On Thursday, Google unveiled an expansion of its AI Mode feature in Search, introducing several new functionalities. Initially launched in March, this artificial intelligence (AI) search mode was first accessible to a select group of Google One AI Premium subscribers in the United States. Following its debut, the feature was made available to all Google Labs users in the country, albeit through a waitlist system. The company has now decided to eliminate these restrictions, providing widespread access to the search mode for all users in the U.S.
AI Mode in Google Search to Include New Features
Google has announced that all U.S. users will gain immediate access to AI Mode upon opting in for the experimental feature via Labs. This update streamlines the process, so users no longer need to sign up and wait for approval. However, the AI-powered search mode remains unavailable to users outside the U.S., with no indication of when international expansion might occur.
The tech giant also introduced two new enhancements within AI Mode. The first improvement pertains to the Shopping Graph, which provides a detailed overview when users search for products or local businesses.
Starting next week, users with access to AI Mode will notice visual product and place cards in their search results. When searching for restaurants, shops, or salons, users will be presented with options followed by key details, including ratings, reviews, and business hours.
For product inquiries, users can expect to receive information such as real-time pricing, active discounts, images, shipping options, and local availability. According to Google, the AI Mode is designed to retrieve relevant information even when users input vague or complex queries. For example, if a user requests “the best foldable camping chair that would fit in a backpack for under Rs. 5,000,” the AI Mode will compile a list of recommended products within that budget, complete with details and links to retailers. Google has yet to confirm whether it will earn a commission from businesses featured in these recommendations.
Additionally, AI Mode will now retain past searches for desktop users, enabling them to revisit and continue previous conversations with follow-up questions. A newly added left-side panel will allow users to easily access their past searches in chronological order.
