Google is changing the game once again. Its new feature, called “AI mode”, promises to revolutionize the way we search for information on the internet.
Although it is still in the experimental phase, this new system based on generative artificial intelligence is already making a lot of noise.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Google’s AI mode: how it works, how it differs from the traditional search engine, and what impact it may have on users and content creators.
What is Google’s AI Mode?
“AI mode” is a new feature that Google is currently testing in its search engine.
Although it is still in the testing phase, some key details are already known. Basically, it is a search mode assisted by generative artificial intelligence that delivers more complete, conversational, and personalized answers.
Moreover, it doesn’t just provide links. Instead, it generates intelligent summaries, detailed explanations, and personalized AI-generated recommendations — all within the same search page.
This represents a significant shift from the traditional model of results organized by page.
Features of Google’s AI Mode
- AI-Generated Responses: It offers complete, contextual explanations, going beyond a simple list of links.
- Conversational Approach: Allows you to ask follow-up questions without repeating the initial query, as if speaking with an assistant.
- Gemini 2.0 Technology: Uses Google’s most advanced language model, featuring enhanced reasoning and contextual understanding capabilities.
- Multimodal Interaction: Accepts queries via text, voice, or even images, expanding the ways users can search.
- Enriched Visualization: Displays results with comparative tables, lists of pros and cons, and visual summaries.
- Integrated Reliable Sources: Includes verified links directly within the generated responses, making it easier to validate information.
- Available through Search Labs: Currently accessible only to users in the United States through Google’s testing program.
- Experimental Phase: Still under development, with continuous improvements based on user feedback.
How Does Google’s AI Mode Work?
Google’s AI Mode marks a before and after in the way we search for information.
Unlike the traditional search engine, this new mode uses advanced artificial intelligence to deliver complete, personalized, and conversational answers.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how it works, using transition words to help you naturally follow the flow.
Interpretation of Search Intent
When you perform a search — whether by text or voice — AI Mode doesn’t just recognize keywords. Instead, it analyzes the full context of your query to understand what you’re really looking for.
For example, if you type “best electric car value for money,” it won’t just show you popular models. It will seek out comparisons, reviews, and analyses that specifically address your intent.
Real-Time Information Gathering and Analysis
Once it understands your need, AI Mode taps into the world’s largest search index to find the best available information.
Unlike other AI chats that work only with previously trained data, AI Mode has direct access to Google’s updated index.
During this process:
- It filters out unreliable or irrelevant content.
- Selects the best sources (such as recognized media outlets, specialized sites, etc.).
- Cross-references information to find common patterns or matching data.
AI-Generated Response Creation
At this stage, Google’s most powerful language model to date — Gemini 2.0 — comes into play.
Thanks to its reasoning ability and language comprehension, it can:
- Draft clear, structured responses, even on complex topics.
- Include tables, lists, pros and cons, or detailed steps if necessary.
- Cite verified sources with links you can check yourself.
In other words, instead of just giving you a list of websites, it provides a useful, ready-to-use synthesis.
Conversational Follow-Up
Another great advantage is that you can continue the conversation without having to start over.
For example:
- Initial question: “What is generative artificial intelligence?”
- Follow-up: “And how is it applied in education?”
AI Mode understands the previous context and responds as if you were speaking to an expert in person. Thus, every search becomes more natural, dynamic, and effective.
Multimodal Support (Text, Voice, Image)
Unlike traditional search, AI Mode allows you to use different input formats:
- You can speak to it using your voice.
- Upload an image.
- Or combine text and image in the same query.
For instance, you could take a photo of a product and ask:
“What is this and how much does it cost?” The system will recognize the object and search for the most relevant information about it.
Transparent Presentation with Source Links
One of AI Mode’s key principles is its commitment to truthfulness. Therefore, all responses:
- Include visible links to the original sources.
- Show how many sources support each claim.
- Allow you to validate or expand the information with just one click.
This level of transparency increases user trust and reduces the risk of misinformation.
Where and How Can You Activate Google’s AI Mode?
Google’s AI Mode is still in the expansion phase but is already available for certain users and regions.
If you want to know how to activate it and start using it, here’s everything you need to know step-by-step.
Where Is Google’s AI Mode Available?
First, it’s important to know that AI Mode is not enabled by default in all countries or languages.
Currently, it is available (only in English) in:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
It is expected to expand soon to other regions and languages, including Spanish and Latin American countries.
Google has confirmed that this mode will become available across more territories during 2025.
You might access it faster by setting your account language to English and your location to the United States (although this does not always guarantee full access).
How to Activate AI mode?
Once available, you can activate AI Mode in the following ways:
Through Google Search Labs:
- Open the Chrome browser or the Google app on your mobile device.
- Access Google Seach Labs.
- If you see the “SGE (Search Generative Experience)” option, it means you can activate AI Mode.
- Toggle the switch to join.
From the Google Mobile App (Android or iOS):
- Open the Google app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial (top right corner).
- Select “Labs” or “Search Labs.”
- If available, activate SGE / AI Mode.
What Sets Google’s AI Mode Apart from Other AIs?
Unlike tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Bing Chat, Google’s AI Mode:
- Is directly integrated into the search engine.
- Leverages its full access to the entire web index.
- Lets you explore sources directly from the results, maintaining transparency.
This makes it a unique blend of a smart chat and a classic search engine.
Possible Challenges and Limitations
Like any other digital tool, challenges may arise. Some considerations include:
- It is still in the testing phase, so it may make mistakes.
- It is not yet available in all countries or languages.
- The information depends on the quality of available sources on the web.
- It does not replace human critical judgment.
Thus, it’s always advisable to verify data and complement it with multiple sources.
The Future of Search Is Already Here
Google’s AI Mode marks a turning point in how we interact with information on the internet.
Staying informed about these advances and trying them out in the early stages can be a real advantage — whether to improve your productivity, your learning, or even your brand’s search engine positioning.