Google is using a unique animated Doodle to advertise its AI-powered search function, “AI Mode,” right on its homepage. This is an uncommon approach, since it substitutes a promotional push for its chatbot-like search experience for the typical Doodle that honors individuals or occasions.
You might have noticed a novel twist if you opened Google on Tuesday. The tech giant displayed an animated advertisement for AI Mode, its newest AI-powered search tool, in place of the customary cultural or historical Doodle. This unconventional action is intended to draw attention to Google’s Gemini-powered chatbot interface, AI Mode, which is intended to provide conversational responses to complicated queries.
How does AI mode operate, and what is it?
Google’s AI Mode is not a recent development. Back in March 2025, it made its debut in a few nations alongside standard search results. But so far, this is the most prominent spot it has had.
With the use of Google’s most sophisticated large language model, Gemini, AI Mode enables users to:
Pose intricate or multi-part queries.
Obtain comprehensive, AI-generated answers
Communicate by voice, text, or even by uploading images.
By merging several searches into a single comprehensive result—basically, conversational search—the application aims to save consumers time.
Google’s significant AI drive coincides with growing rivalry.
Google is taking the deployment of AI very seriously, as evidenced by this promotional usage on the homepage, which is often saved for tributes. A representative explained that this was “just a fun promo” to increase awareness rather than a typical Doodle.
Additionally, Google has already experimented with positioning AI Mode in prominent homepage areas. The corporation indicated its intention to change user behavior in May when it momentarily replaced the recognizable “I’m Feeling Lucky” button with an AI Mode shortcut.
This most recent action seems to be a component of a larger plan to contend with emerging AI firms such as Perplexity AI, Claude by Anthropic, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Google wants you to adjust to the changing nature of search.
With this daring takeover of the homepage, Google is encouraging billions of users to use a new search method rather than merely promoting a feature. Google’s vision of the future, AI Mode, is smarter, more intuitive, and powered by Gemini as AI becomes more and more integrated into the internet experience.
