As Google I/O developer conference approaches (May 20-21), the industry has received major news: Google is planning to launch the next-generation AI search engine based on Gemini2.5, completely replacing the traditional search box interface. This new mode has entered the gray-scale testing phase, marking Google's shift of its largest traffic entry point to AI-driven Gemini ecosystem, posing a significant challenge to competitors like OpenAI and Perplexity. AIbase comprehensively analyzes this transformative move and its potential impact on the global search market.
Gemini AI Search Engine: From Search Box to Smart Interaction
Google's traditional search box has been its core product, but with the rapid development of AI technology, the release of Gemini2.5 has brought a revolutionary upgrade to the search experience. According to AIbase, the new AI search engine will center around AI Mode, replacing the existing search interface to provide an immersive interactive experience. Users can input complex queries via text, voice, or image, receiving multi-segment answers generated by Gemini2.5 instead of traditional web link lists. This mode has already undergone gray-scale testing in Google Search Labs, initially available to Google One AI Premium subscription users.
AIbase tests show that AI Mode supports multi-modal queries, such as uploading images and asking "What is this plant?" or typing "Compare sleep tracking functions of smartwatches and smart rings." Gemini2.5 provides precise and readable answers through multi-step reasoning and real-time network retrieval, along with relevant web links. This experience is similar to Perplexity’s AI search, but thanks to Google's knowledge graph and product data, it has more advantages in real-time performance and information depth.
Gray-Scale Testing: Practical Validation of Gemini2.5
Google announced in March 2025 that AI Mode had entered the testing stage, leveraging Gemini2.5's advanced reasoning and multi-modal capabilities to provide higher-quality answers for complex questions. AIbase learned that test users can access the new interface via google.com/aimode or the AI Mode icon in the Google app. Compared to traditional AI Overviews (already covering 1 billion users), AI Mode supports multi-round conversations and context follow-up inquiries, such as extending from "weekend activity recommendations" to "whether the venue is suitable for children."
Gemini2.5Pro ranks first in benchmarks like LMArena and SWE-Bench Verified, showcasing its outstanding performance in coding, math, and multi-modal tasks. AIbase believes that the success of the gray-scale test will pave the way for the official release at I/O2025, where Google may announce its global rollout plan for AI Mode.
Competitive Impact: Increased Pressure on OpenAI and Perplexity
The launch of Google's AI search engine poses a significant threat to competitors. AIbase analysis shows that OpenAI's ChatGPT Search and Perplexity's AI search rely on external data sources, while Google's search data (user queries, clicks, and results) forms a powerful feedback loop that further optimizes Gemini performance. By March 2025, Gemini's daily active users reached 35 million, with 350 million monthly active users, lagging behind ChatGPT and MetaAI, but leading in integration advantages within search scenarios.
The U.S. Department of Justice pointed out in antitrust litigation that Google consolidates its market dominance through deep integration of search and Gemini. AIbase predicts that if AI Mode completely replaces the search box, competitors like OpenAI may face user loss, especially startups like Perplexity that depend on search scenarios. Google's refusal to allow OpenAI access to its search data further intensifies competitive pressure.
I/O2025 Outlook: Comprehensive Upgrade of the Gemini Ecosystem
Google I/O2025 is expected to become a showcase for the Gemini ecosystem. In addition to the AI search engine, Google may announce the following updates:
Gemini Ultra upgrade: Rumored Gemini Ultra2.0 will bring stronger multi-modal capabilities, possibly introducing Premium Plus and Premium Pro subscription plans priced higher than the current Gemini Advanced ($20/month).
Project Mariner: An AI agent capable of autonomous web navigation and task execution, or deeply integrated with AI Mode to enhance search automation.
Android16 integration: The new search interface may be embedded into Android16, combined with Material3 Expressive design, providing a more intuitive interaction experience.
AIbase noticed that Google emphasized that AI Mode will "center around discovering web content," helping users quickly locate high-quality resources through deep information retrieval. This strategy not only responds to antitrust disputes but also solidifies its position as an information gateway.
AI Reshaping the Internet Through Search
As a professional media in the AI field, AIbase believes that the gray-scale testing of Google's Gemini AI search engine and the potential launch at I/O2025 represent a major transformation from link-oriented to answer-oriented search technology. Gemini2.5's reasoning ability and deep integration with Google's ecosystem provide users with unprecedented convenience, but may also increase market concentration and squeeze the survival space for small AI search start-ups.
AIbase reminds developers that API access to AI Mode may bring new opportunities for third-party applications, but attention should be paid to Google's pricing strategies and data privacy policies.