Google’s AI Mode Search: Does It Play’s Out On Other AI’s Weaknesses

Google’s AI Mode Search: Does It Play’s Out On Other AI’s Weaknesses

You’ve probably heard the buzz: Google is rolling out a smarter, more conversational way to search.
Say goodbye to typing fragmented keywords like “best coffee shops NYC” and hello to asking Google, “What are the top-rated coffee shops near me with vegan options and free Wi-Fi?” 

That’s the magic of Google AI Mode Search—a game-changer blending generative AI with real-time data. But how does it work? Who can use it? And is it actually better? Let’s break it down.

What Is Google AI Mode Search?

Think of AI Mode as your brainy search companion. Unlike traditional Google Search (which spits out links), AI Mode uses Gemini AI to:

• Answer complex, multi-part questions (e.g., “Compare iPhone 15 vs. Pixel 8 camera specs”).
• Analyze images via Google Lens (e.g., “Identify this plant and tell me how to care for it”).
• Deliver personalized results based on your location, past searches, and preferences.

But here’s the kicker: It works like a conversation. Ask follow-ups like “Which one has better battery life?” and it remembers your previous query.

What Does it Offers?

1. Real-Time Insights:
   • Pulls live data (e.g., flight prices, local business hours).
   • Example: “Find yoga studios open now near me with beginner classes.”
2. Multimodal Search:
   • Mix text, images, and voice. Upload a photo of a broken appliance and ask, “How do I fix this?”
3. Visual Results:
   • Interactive cards for products, recipes, and local spots with ratings, prices, and directions.

To Who All It’s Currently Accessible

• Who Gets It?: Currently rolling out to Google One AI Premium subscribers in the U.S. (free trials available).
• How to Try:
  1. Visit Google Labs.
  2. Toggle on “AI Mode” in Search.
  3. Start typing or speaking queries.
• No access yet? Use AI Overviews (similar features in standard Google Search).

How Google’s AI Mode targets Other AI’s weaknesses

• Data Source Advantage: Google’s access to 45B+ product listings and local business live data—critical for users comparing prices or services.
• Perplexity.ai’s weaknesses (lack of real-time shopping data) and ChatGPT’s limitations (no Google Shopping Graph integration).

Comparison Tables:

Pros, Cons, and Quirks

• Pros:
  • Saves time on research (e.g., trip planning, product comparisons).
  • Fewer ads cluttering results (for now).
• Cons:
  • Still makes mistakes (Google admits its AI isn’t perfect).
  • Limited global availability.

Pro Tips

• “Use voice search in noisy areas? AI Mode’s noise-canceling feature works best on Pixel phones.”
• “Avoid vague queries like ‘best laptops.’ Ask, ‘Best laptops for video editing under $1,500’ for precise results.”

Honest Downsides:

Most competitors avoid criticizing Google. Let’s Call out:

• *“AI Mode hallucinated a fake $200 flight deal—always cross-check prices.”*
• “No multilingual support yet, unlike Microsoft’s Copilot.”

FAQs

Is Google AI Mode free?
No—it’s bundled with Google One’s AI Premium plan ($19.99/month).

Can I disable AI Mode?
Yes! Toggle it off in Google Labs anytime.

Does AI Mode replace traditional Google Search?
Not yet. It’s an optional tool for complex queries.

Is my data safe with AI Mode?
Google claims queries are anonymized, but avoid sharing sensitive info.

Does AI Mode store personal data longer than traditional search? 
There’s no specifics about AI mode on data retention, for now we’ll have to wait for any specifics tweaks in Google’s policy related to Google AI mode data retention policy.