Earlier this month, Google introduced AI Mode — an AI chatbot that replies to search queries and works much like ChatGPT Search. While it began as an exclusive feature for Google One AI Premium users who pay $20 a month, it’s now open to all Google account holders.
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“Today we’re expanding access to AI Mode beyond Google One AI Premium subscribers in the US, as we begin taking people off the Labs waitlist,” explained Robby Stein, Google Search’s vice president of product. “We’re hearing early users really appreciate the ability to get AI responses for tougher questions, along with fresh, high-quality info and the option to keep exploring through follow-ups and helpful web links.”
How Google AI Mode works
When you ask a question in AI Mode (which is built on Gemini 2.0), you’ll get an AI-powered response. The AI might offer follow-up questions to dive deeper into the topic, or you can ask your own questions to learn more.
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One example of the feature showed a user asking, “When is the best time to conduct an outdoor photoshoot this week in the Boston Public Garden?” The AI gave a weather forecast for the week and times when the park was less busy, which was the primary question, but it understood that a photoshoot is best during the “golden hour” and added the sunset times.
When the user asked for “fun background recommendations,” Gemini created a list of ideal photo spots.
That context and ability to ask more is what sets this apart from a traditional Google search. Instead of just accessing information that exists online, AI can understand the context of what you’re asking and answer questions you might not have even known you needed to ask. It’s a tremendous time-saver if you’re doing deep research on a topic and feel like you’re chatting with an expert.
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Stein added that more capabilities are on the way soon, including more visual responses, richer formatting, and “new ways to get helpful web content.”
How to try Google AI Mode
The feature is still a part of Google Labs, so you need to sign up to try it out.
Artificial Intelligence
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