Google testing ai-driven search interface with expanded answers and reduced blue link visibility

Search Engine Roundtable reported on August 28 that Google is testing an updated search interface that integrates AI-generated summaries directly into search results, moving away from the previous model where users had to click 'Expand' to view full content. The new interface loads longer AI responses by default for certain queries and includes an 'Ask anything' prompt for follow-up questions. This change has led to a noticeable shift in the visibility of traditional blue-linked search results, though its impact on website traffic or user engagement remains unclear. Google claims the AI overview dynamically expands based on what the system deems most useful, aiming to provide a more helpful experience for users. Robby Stein, head of Google's AI products, noted that the system stops expanding content once users begin scrolling to preserve their current reading position. The interface is still under testing and refinement.