Google AI Mode now available to all US users with enhanced features for search and shopping

Google has officially expanded access to its AI Mode, making the advanced search tool available to all users in the United States without a waitlist. Initially launched in March as an experimental feature within Google Labs, AI Mode is now positioned to compete directly with AI-powered search services like ChatGPT Search and Perplexity AI.

AI Mode allows users to ask complex, multi-part questions and follow up with additional queries, enabling deeper exploration of topics directly within Google Search. The tool leverages Google’s Gemini AI model, offering detailed explanations, nuanced comparisons, and the ability to handle intricate requests that previously required multiple searches.

Key enhancements and new features:

• Wider Access: Any US-based user aged 18 or older can now use AI Mode by enrolling in Google Labs. Google is also testing an AI Mode tab directly in the main Search interface for a select group, signaling a move toward broader, everyday integration.

• Visual Cards for Places and Products: When searching for local businesses or products, users now see interactive visual cards displaying ratings, reviews, opening hours, real-time pricing, promotions, shipping details, and local stock availability. These cards make it easier to take action, such as calling a business or getting directions, directly from the search results.

• Shopping and Trip Planning: AI Mode now excels at helping users discover new restaurants, plan trips, and shop for products. The integration with Google’s Shopping Graph-featuring over 45 billion product listings-ensures up-to-date information on prices, deals, and inventory.

• Multimodal Search Capabilities: Users can upload images or use their camera to ask questions about objects or scenes, thanks to AI Mode’s multimodal understanding. This feature builds on Google’s expertise in visual search, allowing the AI to analyze context, materials, colors, and arrangements for more relevant answers.

• Session Continuity and History: AI Mode now lets users resume searches from where they left off, providing a more seamless and productive experience, especially for ongoing research or planning tasks.

• Real-Time, Trusted Information: By tapping into Google’s Knowledge Graph and real-time business and shopping data, AI Mode delivers reliable, up-to-date responses that go beyond traditional keyword search.

Google’s expansion of AI Mode comes amid positive user feedback and follows similar rollouts of AI-powered features like AI Overviews. The move underscores Google’s commitment to redefining the search experience with generative AI, making it more conversational, actionable, and visually engaging than ever before