Google’s unleashes ‘AI Mode’ in the next phase of its journey to change search

The expansion builds upon a transformation that Google began a year ago with the introduction of conversational summaries. (AFP)
The expansion builds upon a transformation that Google began a year ago with the introduction of conversational summaries. (AFP)
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Updated 21 May 2025
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Google’s unleashes ‘AI Mode’ in the next phase of its journey to change search

Google’s unleashes ‘AI Mode’ in the next phase of its journey to change search
  • Google is also feeding its latest AI model, Gemini 2.5, into its search algorithms and will soon begin testing other AI features

CALIFORNIA: Google on Tuesday unleashed another wave of artificial intelligence technology to accelerate a year-long makeover of its search engine that is changing the way people get information and curtailing the flow of Internet traffic to websites.
The next phase outlined at Google’s annual developers conference includes releasing a new “AI mode” option in the United States. The feature makes interacting with Google’s search engine more like having a conversation with an expert capable of answering questions on just about any topic imaginable.
AI mode is being offered to all comers in the US just two-and-a-half-months after the company began testing with a limited Labs division audience.
Google is also feeding its latest AI model, Gemini 2.5, into its search algorithms and will soon begin testing other AI features, such as the ability to automatically buy concert tickets and conduct searches through live video feeds.
In another example of Google’s all-in approach to AI, the company revealed it is planning to leverage the technology to re-enter the smart glasses market with a new pair of Android XR-powered spectacles. The preview of the forthcoming device, which includes a hands-free camera and a voice-powered AI assistant, comes 13 years after the debut of “Google Glass,” a product that the company scrapped after a public backlash over privacy concerns.
Google didn’t say when its Android XR glasses will be available or how much they will cost, but disclosed they will be designed in partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The glasses will compete against a similar product already on the market from Facebook parent Meta Platforms and Ray-Ban.
AI’s big role in Google search
The expansion builds upon a transformation that Google began a year ago with the introduction of conversational summaries called “AI overviews” that have been increasingly appearing at the top of its results page and eclipsing its traditional rankings of web links.
About 1.5 billion people now regularly engage with “AI overviews,” according to Google, and most users are now entering longer and more complex queries.
“What all this progress means is that we are in a new phase of the AI platform shift, where decades of research are now becoming reality for people all over the world,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said before a packed crowd in an amphitheater near the company’s Mountain View, California, headquarters.
AI ripples across the Internet
Although Pichai and other Google executives predicted AI overviews would trigger more searches and ultimately more clicks to other sites, it hasn’t worked out that way so far, according to the findings of search optimization firm BrightEdge.
Clickthrough rates from Google’s search results have declined by nearly 30 percent during the past year, according to BrightEdge’s recently released study, which attributed the decrease to people becoming increasingly satisfied with AI overviews.
The decision to make AI mode broadly available after a relatively short test period reflects Google’s confidence that the technology won’t habitually spew misinformation that tarnishes its brand’s reputation, and acknowledges the growing competition from other AI-powered search options from the likes of ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Will AI undercut or empower Google?
The rapid rise of AI alternatives emerged as a recurring theme in legal proceedings that could force Google to dismantle parts of its Internet empire after a federal judge last year declared its search engine to be an illegal monopoly.
In testimony during a trial earlier this month, longtime Apple executive Eddy Cue said Google searches done through the iPhone maker’s Safari browser have been declining because more people are leaning on AI-powered alternatives.
And Google has cited the upheaval being caused by AI’s rise as one of the main reasons that it should only be required to make relatively minor changes to the way it operates its search engine because technology already is changing the competitive landscape.
But Google’s reliance on more AI so far appears to be enabling its search engine to maintain its mantle as the Internet’s main gateway — a position that’s main reason its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., boasts a market value of $2 trillion.
During the year ending in March, Google received 136 billion monthly visits, 34 times more than ChatGPT’s average of 4 billion monthly visits, according to data compiled by onelittleweb.com.
Even Google’s own AI mode acknowledged that the company’s search engine seems unlikely to be significantly hurt by the shift to AI technology when a reporter from The Associated Press asked whether its introduction would make the company even more powerful.
“Yes, it is highly likely that Google’s AI mode will make Google more powerful, particularly in the realm of information access and online influence,” the AI mode responded. The feature also warns that web publishers should be concerned about AI mode reducing the traffic they get from search results.
Even more AI waiting in the wings
Google’s upcoming tests in its Labs division foreshadow the next wave of AI technology likely to be made available to the masses.
Besides using its Project Mariner technology to test the ability of an AI agent to buy tickets and book restaurant reservations, Google will also experiment with searches done through live video and an opt-in option to give its AI technology access to people’s Gmail and other Google apps so it can learn more about a user’s tastes and habits. Other features on this summer’s test list include a “Deep Search” option that will use AI to dig even deeper into complex topics and another tool that will produce graphical presentations of sports and finance data.
Google is also introducing its equivalent of a VIP pass to all its AI technology with an “Ultra” subscription package that will cost $250 per month and include 30 terabytes of storage, too. That’s a big step beyond Google’s previous top-of-the-line package, which is now called “AI “Pro,” that costs $20 per month and includes two terabytes of storage.


Music trade bodies concerned about BBC’s changes to airing live performances

Music trade bodies concerned about BBC’s changes to airing live performances
Updated 13 min 21 sec ago
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Music trade bodies concerned about BBC’s changes to airing live performances

Music trade bodies concerned about BBC’s changes to airing live performances
  • Move could ‘curtail artistic freedom,’ head of Featured Artists Coalition says
  • Move could ‘curtail artistic freedom,’ head of Featured Artists Coalition says

DUBAI: Music trade bodies have accused the BBC of making “arbitrary and disproportionate” changes to its broadcasting and streaming of live music events following the controversy around Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance.

During the punk rap duo’s set at the festival on June 28, they led the crowd in pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli military chants like “free, free Palestine” and “death, death to the IDF.”

The BBC livestreamed the performance in full leading to a backlash from the government.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie ordered the content to not be featured in any other coverage. However, due to a technical issue the stream was available on the BBC iPlayer for about five hours.

Davie and BBC chair Samir Shah have both apologized. The BBC said in a statement: “Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed. This was an error.”

Music industry trade bodies and experts now say the BBC is overreacting.

“The BBC is absolutely fundamental to the continued success of British music and particularly vital to supporting our new and emerging artists’ development,” said David Martin, head of the Featured Artists Coalition, a UK trade body that supports music artists.

The FAC supported the network’s public service broadcasting remit, which understandably came with responsibilities and standards, he said.

“If those standards have been breached, then there should be appropriate guidelines to follow. But the idea of preemptively grading artists according to their risk factor feels arbitrary and disproportionate and a dangerous step toward censorship.”

Such an approach could “curtail artistic freedom” and “inadvertently punish those who are simply expressing their views,” he said.

Naomi Pohl, general secretary of The Musicians’ Union, stressed the importance of the BBC and its role in the music industry.

“It’s such a shame there has been this shadow cast over this year’s Glastonbury coverage, because it has had fantastic viewing figures. It’s been all over iPlayer and people have been tuning in live,” she said.

“We need to talk to the BBC about it directly. But I don’t want to see any broadcasters now broadcasting fewer live events because they don’t want to take the risk. The whole of the music industry will be feeling that, because it’s so crucial to us to have the BBC.”

A BBC spokesperson said the broadcaster stood by its decision to make changes to livestreaming music performances.

“We will continue to bring audiences a range of music performances, both live and on-demand and we respect artists’ freedom of expression,” the person said.

“However, Bob Vylan’s offensive and deplorable behavior on one of our Glastonbury livestreams was completely unacceptable and we are sorry it appeared on the BBC.

“This is why we have made immediate changes to livestreaming music events and these, alongside our editorial guidelines, will shape our plans going forward.”


The Destination: Saudi reforms through the lens of a documentary

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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The Destination: Saudi reforms through the lens of a documentary

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
  • Arabic film produced by Konoz, an initiative by the kingdom’s media ministry

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s transformation toward its Vision 2030 goals has been documented in a new film by the Ministry of Media.

Launched by the ministry’s Konoz initiative, “The Destination” highlights the progress made in the political, economic, medical, sporting, cultural, media and artistic fields.

Mirroring the film's title, Saudi Arabia has become a global destination for investment, tourism, and much more. (Supplied)

Its title reflects the Kingdom’s path toward becoming a global destination for tourism and investment.

Konoz CEO Abdullah Al-Ahmari credited megaprojects and upcoming events such as the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo Riyadh 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

HIGHLIGHT

‘The Destination’ includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

“The Konoz initiative aims to document the Kingdom’s achievements through creative productions,” he said, describing the country as a “model admired by the world.”

The film reflected the progress being made on the ground and highlighted the initiative’s focus on Saudi talent in shaping the Kingdom’s future, he said.

“The Destination” includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

The Konoz initiative is part of the Human Capacity Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to promote Saudi Arabian culture around the world by highlighting the contributions and success stories of its citizens.

 


‘Bay of Bengal live’: Bangladeshi fishermen go viral showing life at sea

In this photo shared by Shahid Sardar on July 7, 2025, his colleague holds up a catch aboard a fishing vessel in Bay of Bengal
In this photo shared by Shahid Sardar on July 7, 2025, his colleague holds up a catch aboard a fishing vessel in Bay of Bengal
Updated 07 July 2025
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‘Bay of Bengal live’: Bangladeshi fishermen go viral showing life at sea

In this photo shared by Shahid Sardar on July 7, 2025, his colleague holds up a catch aboard a fishing vessel in Bay of Bengal
  • Fishermen-turned-influencers have hundreds of thousands of followers on social media
  • Content focuses on fishing techniques, daily life on the boats, and marine life

DHAKA: When Shahid Sardar started his Facebook page four years ago, he wanted to share his experience aboard a fishing boat. He did not expect the millions of views he would soon attract as he tapped into a content niche that is rapidly gaining popularity among Bangladeshis: life at sea.

Sardar, 35, lives with his wife and son in the coastal Chittagong district in south-eastern Bangladesh. He started to work as a fisherman in 2013, after leaving a job at a hospital canteen in the capital, Dhaka.

As the chief cook on a vessel with a 50-member crew, Sardar sails across the Bay of Bengal on month-long voyages in search of fish. When his videos documenting deep-sea fishing methods and daily life on the boat began gaining traction, he expanded his content to show various marine species found in Bangladeshi waters — many of which are not widely known.

“I think people generally enjoy fish, especially the kinds caught at sea, which are not usually found in local markets,” Sardar told Arab News.

“The beauty of the deep sea also draws people to my videos. For most viewers, these sights are rare and unfamiliar. They don’t have this experience themselves.”

Posting as BD Fisherman on Facebook, he has more than 360,000 followers. His other account, Fisherman Shahid, has another 240,000.

When two of his videos went viral in December 2023, Facebook approved monetization for his page.

“My first video that went viral showed a bulk of yellowfin tuna and some shrimp. The fish were just dropped on the deck ... it was the rainy season. People liked that video a lot. Within 24 hours, it got 3 million views,” he said.

“As I started receiving some money from the videos, I became more motivated to keep uploading and people started liking my videos more and more.”

He now earns an average of about $500 a month from his two pages. That is in addition to his salary of $120 per voyage, plus bonuses based on the catch — about 60 cents per tonne of fish sold in the market.

“In my locality, everyone knows me as Fisherman Shahid. Wherever I go, people come to me just to know how they can earn through making videos and posting them on social media platforms,” Sardar said. “Recently, the friends of my 7th-grader son also visited my home to learn about my video making.”

While for fellow fishers, Sardar’s content has been an inspiration to start their own pages, for some other followers, like Zaved Ahmed, a Bangladeshi migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, watching his videos is a reminder of his own roots.

“I was born in Cox’s Bazar, a coastal area of Bangladesh, and fishing was our family’s profession. Since 2023, I have been living in Jeddah, which is on the coast of the Red Sea. It seems that sea life is something in my blood. That’s why I love watching Sardar’s videos,” he said.

“Whenever I watch his videos, my mind travels to the sea with the fishing boat, as if I were experiencing it with my own eyes.”

But most of those who follow Sardar and other fishermen-influencers have never experienced life at sea.

Watching it on their mobile or laptop screens helps them connect with the sector that each year contributes about 3.5 percent to Bangladesh’s GDP and is the main source of animal protein in the Bangladeshi diet.

“I think most people generally love the sea, but they don’t have the opportunity to witness the mysteries of the deep sea,” said Karimul Maola, a follower of Sardar from Chittagong.

“Through Sardar’s videos, I’ve learned about many seafish that were previously unknown to me. Also, his videos have given me some idea about how a fishing vessel normally operates — something most people don’t know about.”

There is a similar sentiment among the followers of other Bangladeshi fishermen who have shot to social media fame.

On the page of Ehsanul Haque Shaon, a fisherman who has 172,000 followers on Facebook, one follower says watching his video was “like the Bay of Bengal live in front of my eyes!” while another says in amazement that watching the content made them realize that “life is very interesting.”

“How we survive on a boat in the Bay of Bengal,” a video on Fishiib, a YouTube channel focusing on showing the life of fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, has received more than 10 million views in six months.

“I am truly amazed by how these fishermen adapt to life at sea. They face constant challenges like harsh weather and limited resources, yet they find ways to survive and thrive,” one viewer said.

“Their resilience and ability to work together as a community is truly inspiring. It’s a glimpse into a way of life that most of us can only imagine.”


Condé Nast expands Middle East footprint with full acquisition of WIRED ME

Condé Nast expands Middle East footprint with full acquisition of WIRED ME
Updated 07 July 2025
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Condé Nast expands Middle East footprint with full acquisition of WIRED ME

Condé Nast expands Middle East footprint with full acquisition of WIRED ME
  • Transition marks the magazine’s move from a licensing agreement with Dubai-based publisher Nervora to direct ownership by Condé Nast

LONDON: Condé Nast has acquired full ownership of WIRED Middle East, strengthening its presence in the region and bringing the tech, science, and culture magazine into its portfolio of wholly owned titles in Dubai, Arab News has learned.

The transition, announced on Monday, marks the magazine’s move from a licensing agreement with Dubai-based publisher Nervora to direct ownership by Condé Nast.

“Bringing WIRED Middle East into the Condé Nast Middle East portfolio reflects both the region’s rapid evolution and our commitment to spotlighting the ideas and breakthroughs shaping its future,” said Thomas Khoury, Managing Director, Condé Nast Middle East.

“With its authority across technology, science, business and culture, WIRED is uniquely positioned to lead these conversations in the region.

Launched in 2019, WIRED ME has covered regional trends, breakthroughs, and major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai.

Condé Nast said the acquisition marks the next step in the brand’s growth as it looks to expand alongside the region’s fast-developing tech sector.

While the company suggested it will remain commitment to the print edition - currently published quarterly and claiming a readership of over 100,000, according to Advert On Click - it said WIRED Middle East would now serve as its flagship digital-first platform for tech, science, and culture in the region.

Katie Drummond, WIRED’s Global Editorial Director, said the brand is eager to expand its editorial coverage of the Middle East, growing hand-in-hand with the region.

“This is a region driving some of the most dynamic and consequential stories in science, technology, business, and culture,” she said. “We’re excited to build a team dedicated to telling those stories with the ambition and world-class journalism that defines WIRED.” 

The move follows a similar shift earlier this year, when Condé Nast took direct control of Vogue Arabia and GQ Middle East, also previously operated under license by Nervora.

The reshuffle has been widely viewed as a strategic realignment of the Arab fashion and media landscape.

With the addition of WIRED ME, Condé Nast’s full Middle East portfolio now includes Vogue Arabia, GQ Middle East, Architectural Digest Middle East, and Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.


Ex-presenter Gary Lineker criticizes BBC for dropping Gaza documentary

Ex-presenter Gary Lineker criticizes BBC for dropping Gaza documentary
Updated 05 July 2025
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Ex-presenter Gary Lineker criticizes BBC for dropping Gaza documentary

Ex-presenter Gary Lineker criticizes BBC for dropping Gaza documentary
  • It was the first time he had publicly criticized the BBC since his departure, which followed backlash over a social media post
  • He accused BBC executives of bowing to pressure “from the top”

LONDON: Former BBC presenter and football star Gary Lineker said the broadcaster “should hold its head in shame” after deciding not to show a documentary on medics working in Gaza.

Accusing executives of bowing to pressure “from the top,” Lineker made the remarks during a private screening of “Gaza: Doctors Under Attack,” where media reports say he was visibly moved.

It was the first time he had publicly criticized the BBC since his departure, which followed backlash over a social media post perceived as having antisemitic connotations — something he later apologized for.

After the screening, Lineker said the documentary, originally commissioned by the broadcasting giant, “needed to be seen. It really did need to be seen.”

He added: “I think the BBC should hold its head in shame. I’ve worked for the corporation for 30 years; to see the way it’s declined in the last year or two has been devastating really. I’ve defended it and defended it against claims that it is partial.”

The documentary, which features first-hand accounts from Palestinian medical workers and investigates alleged attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities, was pulled by the BBC over concerns about impartiality. The decision sparked an outcry from pro-Palestinian groups after another documentary on Gaza’s children was taken down when it emerged the main narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

Lineker said that while the BBC “talks about impartiality all the time,” the reality was that the broadcaster was “bowing to pressure from the top,” something he described as deeply concerning.

“I think the time is coming when a lot of people will have to answer for this,” he added, warning that “complicity is something that will come to many.”

The BBC has recently been accused of biased, pro-Israel coverage of the war in Gaza.

Earlier this week hundreds of media professionals, including over 100 current BBC staff, accused the broadcaster of acting as “PR for the Israeli government.” In an open letter, they raised concerns over the role of board member Sir Robbie Gibb in the BBC’s coverage of Gaza.

Gibb helped lead the consortium that purchased The Jewish Chronicle in 2020 and served as a director until August 2024.

The letter described his position on the BBC board — including on the editorial standards committee — as “untenable,” citing the Jewish Chronicle’s alleged history of publishing “anti-Palestinian and often racist content.”