Google testing one-click AI search shortcut to simplify user experience

Google is streamlining its AI Mode search experience, eliminating the cumbersome process currently required to initiate new searches. The company appears to be testing a new shortcut button in the Google app that would allow users to start fresh AI Mode searches directly from results pages, rather than forcing them back to the home screen. This potential update represents Google’s ongoing effort to make its AI-powered search features more accessible and user-friendly following the recent expansion of AI Mode beyond premium subscribers.

The big picture: Google’s AI Mode, powered by Gemini 2.0, combines traditional search results with AI-generated overviews to deliver more comprehensive answers.

• The service was recently made available to all users, not just premium subscribers, marking a significant democratization of the technology.
• According to Android Authority’s discovery, Google is now testing interface improvements to make the AI search experience more intuitive.

How it works now: Starting a new AI Mode search currently requires a multi-step process that sends users back to the Google app’s home page.

• Users must initiate searches from the home screen, load results, then activate the AI Mode filter.
• Follow-up questions can only be asked about the specific topic of the original search.
• Starting a completely new search topic requires returning to the home page and beginning again.

The coming improvement: The tested update introduces a shortcut button in the top left corner of results pages, represented by a square with a pencil icon.

• This shortcut would allow users to start fresh AI Mode searches directly from results pages without returning to the home screen.
• Google is also reportedly replacing the clipboard icon with a larger clock icon featuring the Gemini star logo to access AI Mode search history.

What’s next: While these interface changes aren’t yet widely available, their detection in testing suggests they’ll arrive in a future update.

• Users who frequently use AI Mode should keep their Google app updated to receive these improvements when released.