Google begins rolling out AI-focused homepage, ditches search button to make room for tools like image generation

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.

Google begins rolling out AI-focused homepage, ditches search button to make room for tools like image generation Read More https://www.pcguide.com/earnings-disclaimer/ Table of Contents It 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. The 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 . More AI features for those without a Google Account We 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. Latest PC & Tech deals Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 - was $2,199 now $1,749 ASUS SFF-Ready RTX 5080 - was $1,499 now $1,354 Samsung Odyssey G7- was $999 now $649 HP OMEN 45L gaming PC - was $2,499 now $2,309 BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 4TB SSD - was $599 now $459 Prices correct as of July 10th, 2026. AI 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. - Upload files or images - Search by voice - Search by image - AI Mode - Create images - Ask about files - Brainstorm - I’m Feeling Lucky Search 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. There’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.