Google’s AI Mode expands globally, adds new agentic features

In a significant move, Google has announced the worldwide rollout of its AI Mode, an innovative feature designed to enhance user interaction with its Search platform. This expansion, which was revealed on Thursday, introduces new capabilities that allow users to conduct more complex inquiries and follow-up questions seamlessly. Previously limited to users in the U.S., U.K., and India, AI Mode will now be accessible in 180 additional countries, all in English. Google is also planning to extend this feature to more languages and regions in the near future. Among the exciting new functionalities is the ability to make restaurant reservations directly through AI Mode. Users can specify their preferences, including party size, date, time, location, and cuisine type. The AI will then scour various reservation platforms to present real-time availability, offering a tailored list of dining options. Currently, this feature is available to U.S. subscribers of Google AI Ultra, which is the company's premium subscription plan priced at $249.99 per month. Additionally, Google is personalizing search results for users participating in the AI Mode experiment, focusing initially on dining-related queries. For example, if a user types, "I only have an hour, need a quick lunch spot, any suggestions?" the AI will leverage past interactions and preferences to suggest relevant dining options. Moreover, AI Mode now includes collaborative features, allowing users to share responses with others through a new "Share" button. This functionality is particularly useful for coordinating group activities like trips or celebrations. Users can also manage their personalization settings within their Google Account to further tailor their experience. As Google continues to innovate in AI, these enhancements promise to make searching for information more intuitive and user-friendly, marking a new chapter in how we interact with technology.