A New Chapter for Search in India Begins

Google has just flipped the switch on something big in India: AI Mode in Search. Starting today, users across the country can try out a new way to search that’s faster, more conversational, and smarter than ever before. Powered by Gemini 2.5, this experience is now available in English via Google Labs.

It’s no longer just about typing keywords. You can now ask complex, layered questions, whether by text, voice, or even a photo, and get rich, AI-powered answers in return. From mapping a vacation to mastering the steps of replanting, AI Mode uncovers what you need with clarity and speed. 

What Is AI Mode and Why Does It Matter?

AI Mode marks a transformative step forward in how Google redefines the search journey. Originally tested in the U.S. and revealed during Google I/O 2025, it’s designed for questions that go beyond a simple query. The system breaks your question down using a technique called query fan-out, scans the web deeply, and returns a well-rounded response with summaries, links, and even suggestions for follow-ups.

For Indian users who rely heavily on voice and visual input, this feature is especially relevant. You can ask something like, “My kids are 4 and 7, what are some creative indoor games for hot days that don’t need expensive toys?” and get a structured, detailed list that goes beyond typical web links.

Built for India’s Multimodal Needs

India leads the world in visual searches with Google Lens.  To reflect India’s diverse digital habits, AI Mode was architected as multimodal right from its inception.

  • Use your voice: Tap the mic and speak your question, perfect for long or hands-free searches.
  • “Curious about what’s growing, glowing, or simmering? Capture it in a snap. Just take a picture and ask your question.
  • Upload images: Don’t want to type? Upload a screenshot or a saved image and let AI Mode do the rest.

For example, imagine receiving a plant as a gift and not knowing how to care for it. Snap a photo, ask “What plant is this and how do I care for it?” and the system identifies it, explains how to re-pot it, and even suggests where in your home it’ll thrive best.

Powered by Gemini 2.5: More Than Just Search

Behind the scenes, Gemini 2.5 enables AI Mode to understand intent, break down complex queries, and reason through your requests, something that traditional search just couldn’t do. Early testers are already entering questions 2–3x longer than typical queries, indicating that people are finally able to ask exactly what they need without simplifying their thoughts.

Some examples of how Indian users might benefit:

  • Product comparisons: “Compare budget phones under ₹20,000 with strong cameras and 5G.”
  • Local guides: “Suggest weekend getaways from Delhi within 300 km for families with kids.”
  • Skill learning: “Show me beginner tutorials on how to learn Python with free certification.”

A Smarter Way to Explore the Web

One of the biggest wins here is how AI Mode helps users discover richer content across the web. The responses aren’t just stitched from AI; they link back to credible websites, blog posts, videos, and real-time data. If AI doesn’t have a confident answer, Google still shows traditional web results, ensuring transparency and trust.

The company has emphasized quality, relying on its long-standing ranking systems and new methods to improve factual accuracy. And because it’s still experimental, your feedback will directly shape the experience.

A Growing Global Feature, Tailored for India

More than 1.5 billion people worldwide now interact monthly with Google’s AI Overviews, marking a sweeping expansion of its intelligent search capabilities. In major markets like the U.S. and India, these experiences have driven a 10% increase in complex search usage, meaning users are engaging more deeply with AI responses.

India’s rollout is particularly focused on local behavior, incorporating popular use cases like voice-first queries and visual search. Google also plans to support Hindi and more regional languages soon, building on the country’s digital diversity.

What’s Next?

AI Mode is part of Google’s broader effort to reimagine search as a more natural, intuitive experience. With India’s mobile-first, multilingual user base, this launch is expected to shape how the next billion users engage with AI.

To try it, users can join the experiment by signing up on Google Labs through the Google App (Android and iOS).

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, previously emphasized,

“Our goal is to make search more helpful with the power of generative AI, giving users faster, deeper access to the world’s information.”

FAQs

1. What is Google’s AI Mode in Search?

Google’s AI Mode is an experimental search experience powered by Gemini 2.5. It provides detailed, conversational answers to complex queries using text, voice, or image input.

2. Is there a specific way to turn on AI Mode from within India?

You can access it through the Google App on Android or iOS by enrolling in Labs and selecting the AI Mode experiment.

3. Is AI Mode available in Hindi?

Currently, it supports English. Google has confirmed plans to expand to Hindi and other Indian languages soon.

4. What sets AI Mode apart from the traditional Google Search experience?

Unlike traditional search, AI Mode breaks down complex questions, runs multiple parallel searches, and delivers structured answers with links, summaries, and suggestions.

5. Is AI Mode available outside India?

Yes, it was first launched in the U.S. and is now being rolled out to other markets based on user feedback and localization.

The world of AI moves fast. We move faster. Get expert-curated news, trends, and analysis before they trend only at AI Tech Insights.

To share your insights, please write to us at sudipto@intentamplify.com