Google has started testing a new AI Mode button directly on its main Search homepage, in what seems to be another major step in its push to integrate artificial intelligence into everyday internet use. The new shortcut, which was earlier seen on the mobile Google app, is now being quietly rolled out to some users on desktop through the Search Labs programme.

The button appears in the search bar, next to the microphone and Google Lens icons. It carries a sparkle-styled magnifying glass icon and, when clicked, takes users to the google.com/aimode page. This page includes a side panel to view search history and lets users explore AI-powered responses. In some versions, the AI button even takes the place of the classic “I’m Feeling Lucky” option that has long been a part of Google’s homepage.

There’s also a colourful animation around the new button when the page loads, although it fades out quickly. Google hasn’t rolled out the feature to everyone yet, but users who have opted into Search Labs may start seeing it. Meanwhile, on Android, some beta users have once again spotted the AI Mode option in the Google app’s search widget, although it hasn’t reached the stable version yet.

While this update may seem like just another feature test, it comes at a time when Google’s growing use of AI in search is already raising alarms among publishers. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal revealed that Google’s AI Overviews, which provide direct answers without users needing to click on links, are affecting website traffic, especially for news, health, travel, and product review sites.

As AI-generated answers become more common, users are spending less time clicking on traditional blue links. This change is already showing its impact. For example, traffic from Google Search to The New York Times reportedly dropped to 36.5% in April 2025, down from 44% in 2022, according to Similarweb data quoted in the Journal report.

Google, however, paints a different picture. At its developer event in May, the company said AI Overviews have led to more engagement on search. But it did not confirm whether that engagement benefits publishers.

With fewer clicks going to websites, many publishers are looking for new ways to stay afloat. Some have started licensing deals with AI companies — The New York Times recently signed an agreement with Amazon, while The Atlantic and others have partnered with OpenAI. AI startup Perplexity is trying a new model where it shares ad revenue with publishers when their content appears in chatbot answers.