Google Tests 3 AI Shortcuts for Signed-Out Users, Dropping Search Button

3 articles · Updated · TNW · Aug 11

A small group of signed-out visitors now see three buttons—Create images, Ask about files and Brainstorm—under Google’s search bar, while the standard homepage returns immediately after login.
Two of the three shortcuts work without an account: Ask about files accepts uploads and answers questions, and Brainstorm opens a Gemini chat; only Create images hits a sign-in wall.
The test appears limited and inconsistent across browsers, locations and sessions, with some outlets reproducing it on Chrome, Edge and Comet while others saw only the old layout.
Google has confirmed only that it is a small experiment, not whether it will ship, as the company probes AI usage on its most conservative surface while search faces pressure from AI answers and falling web referrals.

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13 Sources

Why is Google quietly replacing its iconic search button with AI shortcuts, and what does this mean for the internet's future?

If Google's new homepage prioritizes AI brainstorming over traditional web searches, how will websites survive the inevitable drop in organic traffic?