Google Search AI Mode Gets Powerful Upgrades

05/20/2025 Technology

Google's AI Mode, initially launched as an experiment, is undergoing a significant expansion, bringing enhanced capabilities to its search functionality. The service, now powered by the advanced Gemini 2.5 model, offers a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to information retrieval.

Deep Search and Live Capabilities

One notable enhancement is the integration of a Deep Search feature, mirroring the capabilities previously available in Gemini. This allows AI Mode to conduct extensive research across various sources, producing detailed, cited reports in a matter of minutes. While promising, users should be aware that the accuracy and comprehensiveness of these reports may vary depending on the complexity of the query.

Further enhancing its interactive capabilities, AI Mode now incorporates Search Live, leveraging Project Astra technology. This functionality allows users to engage with the search engine using visual input from their phone's camera, providing real-time analysis of their surroundings. Access is available directly within AI Mode or through Google Lens.

Agentic AI and Personalized Suggestions

Improvements to Project Mariner, Google's agentic AI initiative, are also incorporated. This enhanced system now aids users in automating tasks such as purchasing tickets and making reservations directly through AI Mode. The system, accessible to Google AI Ultra subscribers, leverages user data to streamline these processes.

The most recent update emphasizes personalization. AI Mode now offers tailored suggestions based on individual search history and connected apps like Gmail. This allows for a more contextual and relevant search experience, taking into account past behavior and preferences to provide refined results. For example, a search query about weekend activities might incorporate past restaurant bookings and flight information to provide hyper-personalized recommendations.

The broader rollout of AI Mode in the US signifies Google's commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities into its core search platform, aiming to provide users with a more intelligent and efficient search experience.