Google AI mode
When Google first introduced AI Overviews back in 2024, I thought it was just another attempt to keep up with ChatGPT. But what’s happening now with AI Mode? That’s a completely different story, and it’s reshaping how we search in ways that actually matter.
Here’s the thing: Google started testing a merger between AI Overviews and AI Mode in December 2025, and this isn’t just a minor update. This is Google fundamentally reimagining what search means. After spending weeks diving into this new feature, talking to SEO professionals, and watching my own search behavior change, I’m convinced we’re witnessing the biggest shift in search since, well… Google itself.
Let me break down everything you need to know about this transformation—from what’s actually changing to how it affects the way you find information online.
What Exactly Is AI Mode (And Why Should You Care)?
Think of AI Mode as Google’s answer to having a conversation with someone who has the entire internet memorized. Unlike the old-school “type and click” approach, AI Mode lets you ask follow-up questions, refine your search, and dig deeper without starting from scratch each time.
AI Mode launched to Google One AI Premium subscribers in March 2025, then expanded globally in August to over 180 countries. But here’s what makes it genuinely different from just using ChatGPT or Perplexity: it’s built directly into Google Search, which means it has access to real-time web data, not just training data from months or years ago.
The Tech Behind the Magic
AI Mode uses something Google calls “query fan-out”—basically, it runs multiple related searches simultaneously across different subtopics and data sources. According to Google’s official announcement, when you ask a complex question, Gemini 2.0 creates a plan, conducts searches, and adjusts based on what it finds.
I tested this myself by asking: “What’s the difference in sleep tracking features between a smart ring, smartwatch, and tracking mat?” Instead of getting three separate lists of links, AI Mode broke down the comparison across dimensions I hadn’t even thought about—accuracy during different sleep stages, battery life implications, and even comfort factors.
Key Features That Set AI Mode Apart:
- Contextual memory: Remembers your conversation thread and builds on previous questions
- Multi-step reasoning: Breaks complex queries into logical subtopics
- Voice interaction: Search Live feature allows hands-free conversations
- Visual exploration: Can analyze images you upload or snap with your camera
- Agentic capabilities: Can actually book reservations and handle transactions
The voice feature is particularly impressive. Search Live launched in June 2025, allowing back-and-forth voice conversations with real-time follow-ups, and it’s genuinely transformed how I search while cooking or driving.
AI Overviews vs AI Mode: Understanding the Critical Differences
Here’s where things get interesting—and where a lot of confusion exists. AI Overviews and AI Mode aren’t just “short version” and “long version” of the same thing. They’re fundamentally different systems that happen to coexist in Google Search.
The Numbers Tell a Surprising Story
Research analyzing 730,000 response pairs found that AI Overviews and AI Mode share only 13.7% of their citations when answering identical queries. Let that sink in—87% of the time, these two systems pull from completely different sources to answer the same question.
Even more fascinating: they reach similar conclusions with 86% semantic similarity while citing different sources. It’s like two experts answering the same question using entirely different reference materials but arriving at the same core truth.
| Feature | AI Overviews | AI Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Response Length | Brief summary (2-3 paragraphs) | Comprehensive (4x longer on average) |
| Interaction Style | Static, one-time answer | Conversational, allows follow-ups |
| Location | Top of traditional search results | Separate interface or merged view |
| Processing Method | Single query fan-out | Multiple sequential searches |
| Citation Overlap | N/A | Only 13.7% with AI Overviews |
| Best For | Quick facts, definitions | Complex research, planning |
| User Base | 2 billion monthly users | Part of 650 million Gemini users |
| Voice Capability | No | Yes (Search Live) |
| Visual Input | Limited | Full multimodal support |
How They Actually Work Differently
AI Overviews scan top-ranking results, identify key themes, and generate a short synthesized answer designed to give you the main takeaway without clicking. It’s Google’s way of keeping you on the search results page while still getting value.
AI Mode? That’s a whole different beast. It uses multiple searches to generate one answer, running related questions so output includes more in-depth responses. When I asked about planning a three-day Rome trip with family-friendly activities, AI Mode didn’t just dump links—it created an actual itinerary with restaurant picks, hotel options, and activity timings.
The December 2025 Game-Changer: Merging the Two Experiences
This is where Google’s strategy gets really smart. In December 2025, Google announced testing that merges AI Overviews with AI Mode, allowing users to seamlessly go deeper directly from search results.
How the Merger Actually Works
Previously, you had to predict whether you needed a simple answer (stick with regular search) or deep research (switch to AI Mode) before asking your question. That mental overhead? Gone.
Now, according to Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search, users get a quick snapshot when needed and deeper conversation when wanted, with follow-ups happening on the same screen.
I tested this extensively over the past few weeks. Here’s what actually happens:
- You type a normal search query
- AI Overview appears with a concise summary
- A “Dive deeper in AI Mode” button appears at the bottom
- Click it, and you’re instantly in a conversational interface
- Your context is preserved—AI Mode already knows what you asked
- Ask follow-ups naturally, just like chatting with a knowledgeable friend
Pro tip: You can also access AI Mode directly from the navigation panel at the top left of search results, right before the “All” tab. I’ve started defaulting to this for anything remotely complex.
Search Live: When AI Mode Becomes Your Voice Assistant
Let’s talk about one of the most underrated features that launched this year—Search Live voice conversations.
Search Live launched in the Google app for iOS and Android in June 2025 for U.S. users, and it fundamentally changed how I interact with search when I’m not at a keyboard.
Real-World Use Cases That Actually Work
Multitasking scenarios: Google demonstrated this being useful when packing for a trip, allowing you to ask about preventing linen dress wrinkles and follow up about what to do if wrinkles still appear.
I’ve used it for:
- Recipe adjustments while cooking (“can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?”)
- Navigation help while driving (“what’s the traffic like on I-95 versus taking Route 1?”)
- Product research while shopping (“compare battery life of these wireless earbuds”)
- Learning new skills (“walk me through basic watercolor techniques”)
The December update made it even better. Search Live conversations became more fluid and expressive, allowing you to adjust the AI’s speaking speed and tone in real-time. In one demo, a user asked the AI to slow down so their child could understand, and the voice immediately became deeper and more deliberate.
Technical details worth knowing:
- Works in background while using other apps
- Transcript button lets you switch between voice and text
- History saved in AI Mode for later reference
- Powered by custom Gemini version with advanced voice capabilities
How AI Mode Is Changing Search Behavior (And What It Means)
The data emerging from AI Mode usage is genuinely fascinating—and somewhat concerning if you’re a website publisher.
The Traffic Impact Nobody’s Talking About
A study on AI Mode user behavior found that 77.6% of users don’t leave AI Mode to visit a website, with a median of zero external clicks per session. That’s a massive shift from traditional search, where clicking through to websites was the entire point.
But here’s the nuance: it’s not that AI Mode is bad for publishers. It’s that user behavior is fundamentally changing. According to Search Engine Land’s analysis of search query reports from January to June 2025, impressions and clicks increased for 3-4 word search terms but dropped 11% for 1-2 word terms.
What this actually means:
- Users are asking more specific, conversational questions
- Short, transactional keywords are declining
- Longer, complex queries are rising
- Time on-site increases for visitors who do click through
User Engagement Patterns Worth Noting
SimilarWeb’s study of over 100,000 AI Mode users showed visitors arriving from AI Mode spend more time on-site and view more pages per session compared to traditional Google results.
This makes intuitive sense. If you’re clicking through from AI Mode, you’re probably genuinely interested in deeper content, not just looking for a quick fact (which AI Mode already provided).
The Gemini 3 Upgrade: Making Everything Smarter
In November 2025, Google launched Gemini 3, and it’s now the default model powering both AI Overviews and AI Mode. The improvements are tangible.
Gemini 3 brings superior reasoning to grasp nuance and intent, outperforming rivals on benchmarks for math, science, and multilingual tasks. But benchmarks aside, what matters is practical performance.
What Actually Improved
I’ve noticed these concrete differences since the Gemini 3 rollout:
Better context understanding: Ask about “the new iPhone” and it knows you mean the current model, not something from 2025.
Improved multilingual capability: Switches seamlessly between languages without losing context. I tested this asking questions in Spanish and following up in English—it handled both flawlessly.
Enhanced reasoning: Complex “if-then” scenarios get better responses. “If I exercise in the morning versus evening, how does it affect my sleep quality?” gets a nuanced answer considering multiple variables.
Faster response times: Gemini 3 Flash variant was rolled out globally in December for speed while Pro handled depth, and the difference is noticeable.
Visual Search and Shopping: AI Mode’s Hidden Superpower
One feature that doesn’t get enough attention is AI Mode’s visual exploration capability, which launched in September 2025 in English in the U.S.
How Visual AI Mode Works
You can now ask questions conversationally and get visual results, then refine your search naturally. Google demonstrated searching for maximalist bedroom design inspiration, seeing rich visuals, then asking for more options with dark tones and bold prints.
But the shopping integration is where this gets genuinely useful. Instead of filtering through endless product pages, you describe what you want like you’re talking to a friend: “I need throw pillows in a dusty blue that won’t clash with my terracotta couch.”
AI Mode uses Google’s Shopping Graph to show products from stores worldwide, complete with reviews, current deals, and real-time availability. Each image links to the product, so when something catches your eye, you’re one click from purchase.
Advanced features coming soon:
- Search within specific images with conversational follow-ups
- Live camera integration for real-world object searches
- Style matching across multiple product categories
- Price tracking and deal alerts
What This Means for SEO (Spoiler: Everything Changes)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: AI Mode is fundamentally reshaping SEO, and most brands aren’t ready.
The New Citation Economy
SEO is evolving from the click economy to the citation economy, where the goal is no longer ranking #1 but being cited as a trusted source in AI responses.
This shift is massive. Traditional SEO focused on keywords, backlinks, and technical optimization to rank high. That still matters, but now you also need to optimize for being cited by AI.
What actually works for AI citation:
E-E-A-T signals are everything: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness are the primary signals Google’s AI uses to identify trustworthy sources. Without demonstrable expertise, your content becomes invisible to AI.
This means:
- Clear author profiles with verifiable credentials
- Transparent about sources and methodology
- Regular content updates showing current expertise
- Industry recognition and third-party validation
Schema markup matters more than ever: Structured data helps AI understand your content context. If you’re not using proper schema for articles, products, FAQs, and author information, you’re handicapping your AI visibility.
Original research and data: AI systems preferentially cite sources with unique information. Generic summaries of existing content? Those won’t get citations.
Content Strategy for the AI Era
The brands succeeding with AI Mode share common characteristics:
- Comprehensive, authoritative content: Superficial articles don’t get cited. Deep, well-researched pieces do.
- Clear information hierarchy: Use proper heading structures. AI systems parse content based on HTML structure.
- Answerable questions: Structure content to answer specific questions directly. AI loves clear, quotable insights.
- Multimedia integration: AI Overviews demonstrates strong preference for multimedia content like videos and core pages, while AI Mode leans toward encyclopedic and detailed textual sources.
- Regular updates: Fresh content signals current expertise. Update cornerstone content quarterly at minimum.
Privacy, Data, and What Google Actually Does with Your Information
Let’s talk about the privacy concerns everyone has but few discuss honestly.
What Data Gets Collected
According to Google’s AI Mode documentation, here’s what actually happens:
Voice conversations: Recorded when using Search Live, stored with your Google Account, used to improve AI performance.
Search queries: All AI Mode interactions are saved to your Google Account history, just like traditional searches.
Personalization data: AI Mode uses your past conversations, search history, and Maps activity to provide relevant suggestions.
Click behavior: Tracks which sources you click from AI Mode responses.
What You Can Control
Turn off AI Mode history: Go to My Activity → Delete activity by → Custom range → Select AI Mode conversations.
Opt out of voice recording: In Google app settings, disable “Voice & Audio Activity.”
Limit personalization: Adjust settings in “Data & privacy” to prevent AI Mode from using your Maps and Search history.
Guest mode: Use incognito mode for AI Mode sessions that won’t be saved or personalized.
The reality? AI Mode requires data to be useful. The personalization that makes it work well is the same thing that raises privacy concerns. You’re trading information for convenience—just make that trade consciously.
Global Rollout and Availability: Who Gets What, When
AI Mode’s availability is surprisingly complex, varying by region, language, and subscription tier.
Current Access Levels
Free users: In the U.S., free users get general access to Gemini 3 Flash, limited access to Thinking and Pro models, a 32,000-token context window, and capped features.
AI Pro ($19.99/month): Up to 100 prompts per day with Thinking and Pro models, 20 Deep Research reports daily, and 1-million-token context window. Also includes higher AI Mode limits in Google Search.
AI Ultra ($249.99/month): Raises every cap to “Highest” access, with 500 Gemini prompts daily, 200 Deep Research reports, and 192,000-token Deep Think context window.
Regional Availability
AI Mode expanded to 180 new countries in August 2025, but features vary. The December merger testing is rolling out globally on mobile devices, though desktop availability remains limited.
Voice features (Search Live) launched in the U.S. first, with international rollout happening throughout 2025-2026.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most from AI Mode
After using AI Mode extensively, here’s what actually improves results:
Query Formulation Strategies
Be conversational, not keyword-focused: “Best restaurants near me” works, but “I’m craving spicy Thai food, preferably somewhere quiet with outdoor seating under $30 per person” works better.
Build on previous context: Instead of re-stating everything, reference earlier conversation. “What about vegetarian options there?” assumes AI Mode remembers “there.”
Ask for comparisons explicitly: “Compare X and Y” triggers AI Mode’s multi-search capabilities and produces structured comparisons.
Request specific formats: “Give me this as a numbered checklist” or “Can you break this into pros and cons?” shapes output usefully.
Advanced Techniques
Iterative refinement: Start broad, then narrow. “Tell me about electric vehicles” → “Focus on models under $40k” → “Which have the best winter range?”
Source verification: Ask “What sources support this claim?” to see citation details.
Alternative perspectives: “What’s the opposing viewpoint on this?” surfaces contrarian sources.
Time-specific queries: “What changed about this in the last 6 months?” leverages real-time data access.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
No system is perfect. Here are issues I’ve encountered and actual solutions:
AI Mode Not Appearing
Symptoms: Can’t find AI Mode option in search results
Solutions:
- Ensure you’re signed into Google Account
- Check Search Labs (beaker icon) to enable AI features
- Update Google app to latest version (iOS/Android)
- Clear app cache and restart
- Confirm availability in your region
Inaccurate or Inconsistent Responses
Symptoms: AI Mode provides conflicting information or obvious errors
Solutions:
- Check source citations—AI Mode shows its work
- Try rephrasing query for clarity
- Specify “use only sources from 2025” for current info
- Report issues using feedback button
- Compare with AI Overview response for verification
Voice Recognition Issues
Symptoms: Search Live misunderstands commands frequently
Solutions:
- Speak clearly but naturally (no over-enunciation)
- Reduce background noise
- Use wired headphones for better audio
- Train voice model in quiet environment
- Check microphone permissions in app settings
Follow-Up Context Lost
Symptoms: AI Mode doesn’t remember earlier conversation
Solutions:
- Each new follow-up question is treated as a brand-new query with its own metrics—rephrase to include context
- Reference specific elements: “the restaurant you just mentioned”
- Start new AI Mode session if context becomes confused
- Use “earlier you said…” to explicitly reference prior responses
What’s Coming Next: The Future of AI Mode
Based on Google’s announcements and testing patterns, here’s what’s likely coming:
Confirmed Features in Development
Live camera integration: Google plans to bring capabilities allowing questions based on what your phone’s camera sees in real time. Point your camera at a plant and ask “what’s wrong with these leaves?” for instant diagnosis.
Agent capabilities expansion: AI Mode now finds restaurant reservations, with plans to add local service appointments and event tickets. This agentic functionality will expand to more verticals.
Collaboration features: A new “Share” button lets users send AI Mode responses to others, allowing them to jump into the conversation. Useful for collaborative planning.
Generative UI: Google demonstrated AI-generated custom interfaces for specific prompts—think interactive calculators or visualizations created on-the-fly.
Speculative But Likely
Deeper Workspace integration: AI Mode already connects with Gmail and Docs for Pro subscribers. Expect this to expand with more sophisticated actions.
E-commerce transactions: Beyond finding products, actually completing purchases through AI Mode.
Multi-modal input mixing: Combining voice, text, image, and video in single queries.
Personalization expansion: Using more Google services data (YouTube watch history, Chrome browsing) for better context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AI Mode differ from ChatGPT or Perplexity?
AI Mode connects directly to Google’s real-time search index and uses current web data, not static training data. It also integrates with Google services like Maps, Gmail, and shopping. ChatGPT relies primarily on training data plus limited web search, while Perplexity focuses on research with citations.
Does using AI Mode cost money?
Basic AI Mode is free with a Google Account, though with usage limits. Paid tiers (AI Pro at $19.99/month, AI Ultra at $249.99/month) offer higher limits and advanced features like Deep Research and extended context windows.
Can I use AI Mode on desktop or only mobile?
AI Mode works on both, though some features (like the December 2025 AI Overview merger) launched on mobile first. Search Live voice conversations require the mobile Google app currently.
How accurate is AI Mode compared to traditional search?
AI Mode synthesizes information from multiple sources, which can improve comprehensiveness but occasionally introduces errors. Always check citations for important decisions. Traditional search lets you evaluate sources directly, while AI Mode pre-processes that evaluation.
Does AI Mode remember conversations across sessions?
Within a single session, yes—AI Mode maintains context for follow-up questions. Between sessions, you can access your AI Mode history, but starting a new search creates a fresh context. Unlike ChatGPT’s ongoing threads, each AI Mode search is relatively independent.
What languages does AI Mode support?
Currently available in 27 languages, with English having the most complete feature set. International expansion continues throughout 2025-2026.
Can websites opt out of being cited in AI Mode?
Not currently. AI Mode uses publicly available web content. If you block Googlebot entirely, your content won’t be indexed for any Google features, but there’s no AI Mode-specific opt-out.
How does AI Mode affect my search privacy?
AI Mode conversations are saved to your Google Account history like traditional searches. Voice recordings are stored when using Search Live. You can delete this data in My Activity or use incognito mode for temporary sessions.
Can I see which sources AI Mode used for an answer?
Yes. AI Mode provides source citations throughout responses. Click “Show sources” or specific citation numbers to see URLs. This transparency helps verify information accuracy.
What’s the difference between AI Mode and Gemini?
AI Mode is the conversational search feature within Google Search, powered by Gemini models. The Gemini app (separate product) offers similar AI conversations but without the direct Google Search integration and real-time web access.
The Bottom Line: Is AI Mode Actually Worth Using?
After extensive testing, here’s my honest assessment: AI Mode represents a genuine evolution in how we search, but it’s not a complete replacement for traditional search.
Use AI Mode when you need:
- Complex research requiring multiple perspectives
- Iterative exploration of unfamiliar topics
- Conversational clarification of nuanced questions
- Multi-step planning (trips, projects, purchases)
- Voice-based searching while multitasking
Stick with traditional search for:
- Simple factual lookups
- Navigating to known websites
- Price checking across multiple retailers
- Very recent news (within hours)
- When you want to evaluate sources directly
The merger of AI Overviews with AI Mode conversations is genuinely smart UX design. You get the best of both worlds—quick answers when appropriate, deep research when needed—without having to predict upfront which you’ll require.
Ready to Search Smarter?
The shift from AI Overviews to AI Mode conversations isn’t just about new features—it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we interact with information. Google is betting that the future of search is conversational, contextual, and agentic rather than keyword-based and link-focused.
Based on current trends and user behavior data, that bet looks increasingly correct.
Want to stay ahead of Google’s AI evolution? Check out more tech analysis and guides at nethok.com, where we break down complex tech developments into actionable insights.
The AI Mode revolution is just beginning. The question isn’t whether to adapt—it’s how quickly you’ll embrace this new way of searching. Because one thing’s certain: the old ten blue links approach isn’t coming back.
Related reading: Google’s AI Overview Documentation | TechCrunch AI Mode Coverage | Search Engine Land Analysis
Have you tried AI Mode yet? What’s been your experience compared to traditional Google Search? The conversation continues in the comments.
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