Google Expands AI Mode Access and Enhances Functionality in Search

26 Sources

Share

Google is broadening access to its AI Mode in Search, removing the waitlist and adding new features to compete with other AI-powered search tools. The update includes improved local business and product information, conversation memory, and expanded visual elements.

News article

Google Expands Access to AI Mode in Search

Google has announced a significant expansion of its AI Mode feature in Search, removing the waitlist and making it available to all US users aged 18 and over through Google Labs

1

2

. This move comes as Google aims to compete more effectively with AI-powered search tools like Perplexity AI and ChatGPT

1

.

New Features and Functionality

The updated AI Mode introduces several new capabilities:

  1. Enhanced Local Business Information: Users can now access detailed information about local businesses, including ratings, reviews, opening hours, and real-time busyness data

    1

    4

    .

  2. Improved Product Search: AI Mode now displays visual product cards with real-time prices, promotions, images, shipping details, and local inventory information

    1

    4

    .

  3. Conversation Memory: A new left-side panel on desktop allows users to revisit past searches and continue conversations, making it easier to work on long-term projects or research

    1

    4

    .

  4. Visual Place and Product Cards: These interactive elements provide quick access to additional details about locations and items

    4

    .

Integration with Google's Existing Infrastructure

AI Mode leverages Google's vast search index and shopping graph, combining real-time information access with generative AI capabilities

4

. This integration allows for more nuanced and personalized responses to complex, multi-part questions

1

4

.

Rollout and Accessibility

Google is taking a phased approach to the AI Mode rollout:

  1. Immediate access through Google Labs for all US users

    2

    4

    .
  2. A "small percentage" of US users will see an AI Mode tab directly in Google Search

    2

    3

    .

This strategy mirrors the company's earlier rollout of AI Overviews, which eventually became a standard feature in search results

4

.

Positioning in Google's AI Ecosystem

While AI Mode shares similarities with Google's AI Overviews, it offers more predictable AI-generated responses on demand

4

. Google distinguishes AI Mode from its Gemini assistant, positioning the former as an information-seeking platform and the latter as a personal productivity tool

4

5

.

Potential Impact on Publishers

The expansion of AI Mode raises questions about its effect on web publishers. If users can obtain comprehensive information directly through AI Mode without clicking through to source websites, it could potentially impact traffic and revenue for content creators

2

.

User Feedback and Future Development

Google reports positive feedback on AI Mode, with users finding it helpful for various tasks, including trip planning and shopping research

4

. The company plans to continue refining the feature based on user input and expanding its capabilities

4

5

.

As AI Mode evolves, it represents a significant step in Google's efforts to integrate AI more deeply into its core search product, potentially reshaping how users interact with and consume information online.

TheOutpost.ai

Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News

Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.

© 2025 Triveous Technologies Private Limited
Instagram logo
LinkedIn logo