Google has quietly redesigned parts of its main search page, placing artificial intelligence at the forefront. The newly expanded AI Mode now occupies a prominent position on Google.com, taking over the spot once held by the classic “I’m Feeling Lucky” button.

Spotted by users on social media, the change reflects Google’s broader push to integrate AI into the core of its search experience. While the new feature was rolled out more widely earlier this month, its exact layout varies. In some user accounts, AI Mode appears beside the search bar, while in others, it completely replaces the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button—depending on the user’s test group and AI settings.

Figure 1.'I'm Feeling Lucky' Button.

Unlike traditional search results that offer a mix of links and brief snippets, AI Mode delivers a full-length, AI-generated response to a query. Users can access this feature either by typing a question and selecting the AI Mode button or by going directly to google.com/aimode.Figure 1 shows 'I'm Feeling Lucky' Button.

This shift builds on last year’s launch of AI Overviews, but takes the concept further by placing AI results front and center. The answers appear on a dedicated page rather than mixed with standard search listings. According to Google, this version of AI Mode is part of a series of experimental features and has not yet been finalized as a permanent homepage change.

A Visual and Strategic Redesign

In addition to reshaping search functionality, Google has refreshed its branding. The well-known “G” logo now features blended transitions between its signature red, green, yellow, and blue colors, replacing the previous segmented look. This updated logo is prominently displayed near the AI Mode feature.

Meanwhile, the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, once a quirky favorite that took users directly to the top search result, has seen declining use. Even back in 2007, it accounted for only about 1% of all searches [1]. Today, with most users typing queries directly into browser address bars, such homepage features have become less central.

A Shift from Search Engine to Answer Engine

While this update may seem minor on the surface, it represents a deeper transformation in how Google envisions search. The company is clearly steering away from delivering a list of links and moving toward providing a single, comprehensive AI-generated response.

Other search competitors are making similar moves. Microsoft’s Bing was the first major engine to integrate an AI assistant, using OpenAI’s technology to enhance its results. Startups like Perplexity and You.com are pushing innovation further, offering direct answers with citations instead of traditional link-based results.

As more users turn to tools like ChatGPT for quick facts and research help, Google is no longer just facing competition from other search engines—it’s now contending with a growing wave of “answer engines.” This marks not just a product evolution for the company, but a pivotal moment that could redefine its role in the digital information landscape.

Reference

1. https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2025/05/google-homepage-pushes-ai-mode-forward.html

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), Google Shifts to AI-First Homepage, retires 'I'm Feeling Lucky' Button, AnaTechMaz, pp.94.