Google AI Mode: The Future of Search as a Personal Assistant

August 29, 2025 livuz

Google has officially expanded its AI Mode to over 180 countries and territories, transforming search from a simple information retrieval tool into an intelligent assistant that can act on behalf of users. This upgrade brings a major step forward in how people interact with Google Search, offering personalized recommendations, collaborative planning tools, and agentic capabilities that allow AI to take action rather than just provide information.

Table of Contents

A Global Rollout of AI Mode

Initially, AI Mode was only available in a few countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. Now, Google has made it accessible to users in more than 180 regions. The current rollout supports English, with plans to introduce additional languages in the near future. This move is part of Google’s long-term vision to make AI-driven search available to users worldwide. By expanding availability, Google aims to make AI-powered experiences a natural part of everyday interactions.

What Makes AI Mode Different

Unlike traditional search tools that deliver links and snippets, AI Mode introduces a conversational experience where users can ask detailed questions, receive curated answers, and now take action directly from the search interface.

For example, AI Mode can:

Summarize complex information into easy-to-understand answers
Offer suggestions based on personal preferences
Connect with third-party platforms to complete real-world tasks

The upgrade signals a shift in Google’s strategy, turning search into a personal assistant that helps users make decisions and complete tasks seamlessly.

Agentic Features: AI That Acts

The most significant update to AI Mode is the introduction of agentic features, allowing the AI to complete tasks for users.
Currently, the primary focus is on restaurant reservations. Subscribers of Google AI Ultra in the United States can now ask the AI to search for restaurants, check availability, and provide direct links to book a table. The system supports filters like party size, location, date, and cuisine type, making planning dinner outings easier than ever.
Google has partnered with major booking platforms including OpenTable, Resy, and Tock to enable smooth reservations. Future plans include expanding agentic capabilities to book event tickets, schedule local services, and even handle day-to-day planning. This development marks the beginning of a new era in AI assistance, where search is no longer just a source of knowledge but also a tool that can perform actions on behalf of the user.

How Project Mariner Powers AI Mode

The engine behind these capabilities is Project Mariner, Google’s web browsing system for AI. Mariner enables the AI to browse the internet like a human user, interacting with real-time content, filling out forms, and navigating websites dynamically. By combining Mariner with Google’s Knowledge Graph and partnerships with various service providers, AI Mode can deliver highly accurate and relevant results while completing complex tasks for the user.

Personalized Recommendations

Another major improvement is AI Mode’s ability to provide personalized recommendations. Users in the United States who opt into AI Mode via Search Labs can receive dining suggestions tailored to their tastes and preferences.

AI Mode analyzes data from past searches, locations visited through Google Maps, and user interactions to create custom suggestions. For instance, it can recommend vegan restaurants for a plant-based eater or point out popular Italian restaurants in the area. Importantly, users maintain full control over personalization settings. Google allows users to adjust or completely disable personalization from their account settings, reinforcing privacy as a priority.

Collaborative Planning Features

Google has also introduced collaborative planning tools to make AI Mode a social and interactive experience.
With a single tap, users can share a conversation link from AI Mode with friends or family members. Others can join the conversation, add suggestions, and explore recommendations. This is especially helpful for group decision-making, such as planning trips, selecting restaurants, or booking tickets together.
Users can also revoke shared links at any time, ensuring complete control over who can access their sessions.

Tiered Access and Premium Features

Google is rolling out AI Mode with a tiered structure:

Basic AI Mode: Available worldwide in English, offering AI-powered answers and simple planning tools.
Advanced Agentic Capabilities: Currently available only in the United States for Google AI Ultra subscribers. This premium version costs approximately $249 per month and allows AI Mode to perform actions such as booking reservations or purchasing tickets.

This tiered model allows users to experience AI Mode at different levels while positioning advanced features as premium services for those seeking cutting-edge AI assistance.

Business Opportunities and Implications

For businesses, particularly those in hospitality, events, and services, AI Mode presents a new opportunity.

Since AI Mode integrates with booking and ticketing platforms, businesses that maintain accurate listings and availability data on these services are more likely to be featured in AI recommendations. Optimizing structured data, improving online presence, and partnering with supported platforms will become crucial for visibility in this new AI-powered search ecosystem.

Privacy and User Control

Google is aware of privacy concerns surrounding AI personalization. All new features are opt-in, meaning users must actively choose to participate through Search Labs.

Users can control personalization settings, delete activity data, and manage AI preferences directly in their Google Accounts. By giving users transparency and control, Google aims to ensure trust in AI Mode’s adoption.

Future Plans for AI Mode

Google has ambitious plans for AI Mode and its agentic features. Upcoming developments include:

Expanding language support to reach a global audience.
Introducing additional agentic capabilities, such as scheduling appointments and purchasing event tickets.
Integrating AI Mode into more Google products like the Gemini app, Chrome, and Gmail.
Bringing advanced multimodal experiences, including voice and camera input, for more natural interactions.
Creating advertising opportunities within AI Mode, enabling businesses to promote their services in AI-driven panels.

These upcoming updates indicate Google’s vision of turning AI Mode into a full-fledged digital assistant capable of managing all aspects of daily life.

The Bigger Picture: Google’s AI Strategy

Google’s AI Mode is part of a broader shift in the company’s approach to artificial intelligence. At Google I/O 2025, the company highlighted its goal of embedding AI across its ecosystem. Features like AI-powered Smart Replies in Gmail, Gemini Live voice interactions, and AR capabilities in Search are all part of this strategy.

The ultimate goal is to make AI an invisible but powerful partner that enhances productivity, creativity, and decision-making for users everywhere.

Early Adoption and Market Impact

Though AI Mode is still in its early stages, it has already begun shaping user behavior. Analysts estimate that AI-powered search currently makes up one to two percent of all search traffic in the United States, but this number is expected to grow rapidly as more users gain access and adopt its features.

For marketers and businesses, this shift signals the importance of optimizing for AI-driven discovery rather than traditional search rankings.

Why This Matters

The global rollout of AI Mode represents more than a new feature. It is a fundamental shift in the way people will interact with search engines. Users are no longer just searching for information; they are delegating tasks and receiving personalized, actionable solutions.

AI Mode bridges the gap between digital exploration and real-world action. Whether it is booking a dinner reservation, planning a vacation, or purchasing tickets to a concert, AI Mode can handle these tasks with minimal user input. For individuals, this means convenience and time savings. For businesses, it means adapting strategies to meet customers through AI-powered recommendations.

Conclusion

Google’s global expansion of AI Mode marks a major shift in search technology, turning it into an intelligent personal assistant. With live browsing through Project Mariner, partnerships with top service providers, and AI-driven personalization, users can now plan, book, and collaborate directly within search. While advanced features are currently limited to premium subscribers, this move positions AI Mode as a key part of Google’s future ecosystem, redefining search as a tool for action and convenience rather than just information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google AI Mode?

Google AI Mode is a new AI-powered search feature that provides conversational answers, personalized recommendations, and the ability to complete tasks like reservations or ticket bookings directly from the search interface.

Which countries have access to AI Mode?

AI Mode is now available in over 180 countries and territories in English. Google plans to expand support to more languages in the future.

What are agentic features in AI Mode?

Agentic features allow AI Mode to take action on your behalf, such as making restaurant reservations, booking event tickets, and scheduling local services.

Is AI Mode free to use?

Basic AI Mode is free and available to all users, while advanced agentic features are currently part of the paid Google AI Ultra subscription in the United States.

What is Project Mariner?

Project Mariner is Google’s browsing system that lets AI Mode navigate websites in real time, fill out forms, and interact with content like a human user.

Can I control personalization in AI Mode?

Yes, users can customize or disable personalization through their Google Account settings to maintain control over their data and preferences.

Will AI Mode be available in more languages?

Yes, Google has confirmed plans to roll out AI Mode in multiple languages to reach a global audience.