Google is taking its Search experience to the next level with the introduction of AI Mode, a feature that integrates advanced artificial intelligence capabilities into its core search functionality. Announced on March 5, 2025, this experimental feature aims to provide users with more comprehensive and dynamic search results, building on the success of Google's existing AI Overviews.
AI Mode is a new feature that allows users to ask complex, multi-part questions and receive AI-generated responses that take up an entire page. Unlike AI Overviews which offer concise answers at the top of search results, AI Mode goes deeper by leveraging Google's Gemini 2.0 model, which incorporates advanced reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and real-time data.
How It Works:
Users can access AI Mode by clicking a dedicated tab at the top of the Google Search page or via shortcuts like "Go deeper" from AI Overviews. The generated response includes detailed answers, comparison tables, and links to verified sources.
Example Use Case:
Searching for "What’s the difference in sleep tracking features between a smart ring, smartwatch, and tracking mat?" in AI Mode generates a detailed comparison table with product features and links to additional resources.
Google is also enhancing its existing AI Overviews with additional customisation options:
Simplify or Break Down Results: Users can adjust the complexity of responses to suit their needs.
Multi-Step Reasoning: Enables users to ask layered questions without breaking them into multiple searches.
AI Mode is currently available to select testers through Search Labs, starting with Google One AI Premium subscribers in the United States.
A wider rollout timeline has not yet been announced.
Google's new AI-powered features are part of its strategy to make Search more like an intelligent assistant, capable of handling complex queries efficiently. This move positions Google as a strong competitor against other AI-driven platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT Search and Perplexity AI.