Google has officially launched a new feature called AI Mode, which adds conversational abilities to its search engine. The tool, now available to users in the United States, appears directly in the search bar and allows for more natural and in-depth question answering.
Unveiled at Google’s annual developer conference in Mountain View, California, the rollout marks a major step in Google’s efforts to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. As tools like ChatGPT grow more popular, Google is pushing to integrate similar smart capabilities into its core products.
AI Mode Makes Search Smarter
Google’s new AI Mode allows users to ask longer, more complex questions and receive detailed, conversational answers. The goal is to make search feel less like sorting through links and more like talking to a real expert.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet, highlighted the feature during the event. “With improved logic, people can now ask longer and more complex questions,” he said. The update builds on Google’s integration of its Gemini chatbot technology, designed to respond in a helpful and natural tone.
This change reflects a shift in how people search for information—and how Google aims to deliver it.
Expanding AI Beyond Search: Glasses and Premium Tools
In addition to AI Mode, Google revealed two major AI-focused projects:
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A new line of augmented reality glasses, developed with fashion brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.
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A premium subscription model for access to advanced AI tools.
The AR glasses are designed to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers, they aim to bring helpful AI tools into everyday life. Google says production will begin by the end of 2025.
This new attempt follows the discontinued “Google Glass” project from over a decade ago, which failed to catch on. This time, the company hopes better design and smarter features will make the difference.
Experts: AI Mode Could Reshape the Future of Search
Industry experts believe these updates are not just flashy features—they’re essential for Google’s long-term success.
“Users will likely spend less time browsing websites and more time interacting with Google’s AI systems,” said Leo Gebbie, principal analyst at CCS Insight. He noted that simplifying complex questions could change how people interact with the internet.
Cory Johnson, chief strategist at Epistrophy Capital Research, offered a more cautious view. “Google is getting better at delivering answers but worse at prompting link clicks – and those clicks generate revenue,” he said.
Search still accounts for most of Google’s income. Any change to how users interact with it could have big financial implications.
AI Overviews Still a Work in Progress
This launch comes as Google continues to face criticism and legal challenges in the U.S. over its control of the search market. A federal judge recently ruled that Google holds a monopoly in online search, putting more pressure on the company’s decisions.
Meanwhile, Google’s earlier AI feature, AI Overviews, has seen mixed results since its debut last year. The tool displays auto-generated summaries at the top of search results but has drawn attention for some odd responses.
In one case, the AI suggested gluing cheese to pizza with non-toxic glue. In another, it claimed geologists recommend eating one rock per day. Google says such incidents are rare.
Despite the bumps, CEO Sundar Pichai reported strong engagement. “AI Overviews now receive 1.5 billion interactions per month,” he said, covering over 200 countries. In major markets like the U.S. and India, the tool accounts for over 10% of the increase in new query types.
Pichai called the rollout “one of the most successful product launches in the history of Search.”
With AI Mode and new smart glasses on the horizon, Google is making it clear that artificial intelligence is central to its future. The company is not only improving how people search, but also aiming to embed AI into everyday tools and services.
Whether these changes will help Google stay ahead of rivals like ChatGPT and maintain its dominance in digital search remains to be seen. For now, the message is clear: Google is going all-in on AI.