Google launches AI Mode with Gemini 2.5

Google has officially launched its AI Mode feature for all users in India, expanding access to its advanced AI-powered search experience without the need for Labs enrolment. The rollout began today and will continue over the coming days, with the feature available in English via a new tab in Google Search and the Google app.

AI Mode, powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, was initially introduced as a Labs experiment in June 2024. According to Google, the feature received strong user engagement, especially for handling complex, layered queries that typically require multiple searches. With its full-scale release, users can now pose 2–3 times longer queries—ideal for in-depth tasks such as trip planning, product comparisons, or step-by-step guides. 

What sets AI Mode apart is its multimodal functionality, allowing users to search not just with text, but also through voice and images. The feature leverages Google Lens to provide photo-based responses, complete with detailed instructions or context. AI Mode’s “query fan-out technique” breaks complex questions into smaller subtopics and processes them simultaneously, delivering more comprehensive results with greater depth.

The system integrates advanced reasoning with Google’s existing data systems—including the Knowledge Graph, real-time news, and product listings—ensuring fresh, relevant answers while retaining links to original sources. This unified approach supports deeper exploration across the web and enhances user trust with transparent sourcing.

India, where users show a strong preference for voice and visual searches, is a key market for Google. The company noted that Indian users lead globally in the use of Google Lens. By offering AI Mode’s full capabilities—including the ability to ask follow-up questions for more interactive exploration—Google aims to elevate the user experience for the country’s diverse digital population.

Google also shared that AI Overviews, the foundational technology behind AI Mode, now serves over 1.5 billion users monthly, boosting usage by 10% for supported queries in major markets. With AI Mode, the company is taking a major step toward transforming search into a more conversational, intelligent, and multimodal experience.