Google is opening up its AI Mode to more users in the United States and giving it some helpful new features. If you often turn to Google Search for answers, planning, or shopping, you’ll soon notice a smarter and more visual experience.
Initially introduced in March, AI Mode is Google’s answer to tools like ChatGPT Search and Perplexity AI. It allows you to ask complex questions, receive detailed explanations, and continue your conversation with follow-up queries. Now, Google is removing the waitlist and making AI Mode more widely available for those aged 18 and older in the U.S. who are signed up with Google Labs.
Wider access to AI Mode
Until now, only selected users on a waitlist could try AI Mode. That’s changing. If you’re 18 or older and signed into Google Labs, you can now access AI Mode immediately. This move marks a big step in Google’s push to bring AI-powered search features to more people.
Moreover, Google tests an AI Mode tab directly in the main Google Search experience. While this won’t appear for everyone, a small group of U.S. users will soon see this tab as part of their usual searches. It’s a sign that Google is preparing to bring AI Mode out of the experimental phase and into everyday use.
New ways to explore and shop
AI Mode isn’t just about answering questions anymore. Google adds features to help you explore local places or shop for products more effectively. Your search results will show visual cards for locations and items. These cards include opening hours, customer ratings, reviews, photos, and even how busy an area is.
If you’re searching for something specific—like “vintage shops with mid-century modern furniture near me”—AI Mode can show nearby stores, offer live updates, and even let you call or get directions with one tap.
The experience of online shopping is becoming much smoother. You could try the “best foldable camping chair that fits in a backpack under US$100,” AI Mode will pull up a list of matching products. You’ll see real-time prices, current promotions, images, delivery information, and whether the item is in stock locally.
Pick up where you left off
Another helpful feature is the ability to continue your search journey. If you’ve been researching something over time—perhaps planning a trip or comparing products—you can now revisit previous searches. On the desktop, AI Mode includes a new panel on the left side of the screen. This panel shows your past activity and lets you ask new questions without starting over.
This change makes AI Mode more useful for long-term tasks, whether planning a holiday, organising an event, or working through a project.
With these updates, Google aims to search feel more like a conversation and less like a list of links. As AI Mode becomes more integrated into everyday browsing, you’ll find it easier to get the information you need—quickly, clearly, and in one place.
