Introduction to Google’s AI Mode
Google has introduced a new feature called “AI Mode” in Spanish-speaking markets. This advanced search tool, powered by language models, aims to answer complex questions in one place, automatically delve into subtopics, and assist users in transitioning from information to action.
What is AI Mode and How Does it Work?
AI Mode is integrated into Google’s search results page and mobile app, combining the power of Gemini models with live indices and data from Google.
- Reasoning and Query Fan-out: When you ask a complex question, AI Mode breaks down the query into sub-questions and conducts parallel searches to gather more context and relevant sources. It then synthesizes the information into a concise response, including links to “go to web” for further exploration.
- Multimodality: You can interact with text, voice, or even images (by uploading or capturing a photo), allowing the search engine to understand queries with various input types.
- Gemini Models: The product has evolved using Gemini versions (Google has mentioned that AI Overviews and AI Mode have used early versions like Gemini 2.0 and, in recent communications, a customized version 2.5 for the Spanish language experience).
Personalization and Control
AI Mode can tailor results according to your preferences. The system uses previous conversations and your search history, along with Google Maps data, to customize suggestions (e.g., recommending restaurants based on inferred preferences).
Google emphasizes that personalization is optional, and you can adjust the context shared from your account. Additionally, there’s a feature to share AI Mode responses via links, enabling others to continue the conversation or add questions.
Availability
AI Mode started as a Labs experiment and has been gradually expanded in stages. Google tested the experience with privileged users (e.g., Google One AI Premium or Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US depending on the period and function); opened it to more English-speaking territories (over 180 countries in one phase); and recently began deploying AI Mode globally in Spanish.
Limitations
Google explicitly states that, although AI Mode is designed to enhance the quality and depth of responses, it’s not infallible. When confidence is low, the system defaults to traditional web search results. In early phases, it may err or adopt a tone that seems opinionated.
Google assures that it maintains quality systems and works on fact-checking improvements based on feedback.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Google’s AI Mode? AI Mode is an advanced search tool that uses language models to answer complex questions, explore subtopics, and assist users in taking action based on search results.
- How does AI Mode work? It breaks down complex queries into sub-questions, conducts parallel searches for more context, and synthesizes the information into a concise response with links for further exploration.
- What are the features of AI Mode? Key features include reasoning and query fan-out, multimodality (text, voice, images), and the use of Gemini models for improved reasoning and handling various input types.
- How is personalization handled in AI Mode? Personalization is optional, and users can control the context shared from their account. AI Mode uses previous conversations, search history, and Maps data to customize suggestions.
- What are the limitations of Google’s AI Mode? Despite its advanced capabilities, AI Mode is not infallible. It may default to traditional web searches when confidence is low, err in early phases, or adopt an opinionated tone. Google maintains quality systems and works on fact-checking improvements based on user feedback.
