Google LLC is upgrading its experimental “AI Mode” in Google Search, adding multimodal functionality that enables the system to analyze uploaded images and provide more precise answers to user queries.
Initially launched in a limited preview last month for Google One AI Premium subscribers, AI Mode leverages generative AI to handle complex, multi-part questions and follow-up inquiries. Now, Google is expanding access to millions of users enrolled in its Labs program, allowing them to test the feature early.
In a blog post, Google announced that AI Mode can now process images, thanks to Google Lens’ visual search technology. This means users can upload a photo and ask questions about its contents. The AI can analyze objects, materials, colors, and spatial relationships within the image, offering more detailed responses than standard Google Search.
For example, a user could snap a picture of their bookshelf and ask, “If I enjoyed these, what are some similar books I might like?” AI Mode would identify the books and suggest new reads. Users can then refine their search with follow-up questions, such as “Which recommendation is the shortest?”
Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search, emphasized that AI Mode advances years of visual search innovation, taking it to the next level.
While still in experimental phase, AI Mode is Google’s answer to AI-powered search rivals like Perplexity and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search. Google plans to refine the feature and add more capabilities before a full public release.
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