Google’s July 1 Doodle Highlights AI Mode

Today’s Doodle on Google’s homepage isn’t celebrating a historical event or cultural milestone; it’s spotlighting the company’s freshly launched “AI Mode,” which works like Google’s AI Research Assistant for everyday search tasks.

Displayed across Chrome’s new tab on desktop, Android, and iOS, the animated gradient ‘G’ logo draws attention to the tagline “Try AI Mode and search like never before,” prompting users to engage with a new search interface.

The animation is more than just eye candy.

In the U.S., the letters zip together, forming a colorful ‘G’ that mirrors how AI Mode consolidates information dynamically.

Here's the GIF of the Doodle:

Clicking the Doodle takes users to a results page featuring an “AI Overview,” a succinct explanation of the feature, along with a subtle gradient accent in the search bar’s corner.

AI Mode has already rolled out fully in the U.S. since its debut at I/O, with India now part of early-stage testing.

Plans are underway to introduce voice interaction via Search Live, camera-enabled queries soon after, deep-research-level follow-ups, personalized context from Gmail, and agentic features like purchasing tickets for users.

A deeper tech breakdown comes from Google’s own blog: AI Mode runs on Gemini 2.5, applying a query fan‑out technique that breaks complex questions into hundreds of sub‑queries. The cohesive response, complete with links and visuals, can be updated through follow-ups or revisited later.

Market and industry watchers are already weighing in. From Search Engine Journal:

“Google AI Mode… introduces a persistent, conversational assistant that blends AI‑generated insights with traditional search results.”

From Direct Digital Holdings:

“Advertisers who adapt to long‑form, niche, and conversational search queries are well‑positioned to thrive in this new landscape.” 

Those perspectives hint at a larger shift: search is transitioning from keyword pages to dialogue-driven informants.

Google’s Doodle is a low-key yet visible nudge for users to try the new experience, visible enough to pique curiosity, subtle enough to feel native.

Here's an insider view of what the front page of Google's AI Mode looks like:

What comes next?

Monetization models will adapt as the interface evolves; brands and advertisers will need new strategies for conversational targeting. AI Mode’s rollout, backed by visual signals and a friendly front door via today’s Doodle, marks a clear step toward a more interactive, AI-first future for search.

For readers:

Check out the Doodle yourself by visiting Google (Google.us) and try AI Mode. Consider how it responds to multi-part questions, and keep an eye out for updates in India. The transition from classic search to AI-driven dialogue is underway, and small signals like this one suggest big implications are ahead.