BTTR Roundup #62: Google's AI search mode is here, unfortunately

Google's AI mode is here. In an announcement on its blog, Google confirmed it is rolling out its AI search mode to Australians.

Rather than direct searchers to websites offering the "best" information for that query or keyword, Google's AI mode will use a custom version of its Gemini 2.5 AI tool to answer the question itself. It can tackle quite complex issues as well.

This is going to be great for users, for as long as the answers are accurate. But it will be devastating to digital publishers. That includes traditional media companies, to comparison services to independent publications like BTTR.

Because as much as Google says AI improves the quality of traffic sent to a publication, the volume reduction has a big impact on the revenue for these businesses.

I dive into this issue in more detail for paid subscribers below. If you haven't already, now's a great time to consider becoming a paid subscriber, supporting independent publishing for as little as $10 a month.

And if you can't subscribe, consider throwing a couple of bucks in the BTTR Tip Jar, so I can keep the site running no matter what Google's AI throws at me.

Until next week

–Nick

This week's new tech news

• Netgear has launched its most affordable dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system so far, the Orbi 370. Pricing starts at $459 for the main router and a single satellite, but could be a good way to boost your home's connection speeds if you recently got an NBN speed boost and aren't seeing it reflected in your Wi-Fi connections. [Full details]
• AEG has a whole new kitchen lineup, including a steam oven, 6-star energy fridge and super-quiet dishwasher. Not to mention updated SapphirMatt cooktops. If I was renovating my kitchen right now, these gorgeous appliances would definitely be up for consideration. [Full details]
• With less than 11 weeks until Christmas, Cricut is on the case, launching a lavender bundle version of its Joy Xtra craft machine. The bundle comes with the cutter, plus a range of materials to get you started, whatever your craft desires might be. RRP is $399, exclusively at Spotlight. [Full details]
• LG has launched its TrueSteam Styler, a smart cupboard that uses steam to give your delicate clothing a low-impact clean. It will reduce wrinkles, and is suitable for cleaning items like suits, wedding dresses and designer items. One version also has a built-in hand steamer for more stubborn wrinkles. Pricing starts at $3,499, available from LG. [Full details]
• This time of year is crazy for the weather. Last week I spent the day sweating, then went to a football match in the evening and sat there shivering. If only I'd had Sony's new Reon Pocket Pro that day. It's a new wearable that sits around your neck and can warm you up and cool you down, with up to 34 hours of battery life, app control and a design that can sit under clothes effortlessly. $299, launching in November. [Full details]
• Ninja has brought its innovative approach to kitchen appliances to the coffee machine market with the launch of the Luxe Café in Australia. This 3-in-1 machine promises to make a mean espresso, as well as a cold brew and a filtered coffee, with hands-free milk frothing and integrated bean grinding. RRP is $999, though it's already discounted. [Full details]
• A couple of announcements from Google this past week:
  • The first is that Google has officially launched "AI Mode" into Australia. I'm going to dive into this a bit more for paid subs below, but effectively my message is: "Google's AI mode is going to do its best to kill journalism". [Google]
  • Google's "Try it on" feature, which uses AI to visualise you in articles of clothing from search, is now rolling out in Australia. It allows you to upload a full-body image of yourself, which then can be used with any clothing item in Google Shopping or image search to see what it might look like on you. This sounds kind of interesting – I haven't been able to get it to work yet on my accounts, though. [Google]

This week's reviews

I went hands-on with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X portable consoles

I spent about an hour playing with the new Xbox handheld consoles from ASUS today, and I have some first impressions to share with you.

BTTR ReviewsNick Broughall

New products at BTTR HQ this week

MG S5 EV

This is something completely different for me at BTTR – I'm reviewing a car. The kind people at MG have given me an S5 EV to drive around for a week to put it through its paces.

Now, to be honest with you – this is my first EV driving experience. My wife and I have discussed moving to an EV for our next car, but we're not quite at that point yet.

I've only had it for a day, and so far I can say that the driving experience is really nice, though there are a few things I've found a bit difficult to get used to – like the lack of an ignition.

But it's a nice change of pace from the usual gadgets and appliances. Stay tuned for my thoughts next week.