Google's experimental AI-powered search tool is becoming more accessible and powerful as the company continues to refine its approach to integrating artificial intelligence into its core search experience. After initially launching as an exclusive feature for Google One AI Premium subscribers, AI Mode has undergone significant changes to improve functionality and expand availability.
Immediate Access for US Users
Google has eliminated the waitlist requirement for AI Mode in the United States, making the feature immediately accessible to all eligible users who opt in. This represents a significant shift in Google's rollout strategy, as previously users had to join a waitlist after expressing interest in the feature. Now, anyone in the US can simply visit Google Labs or use the Google app to enable AI Mode without waiting for approval. This expanded access suggests Google has gained confidence in the stability and performance of the feature following initial testing phases.
How to access Google AI Mode:
Mobile:
- Open the Google app
- Tap the Labs button (flask icon) on the top-left
- Navigate to AI experiments section
- Tap "Turn on" under AI Mode
Desktop:
- Visit Google Labs website
- Under New experiments/AI experiments, turn on AI Mode
Enhanced Visual Search Experience
The latest update introduces visual cards for both products and places, making AI Mode more helpful for shopping and travel planning. When searching for locations such as restaurants, users will see detailed information including ratings, reviews, and operating hours. Similarly, product searches now display shoppable options with real-time pricing information, images, shipping details, and local inventory availability. These visual elements transform AI Mode from a purely text-based experience into a more comprehensive research tool that combines the depth of AI-generated responses with the visual richness of traditional search results.
Key AI Mode improvements:
- Waitlist removed for US users
- Visual cards for products showing real-time prices, images, shipping details
- Visual cards for places showing ratings, reviews, hours
- New left-side panel for accessing past searches
- Limited testing showing AI Mode tab in main Search interface for some users
Improved Search History Management
A new left-side panel has been added to AI Mode that stores users' past searches, allowing them to easily reference previous queries or continue conversations with follow-up questions. This feature addresses the growing use case of AI Mode for longer research journeys, where users often engage in multi-step information gathering rather than one-off searches. The ability to pick up where you left off makes AI Mode more valuable for complex tasks like trip planning or product research that may span multiple sessions.
Expanded Testing Beyond Labs
Google is now conducting a limited test that will show the AI Mode tab directly within the main Search interface for a small percentage of US users, even if they haven't explicitly opted in through Google Labs. This approach mirrors how Google previously rolled out AI Overviews, suggesting that AI Mode may eventually become a standard feature of the Google Search experience rather than remaining an opt-in experimental tool. The company continues to emphasize that user feedback will guide further refinements to the model.
Positioning Within Google's AI Ecosystem
Google has clarified how AI Mode fits within its broader AI strategy. While Gemini is positioned as a personal assistant focused on productivity, creativity, and tasks like writing, image generation, and coding, AI Mode is specifically designed as an information-seeking platform. AI Mode builds upon the foundation of AI Overviews but allows for more natural language queries, follow-up questions, and predictable AI-generated responses on demand. This distinction addresses feedback from power users who wanted more consistent access to AI capabilities within the search experience.
How to Access AI Mode
For users interested in trying AI Mode, the process is straightforward. On mobile devices, open the Google app, tap the Labs button (flask icon) in the top-left corner, navigate to the AI experiments section, and turn on AI Mode. Desktop users can visit the Google Labs website and enable AI Mode under the New experiments/AI experiments section. While the feature remains opt-in for now, the removal of the waitlist and limited testing outside Labs suggests Google is preparing for a wider rollout in the future.