Google’s new AI-powered search mode is now available to users in over 200 countries and territories, and supports more than 75 languages. The latest expansion includes support for languages like Bengali, Malay, and Persian, bringing the feature to a far wider international audience. This rapid rollout, which began in the US on June 27th, demonstrates significant progress in Google’s Gemini AI model capabilities.
The Rise of AI-Powered Search
The expansion reflects the growing sophistication of Google’s Gemini AI models. According to Hema Budaraju, VP of Google Search product management, the AI can now understand the “subtleties of local languages” with greater accuracy. Gemini’s natural language processing and multimodal capabilities allow users to ask questions in their preferred language, whether through text, voice, or images.
What Does AI Mode Offer?
AI Mode allows users to conduct more complex searches than ever before. Instead of just typing keywords, users can phrase questions naturally, like:
- “When does daylight savings end?”
- “What caused the Great Depression?”
- “Show me photos of the most scenic places in Seattle.”
The feature also supports visual queries. Users can upload images to identify locations or ask for related information. For example, uploading a landscape photo and asking “Where was this taken?” now provides accurate results.
Enhanced Shopping Experience
Google has integrated AI Mode with shopping searches, allowing users to ask more conversational questions. Instead of searching “winter sweaters,” you can ask “Where can I buy comfy winter sweaters?” and receive a curated list of retailers. This marks a shift towards more intuitive, natural interactions with search engines.
Why This Matters
The expansion of AI-powered search is a significant step toward making information more accessible globally. By breaking down language barriers and offering more natural search methods, Google is positioning AI as the future of how people find information. The rollout also highlights the growing competition in the AI space, as tech companies race to integrate these technologies into everyday tools.
Ultimately, AI Mode represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with search engines, moving away from keyword-based queries towards more fluid, human-like interactions.
