Google search results page and is available to a growing number of users in the United States.
Why Did Google Feature AI Mode in a Doodle?
While Google Doodles are typically reserved for celebrating notable people, holidays, or global events, this particular Doodle is part of what a Google spokesperson called a “fun promo” — an intentional move to boost visibility of AI Mode amid rising competition from AI-focused startups like:
- OpenAI (ChatGPT)
- Anthropic (Claude)
- Perplexity AI (AI-powered answer engine)
This promotional Doodle includes not only a click-through link to AI mode but also a share button, encouraging users to spread awareness of the feature across social platforms.
How to Use Google AI Mode
You can access AI Mode by:
- Visiting Google.com
- Clicking on the AI Mode Doodle
- Typing or speaking a complex query
- Receiving AI-generated answers in a conversational format
Google is also testing AI Mode beneath the search bar, replacing the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, a rare change that shows the importance of this new AI feature.
Google Doubles Down on AI Search Experience
With AI Mode now prominently featured on Chrome landing pages and the Google homepage, it’s clear the tech giant is pushing to compete more aggressively in the AI search space.
As Gemini continues to evolve, Google plans to make AI Mode available to more users and incorporate even deeper integrations into the Workspace ecosystem, including Gmail, Docs, and Sheets.
Key Takeaways
- AI Mode is Google’s latest AI search tool, powered by Gemini
- Promoted via a homepage Doodle — a first-of-its-kind placement
- Offers text, voice, and image input for intelligent search answers
- Competes with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity
- Currently rolling out to more U.S. users and gaining visibility fast
