Google Search has significantly enhanced its capabilities by integrating the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through its new AI Mode. This new mode aims to make the search experience not only more intelligent but also more user-centric. This update is considered one of Google's most powerful AI-driven search experiences to date. While currently limited to the United States, it's expected to launch in other countries, including India, soon.
What is Google's new AI Mode?
Google's new AI Mode is an advanced search feature that doesn't just provide answers to user queries; it presents a comprehensive, multi-faceted information package. It's specifically designed for tasks requiring extensive research, planning, and complex problem-solving. This mode transforms Google Search into a virtual assistant that not only answers questions but also understands user intent.
How to use AI Mode?
Currently, this feature is available to some users in the US, where they can directly see the AI Mode tab on Google Search. There is no waitlist system. Users can also try it by becoming part of Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE). While not yet rolled out in India, Indian users can access an experimental version by joining Search Labs through the Google app.
Google recommends using this mode on mobile devices, where the text and image-based search experience is more impactful and interactive.
Key Features of AI Mode:
- AI Overviews: This feature initially presents a summary of the user's query, including relevant websites, graphs, and useful information.
- Multimodal Support: This mode isn't text-based only. You can take a picture of an object and ask related questions, offering a combined image + text experience.
- Follow-up Questions: Users can ask follow-up questions directly related to their initial query without retyping in the search bar.
- Personalized Results: AI Mode customizes responses based on the user's search history and queries, creating a more personalized experience.
- Visual Cards: When inquiring about a business or product, this feature displays details like ratings, store hours, pricing, and availability in card format.
- Search History Panel (Desktop only): For long-term projects, AI Mode saves previous searches in a panel, allowing users to seamlessly continue their work.
- Shopping Graph Integration: Google's Shopping Graph now updates over 45 billion product listings in real-time, making shopping-related searches more accurate.
How will this new mode change things?
Google's new AI Mode transforms the traditional search experience into an intelligent conversation. It goes beyond displaying website links, providing information to aid user decision-making. For example, while planning a holiday, this mode can display flight details, weather information, hotel suggestions, local attractions, and booking options all on one screen.
What can Indian users expect?
Google has indicated that AI Mode will soon be launched in other major markets, including India. Given India's large user base, there's considerable anticipation surrounding its launch. Until then, users eager to explore the new features can join Search Labs via the Google app and experience how AI is reshaping search.
