.png){kind=logo}
Google Search on Android devices could soon become more conversational and interactive, as revealed by unreleased code uncovered by 9to5 Google. The new feature, referred to as AI Mode or AIM, appears to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities inspired by Google's Gemini AI assistant, combining interactive discussions, visual analysis, and advanced response capabilities.
AI Mode is expected to allow users to engage in human-like interactions with Google Search. Unlike traditional search results, this feature will enable users to ask follow-up questions, interrupt responses, and engage in a dialogue-like experience. The system will integrate Google Lens’s visual recognition and analysis capabilities, adding a multimodal dimension by allowing searches via text, voice, and images.
According to the discovered code, AI Mode will be accessible through a dedicated tab in the Google app’s bottom navigation bar. The feature aims to make search more intuitive by supporting voice-based queries and photo-driven searches. Users could upload images or use photos taken on their devices to refine their queries and receive contextually relevant answers.
The uncovered code suggests AI Mode will meld Gemini Live’s interactive AI features with Google Lens’s powerful visual analysis capabilities. This combination could transform Google Search into a more dynamic tool. For example:
Users may ask questions about the content of an image, such as identifying objects or understanding scenes.
Voice commands can prompt deeper, conversational responses rather than just a list of web links.
Text-based queries could evolve into back-and-forth exchanges, resembling interactions with a personal AI assistant.
While AI Mode borrows heavily from Gemini Live, it appears to be tailored for a search-oriented experience. The inclusion of multimodal functionality—text, voice, and image—adds a layer of versatility that distinguishes it from standalone AI assistants. However, its close resemblance to Gemini Live raises questions about when users might prefer one service over the other.
The placeholder for AI Mode in the app features a winking emoticon, hinting at a playful user experience. This design choice aligns with Google's strategy of making cutting-edge AI accessible and engaging for users.
The introduction of AI Mode could redefine how users interact with the world’s most popular search engine. Instead of simply presenting search results, the feature could deliver more thoughtful and direct answers. This shift may encourage users to rely on Google Search as a conversational assistant, blurring the lines between search engines and AI tools.
Augmenting Google Search with Gemini’s capabilities could also pave the way for a unified AI-driven service. Enhancing Lens’s visual analysis and improving voice transcription features would further boost user engagement and efficiency.
The potential launch of AI Mode signals Google’s commitment to integrating AI deeply into its services. By creating a multimodal, interactive search experience, Google is positioning itself to stay ahead in the competitive AI space. The move reflects a broader trend of making AI tools more intuitive and context-aware, catering to users’ evolving expectations.
This development also raises the possibility of Google Search evolving into a feature of Gemini or vice versa. A unified platform could provide seamless access to AI-powered tools, merging search capabilities with personal assistant functionalities.
As AI Mode transitions from code to reality, it promises to enhance the search experience by delivering thoughtful, precise, and interactive results. This evolution could transform how users interact with search engines, shifting from static queries to dynamic, conversation-driven engagements. If launched, AI Mode may mark a significant step toward making artificial intelligence an integral part of everyday life.
