Google Enhances AI Mode with Expanded Links and Introduces AI Features in Google News
In response to the evolving ways people consume information, Google has announced a series of updates aimed at enriching user experience and supporting web publishers. These enhancements focus on increasing the visibility of links within AI Mode and the Gemini app, as well as introducing AI-driven features in Google News.
Global Expansion of Preferred Sources
Initially launched in the United States and India, Google’s Preferred Sources feature is now being rolled out to Search users worldwide. This functionality allows users to prioritize their chosen websites and publications within the Top Stories carousel in Search results. Additionally, a From your sources carousel has been introduced to further highlight content from preferred outlets. Users can set their preferred sources by tapping the star icon adjacent to Top stories on the results page, with many sites offering direct shortcuts for this purpose.
Google reports that users who designate preferred sources tend to click on content from these sites twice as often on average. To date, nearly 90,000 unique sources, ranging from local blogs to global news organizations, have been included in this feature. The global rollout for English-language users is expected in the coming days, with support for all supported languages anticipated early next year.
Enhancements to Web Guide in Search
Google is also updating the Web Guide Labs experiment, which utilizes AI to organize search results into thematic groups, catering to more complex and open-ended queries. The latest improvements have doubled the speed of Web Guide, and it will now appear more frequently in the All tab for users who have opted into the experiment.
Increased Inline Links in AI Mode
To provide users with more comprehensive information, Google is increasing the number of inline links within AI Mode responses and refining their design for enhanced usability. These updates include contextual introductions to embedded links, offering explanations as to why a particular link may be beneficial. For instance:
These articles suggest budget-friendly decor ideas, including secondhand shopping, architectural updates like molding and hardware swaps, and DIY projects to achieve a vintage look.
Prioritization of Subscription-Based Content in Gemini App
In the coming weeks, the Gemini app will begin highlighting and prioritizing links from news publications to which users have active subscriptions. A dedicated carousel for these links will be introduced, ensuring that subscribers have easier access to content from their preferred outlets. This feature is slated to expand to AI Mode and AI Overviews next year.
AI Pilot Program with Global Publishers
Google has also announced a new commercial partnership program with publishers worldwide to explore how AI can foster more engaged audiences. Participating organizations include Der Spiegel, El Pais, Folha, Infobae, Kompas, The Guardian, The Times of India, The Washington Examiner, and The Washington Post. This AI pilot program aims to develop new features for Google News across mobile apps and the website, leveraging AI to enhance content delivery and user engagement.
As the landscape of information consumption continues to evolve, Google’s latest initiatives underscore its commitment to improving user experiences and supporting the broader web ecosystem through innovative AI applications.
