Google has recently introduced its AI mode, a Q&A-style search tool, to users in India. This experimental feature allows users to ask queries in English, although it’s not clear if support for local languages will be available in the future. To access this tool, users will need to opt in through Search Labs.
With AI mode, users can search for answers to complex, multi-part queries such as finding creative ways to keep kids active indoors on hot days without needing a lot of space or expensive toys. Users can also ask follow-up questions to further refine their search results.
Initially tested with premium subscribers in the U.S., Google has now made AI mode available to all users after its Google IO event. The feature has since been enhanced with a shopping feature, voice and image search support, and ads. Voice and image search capabilities are particularly useful for users in India, where voice search is popular.
The AI mode is powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, with early testers asking longer queries than before. India, with its vast internet user base of over 870 million people, is a crucial market for Google to observe user behavior, especially among multilingual users.
While Google dominates the search market, users have shown a growing interest in chat-based AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. With AI mode, Google aims to attract users who prefer this type of interface to its own product.
In addition to AI mode, Google has been promoting AI overviews in search results, summarizing query results for users. The company revealed that more than 1.5 billion people globally are using AI overviews. However, a recent report by the Wall Street Journal indicated that Google’s AI features may be impacting publishers, leading to a decline in organic search traffic.
Overall, Google’s introduction of AI mode in India signifies its commitment to enhancing user experience and adapting to changing search behaviors. As the company continues to innovate and expand its AI capabilities, users can expect more personalized and efficient search experiences in the future.
