Google has unveiled enhanced capabilities for its AI Mode in Search at the recent Google I/O 2025 event held on Tuesday. The Mountain View-based company is expanding the AI-driven search experience by introducing features such as reasoning mode, Live Search, agentic functionalities for making restaurant reservations, and new shopping tools. However, these updates will initially be accessible only to users in the United States.
AI Mode in Search Gets Smarter
In a blog post, Google elaborated on the new additions to AI Mode. This enhanced AI product allows users to ask intricate questions that would typically require multiple searches. Utilising a query fan-out technique, AI Mode dissects user inquiries into subtopics and simultaneously runs various search queries to gather the appropriate information.
Beginning this week, AI Mode alongside AI Overviews in the US will leverage a bespoke version of Gemini 2.5. The mode does not require users to sign up in the US, but the new functionalities will be available exclusively to select users through Search Labs. Google has indicated plans to integrate these features into the standard Search experience in the future.
One of the novel features being introduced is Deep Search, which promises to deliver “even more thorough responses.” This functionality employs advanced research capabilities to execute hundreds of searches, compiling information to produce an “expert-level fully-cited report in just minutes.”
Another noteworthy addition is Search Live, allowing AI Mode to utilize a device’s camera to answer questions based on real-time visual data. Users can proactively seek information about various objects, landmarks, and locations as long as they are captured in the camera’s view.
Additionally, Google is incorporating Project Mariner’s agentic feature into AI Mode. This enhancement will enable the AI-powered search experience to assist users in purchasing event tickets, securing restaurant reservations, and booking appointments. For instance, when a user wishes to obtain tickets for a sporting event, the tool evaluates ticket options while considering live pricing, fills out relevant forms, and presents pertinent ticket choices for user confirmation. Partnerships with Ticketmaster, StubHub, Resy, and Vagaro are being established for this functionality.
AI Mode is also becoming increasingly tailored to individual user preferences. Google has announced that the Gemini-powered tool will soon offer recommendations based on users’ past searches. Additionally, users will be able to connect AI Mode to other Google applications for enhanced contextual understanding of their preferences. This feature can be deactivated whenever desired.
Alongside the aforementioned capabilities, AI Mode in Search is also rolling out various features aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. Users will benefit from visual product search results, opportunities to virtually try on clothing, and AI-assisted purchasing when products are available at preferred prices.
The new AI mode utilizes Gemini and Google’s Shopping Graph to traverse 50 billion product listings to curtail relevant options for users. Upon making a product query, users will receive a browsable panel filled with images and product listings tailored to their preferences.
Google claims that even complex and specific product requests can be understood, with AI Mode adeptly narrowing down options that meet the criteria. This feature ensures successful identification of products, even when users are uncertain about the technical terminology.
Users can take advantage of the new feature allowing them to virtually try on an extensive range of apparel by simply uploading a full-length image of themselves. Google has indicated this capability is supported by a specialized fashion-focused image generation model that comprehensively understands body dynamics and how garments adjust, fold, and drape on varied body types.
Lastly, AI Mode will soon implement an agentic checkout mechanism to aid users in product purchases. When users reach a checkout page within the AI Mode interface, they will have the option to “track price.” By selecting this, a slider will present the minimum and maximum pricing for the item, recommending an ideal price. Users can adjust the slider according to their preferences, and the AI will notify them whenever the product’s price aligns with the set criteria.
When notified, users can simply tap the “buy for me” button, prompting AI Mode to automatically add the item to their cart on the retailer’s website and complete the purchase process via Google Pay. This agentic checkout feature is expected to roll out across the US in the upcoming months.
