Google Expands AI Mode to Android Tablets: A Step Forward in AI-Powered Search

Google finally brings AI Mode to Android tablets

Five months after launching on phones, Google AI Mode is now appearing on Android tablets. AI Mode is part of the Google app on Android (and iOS). In terms of getting new features, the Google Search experience on tablets often lags behind phones even as larger screens make for a nicer searching and browsing experience. That was the case with AI Mode, but that's finally being remedied with Google app 16.30, which is currently in beta. On our Pixel Tablet, AI Mode now appears at the top of the Home/Discover feed, while the shortcut is now available in the Pixel Launcher or homescreen widget. To remove/set, go to Google app settings. Tapping takes you to the exact same prompt bar with image uploads and Google Lens on phones, but stretched out. This is not the most optimized interface (stick to portrait orientation over landscape), but it more than works and is better than having to visit google.com/aimode in Chrome. Meanwhile, responses look fine since Google is just using AI Mode's desktop web layout. The Google app on iPad is using an even older design than Android, with AI Mode not available today.

Google adds AI Mode to Pixel Tablet and other Android slates

Google is extending its AI-powered search experience, AI Mode, to Android tablets through a recent update to the Google app. This expansion brings the artificial intelligence functionality to larger display devices. Such features conventionally reach tablets after their deployment on smartphones and desktop platforms, typically due to the necessary adaptations for varying screen dimensions. The presence of AI Mode on Android tablets was documented by 9to5Google, specifically within Google app version 16.30, a beta release. Gadgets 360 staff members observed this feature on the Pixel Tablet, a device introduced in select markets during 2023. Screenshots shared indicate that beta testers can now access AI Mode within the Discover feed, which is located on the home screen. The AI Mode icon is positioned beneath the search bar, aligning with its placement on smartphones. It appears alongside existing Google Lens gallery and translation functionalities. A shortcut for AI Mode is also reportedly accessible via the Pixel Launcher or through a home screen widget. This shortcut's visibility can be configured within the Google app settings. The layout of AI Mode on tablets mirrors that found on Android smartphones. However, when viewed in landscape orientation, the prompt bar exhibits a stretched appearance, indicating a lack of full optimization for this display mode. Despite this, responses generated by AI Mode are presented in a format consistent with other interfaces. Tapping the AI Mode shortcut leads to the same prompt bar interface, which supports image uploads and Google Lens integration, albeit stretched in landscape view. Responses displayed within AI Mode on tablets utilize the desktop web layout, contributing to their visual integrity. The Google app on iPad does not currently offer AI Mode. Google has stated that its AI features are designed to provide 'More Quality Clicks,' a claim made in the context of declining traffic. AI Mode has also received enhancements, including Search Live capabilities with video and PDF support. Furthermore, the AI Mode shortcut within Google for Android is reported to be rolling out to an increased number of users. On Pixel tablets, AI Mode is visible at the top of the Discover feed.

Google finally brings AI Mode to Android tablets - Phandroid

According to a report from 9to5Google, Google AI Mode is now showing up on Android tablets, nearly half a year after it launched on phones. If you're running Google app version 16.30 (currently in beta), you'll spot the AI Mode shortcut at the top of the Discover feed. It also shows up in the Pixel Launcher and widget. It works just like it does on phones -- same prompt bar, same Lens and image upload tools, but stretched out for the bigger screen. Is it optimized? Not really. The layout is clearly meant for portrait mode and feels awkward in landscape. But hey, it beats opening a browser and typing in google.com/aimode every time. Once you launch it, the response interface is pretty much a scaled version of the desktop layout. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done. You can still generate responses, upload photos, and use AI tools without jumping through hoops. What about iPads? Still no luck there. The iOS Google app is stuck on an older design, and AI Mode isn't available at all. If you don't see it on your Android tablet yet, check if you're running the latest beta. The rollout seems staggered, so it might take a few more days to hit your device.

This AI Search Feature Might Be Making Its Way to Android Tablets

AI Mode in Search is reportedly being rolled out with Google app v16.30 Google is expanding its new artificial intelligence (AI) search experience, AI Mode, to Android tablets, according to a report. The Mountain View-based tech giant is reportedly rolling out AI Mode to the larger display devices with the latest update to the Google app. Tablets typically tend to get new features later than smartphones and desktop interfaces due to size optimisation requirements. The new AI Mode in Android tablets doesn't appear to be optimised in the landscape view, and the page appears stretched out. 9to5Google spotted the AI Mode on Google search on an Android tablet. It was available on Google app version 16.30, which is currently in beta. While Gadgets 360 staff members have not spotted the feature yet, the publication claims to have seen it in the Pixel Tablet, which was launched in select markets in 2023. Sharing screenshots of the feature, the report mentioned that beta testers can now see AI Mode in the Discover feed, which appears on the home screen. Just like smartphones, the icon for the feature is said to sit underneath the search bar, alongside Google Lens gallery, and translation features. Its shortcut is reportedly also available via Pixel Launcher or home screen widget, which can be either set or removed via Google app settings. The publication claims that the AI Mode layout in tablets is the same as the one seen on Android smartphones. However, in the landscape orientation, the prompt bar appears to be stretched out and not well optimised. The responses reportedly appear in the same fashion as other interfaces. Tapping takes you to the exact same prompt bar with image uploads and Google Lens on phones, but stretched out. This is not the most optimised interface (stick to portrait orientation over landscape), but it more than works and is better than having to visit google.com/aimode in Chrome. Meanwhile, responses look fine since Google is just using AI Mode's desktop web layout. At this moment, the latest Google app on iPad does not offer AI Mode.