A major Google AI update is rolling out now, and it’s set to transform how millions of users search online.
Google is enhancing its AI Mode to help users turn complex searches into real-world actions—whether it’s shopping, trip planning, or discovering local businesses. Previously limited to a waitlist, AI Mode in Labs is now available to all U.S. users, and it’s one of the biggest overhauls of Google Search in recent years.
This move comes just days after OpenAI launched similar shopping-focused upgrades to ChatGPT, further intensifying the AI race between the two tech giants.
Smarter, Personalized Search Experience
According to Soufi Esmaeilzadeh, Google’s Director of Product Management for Search, millions are already using AI Mode to ask nuanced questions, refine search queries, and find new businesses or products.
With Google AI Mode, you can now:
- Ask questions in natural language
- See visual cards for local businesses, including:
- Ratings and reviews
- Real-time prices and inventory
- Photos and product availability
- Search with text, voice, or images using multimodal input
- Resume past search sessions for ongoing projects
Highlights of the Upgrades in Google AI
Here are some of the most exciting updates in the rollout:
- AI-Powered Shopping: Get personalized product suggestions, including specs and real-time availability
- Visual Business Cards: Enhanced local listings for salons, restaurants, and more
- Search Continuity: Pick up right where you left off with a new desktop panel
- Image-Based Search: Upload a photo (e.g., a sweater worn by a celebrity) and get product links
- Voice Interactions: Ask questions hands-free from your mobile device
- Limited AI Mode in Search: Some U.S. users will begin seeing an “AI Mode” tab within regular Google Search
Built on Google’s Shopping Graph
These features are powered by Google’s Shopping Graph, which scans and updates more than 2 billion product listings per hour from over 45 billion listings globally. The graph pulls data from both online retailers and local stores, allowing AI Mode to present real-time results in seconds.
