Google has introduced AI Mode in Australia, an advanced AI-powered search experience designed to handle complex, multi-layered questions with comprehensive responses and relevant web links. Initially tested in the US, AI Mode uses custom Gemini models to allow users to ask longer queries—up to three times the length of traditional searches—making it ideal for exploratory tasks like trip planning or understanding complex topics.
Key Features of AI Mode
- Complex Question Handling: AI Mode breaks down user queries into subtopics using a query fan-out technique, enabling deeper web exploration and hyper-relevant content discovery.
- Integration with Google Systems: It combines advanced AI capabilities with Google’s Knowledge Graph and real-time data sources, including shopping data for billions of products.
- Multimodal Interaction: Users can interact via text, voice, or images, allowing natural question input by typing, speaking, or uploading photos.
- Enhanced Content Discovery: AI Mode expands the types of questions users can ask, providing diverse content formats with prominent clickable links to continue exploration.
- Quality and Factuality: Rooted in Google’s core ranking systems, AI Mode aims to deliver AI-powered answers when confident, otherwise showing traditional web search results, with ongoing improvements planned.
User Experience and Impact
AI Mode encourages users to explore a wider variety of websites, particularly for complex questions, resulting in higher-quality clicks and longer engagement on linked sites. Google continues to refine how links are presented in AI responses to facilitate seamless web journeys.
This rollout in Australia marks a significant step in evolving Google Search with AI, enhancing users’ ability to satisfy curiosity and gain deeper understanding through an end-to-end AI search experience.
Related Updates
- New AI shopping features allowing virtual try-ons.
- Reports on AI’s potential to set standards in Australia.
- Support for startups through AI-focused accelerators.
- AI tools enhancing learning and critical thinking.
- AI applications in bushfire preparedness with satellite imagery.
The introduction of AI Mode reflects Google’s commitment to integrating advanced AI into Search, improving information access and content discovery globally.
