Google Tests AI-Only Version of Search Engine with New “AI Mode”

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Google has launched an experimental version of its search engine that removes the traditional 10 blue links in favor of AI-generated summaries. This new feature, available to subscribers of Google One AI Premium, can be accessed by clicking on a tab labeled “AI Mode” alongside options like Images and Maps.

Robby Stein, Vice President of Product at Google, explained that the company had received feedback from power users who wanted AI responses for a broader range of searches. Google One AI Premium is a $19.99 per month subscription that offers additional cloud storage and access to exclusive AI features.

In its ongoing push to integrate AI into search, Google has introduced AI Overviews, which provide summaries of search results above the usual links to webpages. These Overviews are already available in over 100 countries, and last year, Google began incorporating ads into these AI summaries.

With AI Mode, the company takes this a step further by offering more detailed AI summaries with links to the sources. The traditional blue links are replaced by a search bar, allowing users to ask follow-up questions. Powered by Google’s custom Gemini 2.0 model, AI Mode is designed with advanced reasoning capabilities, making it more adept at handling complex queries.

This new development represents a significant move for Google, as it faces increased competition from Microsoft-backed OpenAI, which introduced search functions in ChatGPT last October. AI-driven search is now a major area of focus for Google, with Alphabet’s 2024 revenue—mostly driven by search-related advertising—under threat from emerging AI competitors.

However, the shift to AI-powered search has raised concerns. In February, educational technology company Chegg filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the AI previews of diminishing the demand for original content and harming publishers’ ability to compete.

Singapore Charges Three Men in Connection with Fraud Against Dell and Super Micro

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Singaporean authorities have added additional charges against three men involved in a larger investigation into server fraud, which may involve AI chips. The charges are related to fraudulent activities committed against tech companies Dell and Super Micro. According to court documents, the men allegedly misrepresented the destinations of the servers they purchased, falsely claiming that the servers would not be transferred to unauthorized third parties.

The police charge sheets indicated that the defendants made false representations regarding the ultimate consignee of the items, suggesting that they would not be diverted. Investigations revealed that the servers may contain Nvidia chips, though authorities have not confirmed if these chips are subject to U.S. export controls.

This case is part of an ongoing investigation in Singapore, which involves 22 individuals and companies accused of making false representations. Additionally, the United States is investigating whether DeepSeek, a Chinese company behind a highly publicized AI model, has been using U.S. chips prohibited from being sold to China.

The investigation also covers Malaysia, where the servers allegedly ended up, and authorities there are exploring whether any local laws were violated. Singapore has so far charged two suspects, Aaron Woon, 41, and Alan Wei, 49, with conspiring to defraud Super Micro in 2024. Their charges have been amended to include fraud against Dell. A third suspect, Chinese national Li Ming, 51, was also charged with defrauding Super Micro in 2023.

Authorities seized 42 devices, including phones, computers, and laptops, which are being analyzed by forensic experts. The investigation is still in its early stages, with prosecutors seeking bank statements to trace the movement of funds and planning to work with international law enforcement.

Logitech Announces $2 Billion Share Buyback and Confirms 2025 Outlook

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Logitech International has revealed plans to repurchase $2 billion worth of shares over the next three years, including an additional $600 million to boost its existing buyback program. The company also confirmed its outlook for fiscal year 2025, forecasting sales growth of 5.4% to 6.4%, reaching $4.54 to $4.57 billion.

Logitech also projects fiscal year 2026 sales will range from $4.53 billion to $4.71 billion, marking potential growth of 1% to 3% in U.S. dollars. This follows a positive performance in the pre-holiday quarter, with the company raising its full-year forecast in January due to increased sales and profit.

During its investor day in San Jose, California, Logitech emphasized its goal of achieving long-term annual sales growth of 7% to 10%, with a non-GAAP gross margin above 40% and an operating margin between 15% and 18%. CEO Hanneke Faber highlighted the company’s market leadership in key categories and its plans to expand into new verticals, with AI playing a pivotal role in its strategy.

Following a pandemic-driven sales surge and subsequent slowdown, Logitech now aims to target new markets, such as education and healthcare, while continuing to serve its traditional base of consumers, gamers, and businesses. The company is also focusing on selling products directly to businesses, including items like a computer mouse with a button that connects users to AI platforms like ChatGPT.