What to know

  • Google has removed the waitlist for AI Mode in Search Labs, making it immediately accessible to anyone 18+ in the US.
  • New visual place and product cards have been added to help users take action after getting information.
  • A left-side panel on desktop now shows past AI Mode searches for easier continuation of research.

Google announced today that its AI Mode in Search Labs is now available to all US users without a waitlist. Previously limited to those who signed up and waited for access, the feature can now be instantly activated by anyone 18 or older in the United States who is enrolled in Search Labs.

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"Based on the incredibly positive feedback we're getting, we're removing the waitlist so anyone in the U.S. can now get immediate access to AI Mode in Labs," Google stated in its announcement. The company reports that millions of people are already using AI Mode to ask longer, more complex questions and discover new websites and businesses.

Along with wider availability, Google has introduced several new features to make AI Mode more useful. Most notably, visual place and product cards now appear directly in search results. For local businesses like restaurants or stores, these cards display ratings, reviews, opening hours, and live busyness data, with quick options to call or get directions.

When searching for products, AI Mode now shows shoppable options with real-time prices including promotions, product images, shipping details, and local inventory information. This integration is powered by Google's Shopping Graph, which contains over 45 billion product listings that are updated more than 2 billion times every hour.

For desktop users, Google has added a new left-side panel that displays your past AI Mode searches. This feature allows you to easily return to previous research and ask follow-up questions without starting over. The company indicated a mobile version of this feature may come later.

In addition to these updates, Google announced a limited test that will bring AI Mode outside of Search Labs. In the coming weeks, a small percentage of users in the US will see an "AI Mode" tab appear directly within the main Google Search interface, potentially signaling a broader integration in the future.

These changes come as competition in AI search heats up, with OpenAI recently announcing upgrades to ChatGPT's shopping capabilities. Google's focus on making AI Mode more accessible and functional suggests the company sees significant value in this approach to search.

To access AI Mode, you can visit Google Search's Labs page and turn it on immediately. The new features, including visual cards for places and products, will roll out over the coming week.

Via: TheVerge