{"slug": "google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room", "title": "Google begins rolling out AI-focused homepage, ditches search button to make room for tools like image generation", "summary": "Google has begun rolling out an AI-focused homepage for signed-out users, replacing the traditional search button with shortcuts to tools like image generation, AI Mode, and Brainstorm, according to Search Engine Watch. The new layout allows non-account holders to access most AI features without signing in, though image creation still requires a Google Account. Google has not officially commented on the rollout's scope.", "body_md": "# Google begins rolling out AI-focused homepage, ditches search button to make room for tools like image generation\n\n[Read More](https://www.pcguide.com/earnings-disclaimer/)\n\n#### Table of Contents\n\nIt seems the Google homepage will soon be getting a makeover, as a new layout has been rolled out for some users. Interestingly, the change seems to affect those not signed into a Google Account. It features shortcuts to a few of [Google’s AI tools](https://www.pcguide.com/apps/gemini-ai/) – such as image generation (powered by Nano Banana 2) – so it may serve to entice more people into creating an account.\n\nThe changed layout means the long-standing ‘Google Search’ button is no longer present. You may, at least, be happy to learn that the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button remains in place, though I personally can’t remember the last time I used it. Come to think of it, the same goes for the search button (as opposed to just hitting enter, or clicking on one of the suggested results).\n\n## More AI features for those without a Google Account\n\nWe were unable to view the changes, both signed in and out, but [Search Engine Watch](https://searchenginewatch.com/google-tests-ai-focused-homepage-for-signed-out-users/) managed to capture some screenshots of the new ‘AI-first’ homepage. According to the publication, the shortcuts are not just there as advertising, as non-signed-in users can access most of them freely without a Google Account, opening up wider access to Google’s [Gemini AI](https://www.pcguide.com/ai/how-to/how-to-use-google-gemini-ai/) capabilities.\n\n```\nLatest PC & Tech deals\n\n        Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 - was $2,199 now $1,749\n\n        ASUS SFF-Ready RTX 5080 - was $1,499 now $1,354\n\n        Samsung Odyssey G7- was $999 now $649\n\n        HP OMEN 45L gaming PC - was $2,499 now $2,309\n\n        BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 4TB SSD - was $599 now $459 \n\nPrices correct as of July 10th, 2026.\n```\n\nAI Mode is also available to all users, but that’s nothing new; it sits alongside the existing ‘Search by voice’ and ‘Search by image’ options. The ‘Upload files or images’ (+) icon also remains present. Below are all options central to the new Google homepage for signed-out users, outside of the search bar itself.\n\n- Upload files or images\n- Search by voice\n- Search by image\n- AI Mode\n- Create images\n- Ask about files\n- Brainstorm\n- I’m Feeling Lucky\n\nSearch Engine Watch says AI Mode, Ask about files, and Brainstorm all worked without signing in, but Create images required a Google Account. The new ‘Ask about files’ option seems identical to the existing ‘Upload files or images’ option, allowing users to attach a file before asking questions about it to an AI chatbot, powered by Gemini.\n\nThere’s no official word from Google on how this rollout will work. It may be a small test, a server-side rollout, or limited to certain accounts, sessions, or regions for the time being. Either way, it gives those without a Google Account more freedom to use Google’s AI tools, and perhaps convince them to finally sign up.", "url": "https://wpnews.pro/news/google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room", "canonical_source": "https://www.pcguide.com/pro/news-pro/google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room-for-tools-like-image-generation/", "published_at": "2026-08-10 15:26:49+00:00", "updated_at": "2026-08-10 15:51:23.367233+00:00", "lang": "en", "topics": ["generative-ai", "ai-products", "ai-tools"], "entities": ["Google", "Gemini", "Search Engine Watch", "Nano Banana 2"], "alternates": {"html": "https://wpnews.pro/news/google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room", "markdown": "https://wpnews.pro/news/google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room.md", "text": "https://wpnews.pro/news/google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room.txt", "jsonld": "https://wpnews.pro/news/google-begins-rolling-out-ai-focused-homepage-ditches-search-button-to-make-room.jsonld"}}