Google Expands AI-Powered Search to All US Labs Users
Google is expanding access to its conversational AI search experience, powered by its Gemini AI system. Previously available to a limited group of testers, the "AI Mode" in Google Search is now accessible to all Google Labs users in the United States.
This expansion comes after Google began testing AI Mode in March and received positive feedback. The feature allows users to engage in a more conversational approach to search, asking complex questions and using follow-ups to refine their queries.
Growing Interest in Conversational AI
The move reflects the growing interest in AI chatbots and their integration into search engines. Similar to the rise of short-form video, conversational AI is becoming a key element in online discovery.
Google highlighted the positive response to AI Mode, stating:
Millions of people are using AI Mode in Labs to search in new ways - asking longer, harder questions, using follow-up questions to hone in on what they really want to know, and discovering new websites and businesses along the way.
Due to this positive feedback, Google has removed the waitlist for AI Mode in Labs. The company is also gradually rolling out access to a select group of non-Labs users in the US in the coming weeks.
Competition in the AI Search Landscape
This announcement follows recent launches of standalone AI apps by Meta and X (formerly Twitter). Meta's AI app allows users to converse with Meta AI, while X has launched its Grok app. These developments highlight the increasing competition in the AI-powered search market.
The Future of AI in Search
While Google's AI Mode focuses on search discovery, other AI apps are finding different use cases. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, noted that many people are using Meta AI as a sounding board for personal conversations.
Already, one of the main things we see people using Meta AI for is talking through difficult conversations that they need to have with people in their lives.
Google's AI Mode integrates product information from Google Shopping, helping users find relevant items. The company is also adding new features to AI Mode, including visual place and product cards and the ability to resume past searches.
It remains to be seen how users will adopt different AI tools and whether they will consolidate their usage to a single platform. The platform that best personalizes the experience and caters to individual preferences is likely to emerge as the leader.
