Google is supercharging Search with major AI upgrades, giving users access to a new "AI Mode."

Google is ushering in a transformative era for its ubiquitous Search engine, integrating powerful new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to make finding information faster, smarter, and more remarkably useful. Revealed at the company's annual I/O event, these upgrades position AI at the core of what Google envisions as the future of Search, highlighted by the introduction of a game-changing "AI Mode."

The journey began with the launch of "AI Overviews" last year, providing intelligent summaries at the top of select search results. This initial foray into generative AI has already yielded significant results. Google reports that AI Overviews have driven over a 10% increase in usage for queries that trigger these summaries in major markets like the U.S. and India. This surge in engagement indicates a growing user appetite for more comprehensive and direct answers, with people increasingly asking longer and more complex questions, often incorporating images and voice input.

Building on this success, Google is now rolling out "AI Mode," designed for users seeking a more advanced and interactive search experience. Previously tested within Google Labs, AI Mode is now broadly available to all users in the U.S., with a wider global rollout anticipated in the coming months. A dedicated tab for AI Mode will soon appear within the Google app and on desktop, making this enhanced functionality readily accessible.

Google AI Search

At its heart, AI Mode leverages a sophisticated "query fan-out" system. This innovative approach allows the AI to dissect your initial query into smaller, more manageable sub-questions, executing a multitude of parallel searches across the internet. This deep dive enables AI Mode to unearth more useful and detailed answers, drawing from a wider array of online sources. Powering this advanced capability is Gemini 2.5, Google’s most intelligent and capable AI model yet, a custom version of which is now integrated into both AI Mode and AI Overviews in the U.S.

Beyond simply providing answers, AI Mode fosters an interactive dialogue. Users can ask follow-up questions, explore interactive links embedded within the AI-generated responses, and even use images or live video to search in real-time. The ambition extends beyond mere information retrieval; Google aims to empower users to do things, from seamlessly booking tickets to effortlessly comparing complex data.

Google has unveiled a suite of groundbreaking features within this new AI-powered Search paradigm:

• Deep Search: This formidable tool elevates research to an unprecedented level. Capable of scanning hundreds of web pages and synthesising disparate information, Deep Search can deliver a fully-cited, expert-level report in mere minutes, potentially saving users hours of manual research.

• Search Live: Inspired by Project Astra, Search Live brings real-time visual interaction to Search. Users can engage in a live conversation with Search through their phone camera, enabling the AI to understand what they are seeing and provide immediate assistance. Whether you're stuck on a DIY project or grappling with a complex concept, Search Live acts as a dynamic learning partner. Google states that over 1.5 billion people already use Google Lens for visual searches each month, setting a strong foundation for this new capability.

• Agentic Capabilities: The AI is evolving to complete multi-step tasks on your behalf. This includes capabilities like finding and suggesting event tickets, making restaurant reservations, and checking prices and availability across various websites. Users retain full control over the final decision, but the AI significantly streamlines the legwork. Initial partnerships include platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, Resy, and Vagaro.

• Smarter Shopping: A new AI shopping tool promises to revolutionise the online retail experience. Users can browse clothes, compare products, and even virtually "try on" outfits by simply uploading a photo. The AI can also track prices and, with your permission via Google Pay, even make a purchase when prices drop, ensuring you get the best deal. Google's Shopping Graph, with over 50 billion product listings refreshed hourly, underpins this powerful feature.

• Personalised Results: AI Mode will soon integrate personal context, such as data from your Gmail, past searches, and bookings (with user opt-in and explicit consent). This allows AI Mode to tailor recommendations, for instance, suggesting relevant food and music events in a city you're visiting based on your interests and travel plans. Google emphasises that user trust and privacy controls are paramount, allowing users to explicitly choose whether to connect their data.

• Custom Charts and Graphs: For queries involving statistics or data comparison, such as sports results or financial trends, AI Mode will automatically generate helpful visual graphs and interactive charts, making complex information easier to understand and analyse. This feature will initially roll out for sports and finance queries.

  
  

This comprehensive suite of AI upgrades marks a pivotal moment for Google Search. By moving beyond traditional keyword matching to embrace a more intelligent, interactive, and task-oriented approach, Google is not just enhancing how we find information, but fundamentally reshaping how we interact with the digital world to accomplish our goals. The future of Search is here, and it's powered by AI.