Google is set to roll out its AI Mode in Google Search to users in India, marking the feature’s first expansion beyond the United States. Initially introduced in March for a select group of US users, it became available to all users in the US by May during the Google I/O event. The version that Indian users will experience lacks certain functionalities, such as the two-way real-time voice interaction known as Search Live. However, Indian users will benefit from image-based queries through its integration with Google Lens.
India Becomes First International Expansion of AI Mode in Search
In a recent blog post, Google announced the launch of this AI feature. Currently, AI Mode is part of Search Labs, a platform that showcases experimental tools for Google Search. Users can activate AI Mode after registering for Search Labs, with the option appearing below the search box on the results page. The feature can be found on the left side of the interface, positioned before sections like All and News.
Powered by a customized version of the Gemini 2.5 large language model (LLM), AI Mode is designed to enhance user experience with its reasoning capabilities. This enhancement allows the feature to utilize additional computational resources to effectively handle more complex queries. Importantly, it employs Google’s query fan-out technique, enabling AI Mode to deconstruct queries into subtopics and execute multiple simultaneous searches for each component.
AI Mode is available for both desktop users and those accessing it through the Google app. Additionally, users have the option to photograph an object with Google Lens and submit that image via AI Mode for more detailed responses. The Search feature also allows for voice input, enabling users to verbally pose their questions rather than type them out.
In related news, a report from 9to5Google indicates that the US version of AI Mode is also receiving an update. Google is now offering prompt suggestions tailored to users based on their search history. This means that users will encounter prompt recommendations related to topics they’ve recently explored, making the suggestions more personalized. These prompts refresh each time a user accesses the “Meet AI Mode” page via the Google app, Search widget, or Pixel Launcher shortcuts.
