Google Tests AI Mode for Search: Integrating Gemini-Like Conversational Features

New AI Mode for Google Search could let you jump into a Gemini session in one tap

Google tries a questionable new tactic to promote Gemini in Google Messages Key Takeaways Google is testing AI Mode for search, integrating conversational AI for refining queries and building context. The feature includes a mysterious button hinting at conversation history with Gemini. This AI Mode offers a new conversational search function, different from AI-generated summaries. ✕ Remove Ads Google Gemini is seemingly everywhere, from the latest Pixels to the cheapest Androids, but apparently this is not enough for Google. There's a new AI wrapper in the works and this time it's coming for search. Related Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about Google's next-gen multimodal AI Google Gemini is here, with a whole new approach to multimodal AI Posts Google is testing a new feature called AI Mode for its search engine that will integrate conversational AI into the core search experience (via Android Authority). This looks like Google's latest attempt to integrate Gemini into search and goes beyond the AI summaries we've begrudginly come to expect from a Google Search. A closer look at this new AI Mode Close ✕ Remove Ads Source: Android Authority The feature was spotted by Android Authority in the latest Google app v.15.49.40 beta. It appears to provide a tool for quick access to Gemini for refining search queries and building context through follow-up responses. The interface includes a mysterious button in the top-left corner that doesn't do anything in its current form, although it could possibly be linked to conversation history with Gemini. There's also a new shortcut button in the Google Search widget. Tapping it currently opens the Google app, but it is likely to be a shortcut to Gemini when the stable version releases. Google Gemini's role in search We've had AI baked into Google searches for several months now, with AI-generated summaries appearing at the top of all search results when using Google in a browser on the web. This so far has not carried over to the official Google app, which is a hub for all things Google on mobile and is also where Google launches new technologies first. ✕ Remove Ads This version of Gemini baked into search is different from the AI-generated summaries we've seen so far. This is a conversational search function, much like using OpenAI's ChatGPT for web searches. The user and Gemini can banter back and forth and rather than clicking on links, Gemini will simply explain the search results to the user. It will also use follow-up questions to refine search results. There's been no official word from Google about this, and whether AI Mode will serve as a standalone feature or integrate into existing apps. For now, it's a beta, but it gives a glimpse of where Google plans to take the internet in the future. ✕ Remove Ads

AI Mode could turn your next Google search into a conversation

Google searches will be a lot more conversational on Android devices thanks to artificial intelligence, judging from unreleased code discovered by 9to5 Google. The Search app may soon add an AI Mode combining interactive discussions and other features that make Google's foundational service act more than a little like the Gemini AI assistant. AI Mode, referred to as AIM in the uncovered code, melds the human-like interactions of Gemini Live with Google Search and tosses in the visual understanding and analysis that you get from Google Lens. When in AIM, you'll be able to respond to what Google Search comes up with. Instead of just a list of results, you'll be able to ask follow-up questions, interrupt responses, and otherwise treat Search like it's Gemini Live. AI Mode should be available as a tab in the Google app's bottom navigation bar if and when it rolls out. In addition to using your voice to search, you can also use photos taken with your phone or other uploaded ones. You can then explain what you want to search for concerning the image. One additional amusing bit of the code is that its placeholder is a winking emoticon. The idea of AI Mode in Google Search makes sense at first glance but raises a few questions in context. It appears to be so similar to Gemini that it is more of a variation of Gemini Live. That would fit with how Google seems keen to get people to use Gemini for everything. AI Mode isn't identical to Gemini Live, as AI Mode would offer a multimodal experience that combines text, voice, and images, but it's close enough to make it hard to know when you would use one over the other. AI Mode might just be a road to a more comprehensive service. Augmenting Google Search with Lens's ability to ask questions about photos and videos and boosting the current voice interaction, which transcribes spoken requests, could pave the way for Google Search to become a facet of Gemini or vice versa. It could also change how we think about the most popular search engine in the world. Instead of turning to Google to say "show me results," we could simply ask it to "give me a direct, thoughtful answer."

Here's how you'll access Search's upcoming AI Mode (APK teardown)

We managed to activate the AI Mode button for Search and the Search widget. Google has invested deeply in AI with Gemini and packaged it in wrappers like Gemini Live and AI Overviews. But apparently, Google needs more AI wrappers, as it has been spotted working on AI Mode for Google Search to bring some of its recent progress with conversational AI assistants to the search engine. This AI mode presumably lets users build context and refine their search queries with follow-up responses. To simplify the process, Google is adding a new button to allow quick access to AI mode.

Google Search to Get AI Mode on Android Devices

Google Search on Android devices could soon become more conversational and interactive, as revealed by unreleased code uncovered by 9to5 Google. The new feature, referred to as AI Mode or AIM, appears to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities inspired by Google's Gemini AI assistant, combining interactive discussions, visual analysis, and advanced response capabilities. AI Mode is expected to allow users to engage in human-like interactions with . Unlike traditional search results, this feature will enable users to ask follow-up questions, interrupt responses, and engage in a dialogue-like experience. The system will integrate Google Lens's visual recognition and analysis capabilities, adding a multimodal dimension by allowing searches via text, voice, and images. According to the discovered code, AI Mode will be accessible through a dedicated tab in the Google app's bottom navigation bar. The feature aims to make search more intuitive by supporting voice-based queries and photo-driven searches. Users could upload images or use photos taken on their devices to refine their queries and receive contextually relevant answers.