Google AI Mode Just Got Smarter: Expanded Access, New Features, and Competitive Edge
Google is turning up the heat in the AI-powered search race. The tech giant has expanded access to its AI Mode in Search and introduced a range of new capabilities designed to enhance the way users interact with information. These updates signal Google’s determination to stay ahead of rapidly growing competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search and Perplexity AI.
Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and how this move reflects Google’s long-term AI strategy.
What Is Google AI Mode?
First introduced as part of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), AI Mode uses generative AI to answer complex queries with conversational, summarized responses instead of just links. It bridges the gap between search and assistant, functioning more like an AI chatbot integrated directly into Search. 
Previously, this feature was exclusive to Google One AI Premium subscribers, but that’s changing.
Expanded Access: Who Can Use It Now?
Google has opened AI Mode access to a much broader audience:
- All users aged 18+ in the U.S. enrolled in Google’s experimental Labs program are now eligible.
- A dedicated AI Mode tab is being tested on the main Search interface, hinting at a full rollout soon.
This strategic expansion increases user exposure to AI-generated search results, giving Google real-world usage data while competing for attention in the growing market of AI-enhanced information retrieval.
What’s New in Google AI Mode?
The latest AI Mode update goes beyond access. It adds several features that boost usability and make AI Search more interactive and visually informative:
🧠 1. Visual Place and Product Cards
Users can now see interactive cards for local businesses (like restaurants or gyms) showing:
- Star ratings and reviews
- Opening hours
- Map directions
- Real-time product info, including availability, prices, and images
This is particularly impactful for local businesses and e-commerce, as Google essentially blends AI with Shopping and Maps.
🧵 2. Session Continuity
A new left-hand panel allows users to revisit previous queries, creating a continuous research thread. This supports:
- Long-term projects
- Shopping journeys
- Academic or professional research
It’s Google’s way of introducing memory — a feature rival AI assistants like ChatGPT are known for.
📸 3. Multimodal Search
AI Mode now leverages Google Lens integration, enabling users to upload or capture an image and ask follow-up questions. For example:
“What breed is this dog?” or “Where can I buy this jacket?”
This feature turns visual input into conversational context, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
How Does It Compare to Perplexity AI and ChatGPT Search?
Google is clearly watching the competition. Here’s how AI Mode stacks up:
| Feature | Google AI Mode | ChatGPT Search (w/ Browse) | Perplexity AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conversational Search | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Image-Based Queries | ✅ Yes (Lens) | ✅ Yes (via plugins) | ❌ No |
| Visual Product Listings | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Session Memory | 🟡 Limited | ✅ Yes (with login) | ✅ Yes |
| Integration with Search | ✅ Deep (Google) | 🟡 Limited | ✅ Integrated Search |
While OpenAI and Perplexity focus on concise, citation-rich responses, Google’s strength lies in ecosystem integration — from Maps to Shopping to Lens.
Why This Matters: Google’s AI Vision
This update is more than a feature release — it’s a strategic step in Google’s broader AI roadmap. CEO Sundar Pichai has emphasized a “Search transformation” powered by generative AI. With AI Mode:
- Google moves beyond link lists to understanding intent
- It reduces user effort in researching or decision-making
- And it cements its services (like Maps, Shopping, and YouTube) into a seamless AI flow
Ultimately, Google wants to become not just the place you search — but the place you solve, decide, and act.
Future Possibilities
If the AI Mode tab sees positive feedback, we can expect:
- Global rollout, especially to multilingual users
- Integration with Google Assistant and Android
- More personalized experiences, perhaps leveraging Gmail or Calendar data
- Tighter AI-driven ads and recommendations
With Microsoft’s Copilot and Apple rumored to launch its own generative AI tools in 2025, the race is heating up fast.
Final Thoughts
Google’s expansion of AI Mode demonstrates the company’s agile response to the AI boom in search. By blending deep integrations, user-friendly features, and wider access, Google is positioning itself as the leader in the next phase of search evolution.
If you’re in the U.S., aged 18 or over, and ready to see what the future of search looks like — AI Mode is worth exploring.
🔗 Internal Links:
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