Google AI Mode

In a sign of the times (and where things are going), visiting google.com/ai now opens Google Search AI Mode.

After launching in three countries, Google is now bringing AI Mode to many more countries around the world, while AI Ultra subscribers will get to use the first agentic capability.

Five months after launching on phones, Google AI Mode is now appearing on Android tablets.

As AI Mode comes to more users around the world, Google is testing more prominent ways to surface the capability (and Live) on mobile.

The clear difference between Gemini and AI Mode will be an assistant. That’s already the case today, and what LLMs continue to make possible will only widen that gap. However, the similarities today make me wonder whether this is confusing for most users.

After adding Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google is updating AI Mode with four big features across Search Live (video with Google Lens access), Canvas, and more.

Following the US and India (earlier this month), Google Search is now launching AI Mode in the UK.

Following the unveil at I/O 2025, Google is beginning to let AI Mode users share their camera in Search Live.

Following the Pixel Launcher shortcut, you can now add AI Mode to the Google Search homescreen widget on any Android device.

Like the Pixel Launcher, Google is adding an AI Mode shortcut to desktop Chrome’s New Tab Page.

During the Q2 2025 earnings call, Sundar Pichai shared some updates on Google AI Mode’s progress, with the latest features (Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Search) announced last week now widely rolling out.

Following the announcement at I/O 2025 in May, Google is rolling out Deep Search to AI Mode, as well as letting subscribers access 2.5 Pro. Free users will get access to AI calling in Google Search.

The first Android Canary has a number of user-facing tweaks for the Pixel Launcher that let you remove the AI Mode shortcut, while bringing back the colorful At a Glance weather icons.

As part of the Galaxy Fold 7 and Flip 7 launch, Google is announcing the latest Circle to Search, which is now available on 300 million Android devices, features for everyone. Google’s other big update today is Gemini for Wear OS.

Google’s new AI Mode is a built-in part of the Pixel Launcher’s search bar whether you like it or not, but the company appears to be building out a way to turn it off.

Since the March announcement, AI Mode has only been available in the US, but Google is now bringing it to India. 

Google’s AI Mode push continues today with a Doodle that broadly promotes how you can “search like never before.” 

To encourage people to try AI Mode, Google is now suggesting prompts based on your Search history. This is a pretty nice way to inform people about the kind of questions that work well.

Following the I/O 2025 announcement and early availability for some, Google is now letting AI Mode users test Search Live with voice input.

With Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, the Pixel Launcher search bar is getting a redesign to match the Google app’s updated homescreen widget.

Following Android and iOS, Google Search on the web wants to add an “AI Mode” shortcut right on the iconic homepage.