Google to roll out new ‘AI Mode’ search tool to select users in the US

Google is opening up access to its new AI-powered search engine tool for the first time.

The new ‘AI Mode’ in Google Search responds to users’ search queries with AI-generated responses. The information will be pulled from within Google’s search index.

A small percentage of users in the US will be able to test out the AI search tool outside of Google’s Labs sandbox in the next few weeks, the company announced in a blog post published on Thursday, May 1.

“Based on the incredibly positive feedback we’re getting, we’re removing the waitlist so anyone in the U.S. can now get immediate access to AI Mode in Labs — and we’re adding new features to help you get things done,” Google said.

Google is rolling out a new experimental feature called "AI Mode" within its Search platform, initially available to select users in the United States. This move marks a significant step in Google's integration of advanced artificial intelligence into its search engine, aiming to provide users with a more conversational and comprehensive search experience.

Powered by a custom version of Google's Gemini 2.0 AI model, AI Mode enhances the search process by enabling users to pose complex, multi-part questions and receive detailed, AI-generated responses. Unlike traditional search results that primarily display a list of links, AI Mode offers synthesized answers that draw from Google's vast information systems, including the Knowledge Graph and real-time web data. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of topics, facilitating deeper exploration and follow-up inquiries.

One of the standout features of AI Mode is its multimodal capabilities, which support text, voice, and image inputs. For instance, users can upload a photo and ask questions about its content, receiving comprehensive responses that include relevant links and information. This integration with Google Lens enhances the search experience, making it more interactive and user-friendly.

To access AI Mode, users can opt in through Google's Search Labs platform. Initially, the feature is available to Google One AI Premium subscribers, who can activate AI Mode via a new filter option in the search results interface. This phased rollout allows Google to gather user feedback and refine the feature before a broader release.

The introduction of AI Mode reflects Google's ongoing efforts to innovate and maintain its leadership in the search engine market. By leveraging advanced AI technologies, Google aims to provide users with more accurate, context-aware, and engaging search experiences. As the feature evolves, it is expected to become a valuable tool for users seeking in-depth information and a more interactive approach to online search.

AI Mode is considered to be Google’s response to rivals such as Perplexity and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which offer their own takes on how users find information online.

These emerging players are increasingly seen as a credible threat to Google’s long-standing dominance in the search business. This also comes at a time when the tech giant is under mounting pressure from antitrust cases in the US that could fundamentally reshape or even dismantle its search empire.

What is AI Mode?

Unlike traditional search engines that provide links to websites based on a user’s query, Google’s AI Mode will answer those questions with an AI-generated response containing information within Google’s search index.

In the coming week, the big tech company is also rolling out visual place and product cards within AI Mode. Users can tap these elements to see more details about restaurants, salons, stores, etc. These place and product cards will contain details such as ratings, reviews, opening hours of local spots, promotional details on a shopping product, etc.

“For example, if you’re looking for the best vintage shops for mid-century modern furniture, AI Mode will show local stores along with helpful insights like live busyness, and you can easily call or get directions,” Google said. Users that have access to AI Mode will see a dedicated tab for the AI search engine at the top, along with other Search tabs such as ‘All’, ‘Images’, ‘Videos’, ‘News’, and ‘Shopping’.