El Google AI Mode It's the search engine's most ambitious attempt yet to transform traditional search queries into an AI-guided conversation that understands nuances, reasoning, and offers you answers with context and sources. From now on, instead of scanning a string of links, you'll be able to read a clear summary, continue asking questions, and, if you wish, open the cited sites to dig deeper. It is a complete change of chip in how we search for and consume information..
Its deployment has already arrived in Spain within a global expansion that includes dozens of languages ​​and countries. You'll see it as a button or tab at the top of the Google website and app. It's also designed for complex, exploratory queries, where you previously performed several searches in a row. However, Google warns: AI can make mistakes, so it is advisable to check with the links that are shown..
What is AI Mode and how it differs from other AI features?
With AI Mode, Google uses its advanced Gemini models to break down your query into subtopics, run simultaneous searches, and then piece it all back together into a single, organized piece of text. This query decomposition approach, also known as query fan-out, allows you to drill down into the web much more precisely and is reflected in the new features in VS Code.
Unlike the AI-powered view built into some traditional results, here the system generates a more independent, longer, and structured response, always with a selection of useful links on the side. The goal is for you to understand the topic at a glance and be able to expand with sources with a click..
AI Mode is multimodal: it supports text, voice, and image. You can dictate a question, upload a photo and ask about what you see, or type a long, specific prompt with multiple nuances. When you're done, you can continue the conversation with follow-up questions that maintain context to further refine your answer..
If the system is not confident enough in the quality or usefulness of an answer, it will display a set of classic links instead of a summary. It's their way of prioritizing reliability when AI doesn't see it clearly..
In some cases, you'll be able to share a link to your conversation. Note: This URL may include personal information if you provided it during the exchange. Before posting it, carefully review the content you are going to publish..
Where it is available and how to access it
Google has begun rolling out AI Mode in Spain as part of an expansion that has reached more than 200 countries and territories and 36 new languages. On the Google website and app, you'll see an AI Mode button visible alongside other tabs. The activation is coming in waves, so it may take a while to appear for you..
Ways to enter AI Mode: go to google.com/ai, type in google.com and tap the AI ​​Mode button on the interface, or open the Google app and tap the AI ​​Mode charm on the home screen. When active, the button is quite recognizable and may appear with a multi-color outline style..
If you prefer traditional web results at any time, you can tap the Web tab at the top. There's no official confirmation yet on a global toggle that would disable it completely, but You can always switch to the classic links view whenever you're interested..
How to use it step by step
Go to the main page of the Google search engine or app and tap AI Mode. Type your question or speak if you're more comfortable. You can also add an image so the AI ​​can help you with what you see on the screen. After a few seconds, you'll see a long response with a list of sources on the side to verify and expand upon..
The powerful part comes later: ask again. Ask them to clarify, compare, create a table, or change the approach for your context. For example, if you're asking about coffee brewing methods, you can ask them to compare flavor, ease, and equipment, and then clarify with the ideal grind coarseness for each method. This threaded conversation is key to getting to the information you really need..
In practice, queries are often considerably longer than those in classic search. Early users have seen questions two or three times longer than before, with multiple details and conditions. It's normal, because now the search engine understands the context better and responds in a richer way..
Highlighted features you can already take advantage of
- Critical summaries and verified links at a glance for quick learning and comparison.
- Conversation with context, without having to start from scratch with every question.
- Multimodality to consult by text, voice or image with complete naturalness.
- Query decomposition into subtopics that enhance depth and relevance.
- Responsible degradation: If there is no trust, you will see links instead of a summary.
Additionally, Google is testing more advanced capabilities like deep search and real-time camera experiences. Some of these new features are still in the experimental phase and their availability may vary by country..
Deep Search, visual experiences and action capabilities
Deep Search takes analysis to the next level for dense topics: it cross-references hundreds of searches derived from your query and returns a more comprehensive report with organized references. It's ideal when you're doing in-depth research, comparing complex options, or want a very comprehensive overview..
Live camera-style experiences are also being explored to interact with what you're seeing. The idea is to point your phone at someone and ask questions about objects or scenes, receiving instant explanations. A step beyond classic recognition, with context and dialogue.
Finally, Google has showcased action-oriented features, such as helping you complete tasks from start to finish in certain verticals: tickets, reservations, or specific arrangements with select partners. These capabilities are being rolled out gradually and their arrival will vary by region and product..
Requirements and availability in Search Labs
To test experimental features related to AI Mode through Search Labs, you must meet certain requirements: be 18 years or older and use a personal account that you manage yourself. Currently, Google Workspace accounts, including school accounts, are not supported in experiments. If you use a corporate account, the option will usually not appear..
Tip: Turn on Web & App Activity for a smoother experience, with customization and the ability to resume your searches from your history. If you don't turn it on, you'll be able to enter AI Mode, but you won't be able to recover past conversations. You can also manage Search Personalization from your account to adjust the degree of customization..
Languages ​​available in the experiments
The list of languages ​​supported in AI Mode experiments is extensive. These include, but are not limited to, Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, German, Greek, Finnish, French, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Marathi, Malay, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Exact coverage evolves with each regional deployment..
How to enable or disable AI Mode in Search Labs
- Open any browser on your computer and log in with your Google account.
- Open a new tab and go to the Search Labs panel to manage your experiments.
- On the AI ​​Mode card, use the control to turn it on or off. If you browse incognito, disable it to test the labs..
Once activated, you can type in the search bar and press the AI ​​Mode button below to start the AI ​​experience. From there, ask questions by text or voice and chain together questions..
How to delete AI Mode history saved in your account
- On your computer, go to AI Mode and access AI Mode History from the side.
- You'll see your saved previous searches. Choose the one you want to delete.
- For a specific search, delete the corresponding item; to remove everything, tap Clear All. You can also go to the Search history page to manage your activity..
What happens when you delete your history?
- Items may still be temporarily visible in My Activity, but they are automatically deleted within 24 hours.
- If you started with an AI-created view and then tapped to explore in AI Mode, you might see two history entries: the original query and the transition to conversational mode. To remove it completely, delete both entries where appropriate..
Privacy and how your data is used
Google uses your interactions with Search and its generative experiences to develop and improve models. This includes the questions you ask and the comments you submit. With user feedback and human reviews, quality is assessed and issues are corrected..
When trained reviewers work, the data they view is not linked to user accounts, and automated tools remove identifiable information and sensitive data. The idea is to improve AI without exposing your identity..
If you don't want future searches associated with your account to be used to improve generative models, you can disable Web & App Activity in My Activity, preventing the history from being saved to your account. However, Google may continue to use aggregated and anonymized data to improve its services..
Turning off this activity doesn't delete your past history unless you delete it. Additionally, searches that are already disconnected from your account and used for training aren't deleted when you clear your history, as they're saved separately. After removal, some logged-in searches may remain associated for security and abuse prevention purposes..
If you search without logging in, those queries can also help improve generative models, but they are not associated with any account. Additional safeguards apply to protect privacy.
Errors, biases and why you should compare
Large language models compose responses by predicting the next plausible word based on the prompt and training, and this can lead to inaccuracies, data mix-ups, or hallucinations. Google warns in the interface itself: AI responses may contain errors..
They may misinterpret web content, miss context, or respond differently to the same question at different times. This opens the door to outdated, inaccurate, or biased data. That is why it is essential that you review the links cited and consult with reliable sources before making decisions..
Independent testing has identified specific flaws, for example in current affairs or historical details, that can lead to erroneous conclusions if not verified. The practical advice is simple: use the synthesis to guide you and the sources to validate.
Real-life cases: where it shines and where it's worth being cautious
General questions with multiple facets. If you're looking to get started in a new sport, AI Mode can provide you with equipment, rules, beginner strategy, and getting started in an organized manner, with sources at hand. We save ourselves the hassle of mixing videos, blogs and forums without knowing where to start..
Controversial queries or those with a thousand versions. With the Valencian paella recipe, for example, the system compiles ingredients and steps with citations from various sources, but it may not always use the most authoritative ones, nor may all the proportions match. Synthesis helps to get started, but visiting the sources is key to fine-tuning.
Very specific personal questions. If you ask why you lose against lower-level opponents in padel and how to improve, you'll get a compendium of practical ideas, videos, and helpful discussions. The advantage is huge if you don't feel like sifting through tons of mediocre content..
Local recommendations. For the best dentists in a city, AI Mode may prioritize reviews and return a few top candidates. However, it sometimes overlooks options with a better score-to-review ratio. Comparing with the map and checking reviews thoroughly is still a good idea..
Impact on the web and SEO
The change is worrying for those who rely on search engine traffic. Preliminary studies of initial deployments point to fewer clicks to external sites: some analyses estimate low numbers of sessions ending in visits and a notable drop in clicks on AI-powered views. This trend fits with the idea that the user already gets the answer without leaving.
Google rejects drastic declines and claims that what they do see are higher-quality clicks: users more aligned with the page's purpose and fewer bounces upon arrival. According to the company, global traffic from Search remains relatively stable. The discussion is still open and probably depends a lot on the type of consultation and sector..
In parallel, SEO is adapting: Google already distinguishes exposure within AI-powered answers, and creators must think of content that is citable, provides unique value, and deserves to be in those reference sources. Thematic authority, originality and clarity come to the fore, and there are debates among developers about performance, AI and collaboration.
Quick usage tips
- Include context in your question: goal, constraints, and what you already know. The more signal, the better synthesis.
- Ask for useful formats: comparison tables, pros and cons, numbered steps, or checklists.
- Ask questions to refine your approach: ask for more sources, an update, or a narrower definition for your region.
- Always check with links when the answer impacts health, finances, or key decisions.
How to control your experience and data
If you want a more personalized experience, turn on Web & App Activity, and if you're in the United States with more customization options, check the Personalize Search setting. You'll be able to resume conversations from your AI Mode history and get more accurate results..
If you prefer not to contribute your future searches to the training of generative models linked to your account, disable Web & App Activity. Please note that Google may continue to use aggregated and anonymized data for general improvements. And remember that what you have already logged out and used for training is not deleted when you delete your history..
Google's AI Mode is here to help the search engine go from listing links to actually talking to you, with helpful summaries and prominent links to check everything. It takes a bit of practice to get the most out of it, but its advantages for exploratory tasks, long questions, and questions with multiple nuances are clear. Use their answers as a starting point, rely on the sources, and control your data and settings to enjoy a powerful, flexible, and secure experience..
