Google is testing a new version of its desktop homepage that puts more of its AI capabilities directly around the main search bar. In this version, there are shortcuts for Create images, Ask about files, and Brainstorm, as well as new ways to attach files and use AI Mode.
I came across the new interface while looking into Google's recent changes around AI Search, and one detail stood out to me. The new options are not appearing on every Google homepage. Google is showing the interface to some users as part of a small desktop test. This means one account may show the new AI options while another can still have the familiar Google homepage.
Google is Making AI features Available Directly on the Home Page
The traditional Google homepage has been around for a long time, and the search bar has always been the primary focus, and users were used to entering a query and then moving on to the Google search results.
This new test version of Google is testing shortcuts below the search bar. The shortcuts are: Create images, Ask about files, and Brainstorm. In addition, the AI Mode option also shows inside the search bar.
I feel that the location in which it's placed is important because Google already has these capabilities in many parts of its products, but if you put it on the homepage, then the user is going to have a much better chance of seeing it.
For many people, the Search journey starts at the homepage. Google is now experimenting to see if the first search result shown on the homepage offers more than a basic text search.
Create Images Brings Image Generation into Search
One of the most prominent additions is the Create images shortcut.
Google has already been working on image-generation capabilities as part of its Gemini ecosystem and through technologies such as Nano Banana; with this homepage experiment, users are now able to access image creation directly.
This is similar to the other AI platforms: the user provides a prompt, and Google's AI mode creates an image based on the prompt. Unlike traditional Google Images, it is not always a user looking for an image that is already on the web.
The idea can be used to make the image. It could be used as an illustration, as a concept for something creative, as a visual for a presentation, or simply to try out an idea that can't be easily found via regular image search.
Ask About Files Makes Documents Part of the Search Experience
Google is also experimenting with a feature called "Ask about files”. It allows users to bring files into the AI-powered Search experience and ask questions about them. Google already supports PDFs and other file uploads in AI Mode. It is useful since the user doesn't need to depend just on a text query; the document that has been uploaded becomes part of the context for the question.
After users upload a file or image, they are taken directly to AI Mode, where they can ask to summarize it or extract specific information from a spreadsheet.
It also alters the function of the search box; the information that is being searched for does not have to come solely from a number of words typed in by the user since it might originate from a file or an image.
Brainstorm Adds a More Conversational Use of Search
The purpose of the Brainstorm option is to provide a different kind of interaction.
This could include planning, organizing ideas, developing an outline, or exploring different approaches to a problem.
It is a more seamless experience than normal Search, as users can continue to add prompts and refine the conversation. To me, this is yet another instance of Google extending Search beyond its basic function of finding web pages, with AI now being able to play a part in developing the answer itself.
Google is Also Experimenting with a New “Attach” Button
Google is experimenting with a plus (+) button on the left side of the search bar. This is a feature that enables users to add an image or document before submitting their query.
It might appear to be a minor change to the interface, but it is in line with Google's wider shift towards multimodal Search.
A user can upload an image or a document and then include an instruction with it. This makes for a query that is far more contextually relevant than a traditional keyword search.
On the right side of the search field, there is an 'AI Mode' option that lets users access Google's conversational Search experience.
Users can enter a normal query at the same time while pressing Enter to use the normal Search results.
This is More Than a Design Change
I think I like what I see happening to the role of the homepage, because of these features. Google is testing a homepage that allows users to access various AI experiences without first carrying out a normal search. The same starting point is being used to build on for image generation, document analysis, brainstorming, and conversational search.
It also shows how Google wants to integrate its AI capabilities into regular search activities instead of forcing users to seek them out.
My Point of View on These New Features
I think these features are a useful addition to Google Search. I like that Google is keeping the normal search experience while giving users more ways to create, upload files, and explore ideas with AI.
These options are being placed directly on the homepage. It makes these features easier to notice and could change the way people start their searches.
For me, this is another sign that Search is slowly becoming more than just finding links. I also think this is another sign that the search journey is becoming more AI-driven. Users may not always move from a keyword to a website in the traditional way. They may use AI Mode, upload files, or ask AI to explore a topic before visiting a website.
For marketers, this makes AI visibility and GEO more important. It is not only about ranking on Google anymore, but also about making sure your content is useful, trustworthy, and easy for AI systems to understand and reference.