Google launches ‘AI Mode’ in India: Here’s what it can do | WATCH

Google launched its AI Mode in India on Tuesday, offering an interactive Q&A-style experience via Search Labs, which users can access by opting in.

The launch in India follows the US rollout, which began almost a month ago. Initially introduced in March to a select group of users, AI Mode aims to make searching more intuitive and capable of handling longer or more detailed queries.

Users who enable AI Mode will see a dedicated tab on the Search results page. Through this interface, they can type in complex or multi-layered questions that would have otherwise required several individual searches.

Currently, the AI Mode only supports queries in English. Google has not yet confirmed if support for Indian languages is planned or when it may be introduced.

An example of the kind of query users can pose includes: “My kids are 4 and 7 and have lots of energy. Suggest creative ways to get them active and moving indoors, especially on hot days, without needing a lot of space or expensive toys.” Additionally, users can ask follow-up questions to refine results.

At the core of AI Mode is a query fan-out method. It splits a user’s question into various components and sends out multiple searches simultaneously. This enables the tool to explore web content more thoroughly and return results that are more precise and relevant. Users can then refine their search further with additional questions like, “Can you suggest some activities that they can do independently?”

Google stated that the feature supports both voice and image input in India, recognising the popularity of voice-based searches in the region. The AI Mode is powered by a customised version of Gemini 2.5, and according to the company, early adopters are submitting queries that are two to three times longer than usual.

To use voice input, users simply tap the microphone icon and speak their question. This can be particularly useful for lengthy or detailed searches, or for users on the move.

The tool also integrates Lens, Google’s visual search capability, into the AI Mode experience. This allows users to take a photo and ask questions about what they see. For instance, if someone receives a plant as a gift and is unsure of how to care for it, they can open the Google app, snap a picture, and ask: “What's this plant and give me instructions on how to repot and take care of it.” The AI will then identify the plant and offer step-by-step instructions, with links to related articles. Users can ask further questions, such as, “Where should I place it in my home for best growth?”

Through AI Mode, users can communicate exactly what they’re looking for, with all its layers and context, and get back content in multiple formats. This enables a richer search experience and opens up new paths for discovering information online.