Google Expands AI Mode to 180 Countries, Enhancing Search Capabilities
Google has officially expanded its AI Mode feature in Search to 180 countries and territories, broadening its availability beyond the US, UK, and India. This expansion allows users to leverage a chatbot-like interface for searching various topics, significantly enhancing the overall user experience, reports 24brussels.
The latest updates include the introduction of new “agentic” capabilities aimed at facilitating restaurant bookings. Users subscribed to Google AI Ultra can now request assistance for securing reservations by specifying details such as date, time, location, party size, and cuisine preference. The AI Mode will assist in navigating reservation platforms to identify suitable dining options.
Upon receiving such requests, users will be presented with a selection of restaurants and available booking slots, along with direct links to the respective reservation pages for easy completion of the booking process. Google has partnered with multiple reservation platforms, including OpenTable, Resy, Tock, Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, and Booksy to enable this feature.
Moreover, Google aims to personalize search responses for US users who have opted into the AI Mode experiment. Currently, this tailored functionality is limited to dining-related inquiries, where AI Mode will reference previous user interactions to deliver more relevant recommendations. For instance, if a user has previously searched for Italian restaurants or expressed a preference for vegan options, these factors will influence the suggestions provided.
Additionally, Google introduces a new “Share” feature for users in the US, allowing them to easily share their AI Mode queries and results through a link. This function enables friends or family to continue the search from where the initial user left off, simplifying collaborative planning for meals or events. Notably, users can manage shared links, including viewing and deleting them at their discretion.
This strategic enhancement reflects Google’s commitment to improving user experience through innovative technology while catering to the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in everyday tasks.
