Key Takeaways
- Google is significantly upgrading its search engine with a new “AI Mode,” now available to all U.S. users.
- This feature, powered by a custom Gemini 2.5 model, offers advanced reasoning and can break down complex questions.
- “Deep Search” enables in-depth research, generating cited reports quickly.
- “Project Mariner” allows the search engine to perform tasks for you, like buying tickets.
- AI Mode will personalize search results, potentially using email data with user consent.
- Shopping gets an upgrade with virtual try-on features.
- “Gemini Live” is expanding, offering real-time interaction with AI through your camera.
Google unveiled a major revamp of its search engine at this year’s Google I/O event, highlighting the wider release of its “AI Mode.” This feature, initially an experiment, is now rolling out across the United States, though a global launch date remains uncertain.
AI Mode represents a significant step up from previous AI Overviews. It brings advanced reasoning to your searches, allowing the engine to dissect your queries into manageable subtopics. This smarter search is driven by a specially adapted version of Google’s Gemini 2.5 model.
One exciting development is “Deep Search,” which can help you thoroughly research topics. It works by conducting hundreds of searches in the background and then compiling a fully-cited report for you in just minutes.
Then there’s “Project Mariner,” an experimental feature where Search can actively click around and complete tasks on your behalf, such as purchasing an online ticket. This moves Search closer to being a proactive assistant.
AI Mode will also tailor your search results based on your past activity. If you choose to opt-in, it can even access information from your emails to provide more personalized context to your searches.
The AI-driven overhaul also aims to enhance your online shopping. Beyond Project Mariner potentially buying items for you, a new experimental feature in Search Labs lets you virtually try on clothes by uploading a photo of yourself, according to Lowyat.net.
Finally, Google is making “Gemini Live” more broadly available. This feature, found in the Lens app, allows you to interact with Gemini as it analyzes what your camera sees in real-time, turning it into a conversational virtual assistant.
