Unveiling AI Mode in India
On June 24, 2025, Google officially introduced its experimental AI Mode in India, accessible via Search Labs in English. Built on a custom iteration of Gemini 2.5, this new feature represents Google’s bold push to empower users with more advanced reasoning, multimodal search, and conversational follow-ups.
🇮🇳 Why India is a Strategic Launchpad
870 million+ internet users make India a high-impact market .
A multilingual, voice-first population heavily reliant on Google Lens and voice search .
Google can refine its AI features globally based on diverse, real-world Indian usage .
Core Features: From Insight to Interaction
1. Complex Query Comprehension
AI Mode processes long-form queries—2‑3× longer than typical searches—and breaks them into sectioned sub-queries, delivering detailed, synthesized answers .
Example:
“My kids are 4 and 7 and have lots of energy... suggest creative indoor activities on a budget.”
AI Mode identifies subtopics like space, cost, and age, then generates a multi-part plan—all in one go.
2. Multimodal Input: Text, Voice, Images
Voice search integration: tap the mic and speak detailed questions naturally—ideal for on-the-go usage .
Image understanding via Lens: snap a plant, product, or scenario; AI identifies it and provides visual-based answers with extended links.
3. Follow-Up Intelligence
After delivering an answer, AI Mode offers auto-generated follow-up prompts (e.g., “Can you suggest independent activities?”), enabling richer, conversational exploration.
4. Real-Time With Authority
Powered by Google’s Knowledge Graph, shopping index, web crawl, and ranking algorithm—AI Mode blends instantaneous AI responses with reliable web references . Traditional links appear when confidence dips, ensuring factual integrity .
📊 Architecture Diagram (Mermaid Syntax)
Global Context & Competitive Edge
Google vs Perplexity & ChatGPT
Perplexity AI has earned praise for detailed, source-cited responses, often outperforming Google in depth .
Google’s AI Mode counters by combining its massive web index, real-time updates, and multimodal strengths within its familiar search interface.
Publisher Concerns
Publishers fear potential traffic loss as AI Mode may reduce clicks on source links . Google counters with inline citations and added links to uphold content transparency.
Monetization in Focus
With AI helping classify search behavior, Google is exploring ad placements within AI responses and experimenting with subscription models to monetize AI Mode without disrupting existing ad infrastructure .
📌 How to Enable AI Mode in India
Visit labs.google.com
Find the AI Mode toggle
Opt in
Access AI Mode via new tab in search bar, “Try AI Mode” link, or direct URL (
google.com/aimode
).
What’s Next? Roadmap Ahead
Expansion to Indian languages—currently, it's English-only .
Feature iteration driven by Indian user feedback.
Broader international rollout following this first outside-US launch.
Potential integration of agent-based automation, enhanced shopping, and deeper multimodal workflows .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Google AI Mode in India
AI Mode is an experimental feature in Google Search offering conversational, chatbot-style answers powered by Gemini (initially Gemini 2.0, now 2.5). It supports complex queries, follow-up prompts, and multimodal input (text, voice, images) alongside traditional web links
2. How can Indian users access AI Mode?
AI Mode is available in Search Labs. Users must opt in via labs.google.com, enable it in settings, and (for now) access it by switching to the AI Mode tab in Search or visiting google.com/aimode .
3. Which users are eligible?
Currently, early access in India is rolling out to English-language users under Google Search Labs. In some countries like the US, it's limited to Google One AI Premium subscribers, with India set to benefit from broader access soon .
4. What special input types does AI Mode support?
AI Mode handles:
Voice queries via “Search Live,” enabling seamless, natural dialogue .
Image questions using Google Lens integration—snap a photo, ask questions it can parse .
5. How accurate are the responses?
AI Mode uses Google’s web index, Knowledge Graph, and shopping data to source information. However, as it's experimental, Google cautions that answers may occasionally be incorrect or incomplete . They include inline citations and links to ensure transparency .
6. Does AI Mode affect web traffic to publishers?
Yes, some publishers express concern that users may not click through to their sites as AI Mode surfaces answers directly. Google counters with in-response links, crediting sources and aiming to route users back to original content .
7. Is support for Indian languages available?
AI Mode is currently available in English in India. Google plans to roll out support for regional languages soon, continuing the trend from earlier SGE initiatives that added Hindi and other languages .
8. Is AI Mode free to use?
Yes—access through Search Labs is free. However, certain countries (like the US) tie it to Google One AI Premium subscriptions. India's rollout appears more inclusive at present .
9. Can I switch between AI Mode and traditional Search?
Absolutely. AI Mode is a toggleable experience—users can switch back to classic Search easily via tabs or settings .
10. Why choose AI Mode over regular Search?
AI Mode excels at:
Handling multi-part or exploratory queries in a single conversation .
Supporting follow-up prompts and chat-like dialogue .
Offering multimodal interaction—ideal for on-the-go or visual search
Final Summary
Google’s AI Mode debut in India marks a pivotal evolution, blending deep-question intelligence, multimodal input, and Google’s structural edge. It not only enhances user experience but also challenges emerging AI-first competitors. As language support grows and global soft-launches roll out, AI Mode is poised to reshape search—first in India, then worldwide.