At the Google I/O 2025 conference, Google announced a significant overhaul of its search engine with the introduction of “AI Mode,” marking a pivotal shift towards AI-driven, conversational search experiences.
“AI Mode” allows consumers to communicate with Google Search more naturally, like they would with a chatbot.This feature leverages Google’s advanced Gemini 2.5 AI model to provide nuanced, multi-step reasoning and personalized responses. Users can now pose complex queries, receive comprehensive answers, and engage in follow-up questions to delve deeper into topics.
Beyond text, “AI Mode” offers multimodal search capabilities. Users can upload images or use their device’s camera to ask questions about visual content. For instance, snapping a photo of a plant can yield information about its species, care instructions, and related resources. This integration combines Google’s Lens technology with Gemini’s AI to understand and interpret visual data effectively.
In the realm of e-commerce, “AI Mode” offers enhanced shopping experiences. Users can inquire about specific products, such as “best waterproof hiking boots under $150,” and receive tailored recommendations complete with real-time pricing, reviews, and availability. Additionally, for local searches, it provides detailed cards featuring business hours, ratings, and directions, streamlining the decision-making process for users.
Understanding that users often engage in prolonged research sessions, Google has introduced a session history feature within “AI Mode.” This allows users to revisit previous searches, continue their exploration, or branch into new related topics without starting from scratch, enhancing the continuity and efficiency of the search experience.
Currently, “AI Mode” is available to all users in the U.S. through Google Labs, with plans to expand its availability in the coming weeks. Google encourages users to provide feedback to refine and enhance the feature further.
With “AI Mode,” Google aims to redefine the search paradigm, making information retrieval more intuitive, interactive, and aligned with the evolving needs of users in an increasingly digital world.
