Meet Google AI Mode
I recently gained access to Google’s experimental AI Mode, and after a week of hands-on testing, I’m here to share my findings. Let’s break down what it is, how to use it, and how it stacks up against other Google’s other AI-powered experiences.
What is AI Mode?
AI Mode is a new experiment in Google Search that expands on the capabilities of AI Overviews with more reasoning and multimodal capabilities. AI Mode was announced on March 5th, 2025 alongside the launch of Gemini 2.0 for AI Overviews.
AI Mode blurs the line between AI Overviews in search results and the Gemini experience which is more akin to ChatGPT. I think the leap from search results into a more immersive AI chatbot experience makes sense.
How do I access AI Mode?
To access AI Mode, you’ll first need to join the waitlist/opt-in for AI Mode in Search Labs. Once you’re granted access, you can get to AI Mode one of three ways:
- Google.com/aimode
- Google.com, enter your query and click AI Mode
- On the Google app, tap AI Mode below the Search bar
I was likely in the second batch of users to receive access to Google AI mode on/around 3/24 – 3/25.
How is AI Mode different from AI Overviews?
AI Mode is powered by a more advanced and customized version of Google’s Gemini AI model than standard AI Overviews. It provides deeper, more nuanced responses to complex queries and supports follow-up questions, enabling a more conversational and exploratory search experience.
Compared to AI Overviews, which summarize search content briefly, AI Mode takes a more reasoning-based approach that allows users to engage in multi-step queries.
How is AI Mode different from Gemini?
While both AI Mode and the Gemini chatbot app are powered by Gemini 2.0, their integration and purpose differ.
- AI Mode is embedded directly into Google Search, focusing on enhancing the search experience.
- Gemini (the app) is a standalone AI assistant, more similar to ChatGPT or Copilot.
The similarities in UI and functionality between AI Mode and the Gemini chatbot may confuse some users. This confusion is likely amplified by the transition from Bard to Gemini. When you look them side-by-side it begs the question – why not just “dive deeper” directly into Gemini? It’s possible that’s Google’s end goal after the experiment.
The major difference I found between Google’s experimental AI Mode and Gemini (chatbot) is that AI Mode cited many of the sources in its response – similar to AI Overviews (or ChatGPT Search).
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