Google confirms testing new buttons on home page to drive users to AI-powered search features

Google is testing new buttons on the Google home page, right beneath the search box, to encourage searchers to try out AI Mode and other AI-powered search features. The buttons are named create images, ask about files and brainstorm and when clicked on, it takes you into AI Mode.

I spotted the test this morning and covered it at the Search Engine Roundtable , but now Google has confirmed this as a limited test.

Google confirmed the test. Robby Stein, Google’s VP of Product, wrote on X:

• “This is a small test on desktop to help people find new things they can do with Search.”

He added that this has no impact on the core search box, he wrote:

• “No impact to how the core search box works – just add your question and hit enter as usual (which is how most people search anyways!)”

What it looks like. Here is a screenshot of the Google home page with these additional buttons:

I should note that these additional features:

• Create images

• Ask about files

• Brainstorm

These features are under the + sign on the left side of the search box. I guess Google wants more people to discover and know about these features.

Why we care. If Google rolls this out to more users, it will likely have an impact on how people find and use AI Mode from Google Search.

I personally can replicate this and honestly, after 20 years of ignoring the “I’m feeling lucky” button, I might be conditioned to ignore these new additional buttons.