Google’s AI Mode Expands, Introducing Popular Camera Search Feature to More Users

Google has recently integrated Lens’ multimodal capabilities into its AI Mode, allowing users to interact with both images and text in a seamless manner during conversations. The updated AI Mode enhances the Google app experience on Android and iOS by providing more nuanced and contextually relevant responses.

This expansion will make AI Mode accessible to millions more Labs users in the US, moving beyond the initial rollout for Google One AI premium subscribers. Despite the mixed reception of generative AI in Google Search, with some users claiming it has negatively altered their search experience, Google has made strides with Gemini 2.0.

This advanced AI system aims to deliver higher-quality search responses and supports the experimental “AI Mode,” which offers a chatbot-like interaction with detailed answers, images, and links to original sources. The term “multimodal” refers to the capability of processing various data types, such as images and text.

Google Lens exemplifies this by enabling users to capture their surroundings or upload local images, facilitating queries that yield both visual and text-based solutions. For instance, Lens can translate text within images, assist with homework, or suggest shopping links for similar items.

The enhancement of these features in AI Mode means users can quickly access Lens functionalities without needing to leave their ongoing conversations. This innovation is aimed at making searches more nuanced and relevant within the Google app.

AI Mode was initially limited to Google One AI premium users but has since been made available to additional free users who joined the waitlist in Labs. If you haven’t accessed it yet, now is a good time to try, as Google is expanding availability to millions more users.

Currently, the AI Mode option is located on the left side of the All tab in the Google app and web. Although accessing AI Mode requires returning to the home screen, Google is working on introducing a shortcut to streamline this process, combining efficiency with usability in AI interactions.