Google is getting ready to roll out its new AI Mode search feature to the public for the first time.
Starting in the coming weeks, a small percentage of U.S. users will see a new AI Mode tab in Google Search, giving them access to a more conversational, AI-powered way to search the web, outside of the experimental Google Labs environment.
Unlike traditional search results that display a list of links, AI Mode delivers direct answers generated by a large language model using Google’s search index. It’s different from the current AI Overviews, which appear above standard results, by offering a fully dedicated space with a more chatbot-style interface.
AI Mode will have its own prominent tab in the Search interface, placed to the left of the “All,” “Images,” and “Videos” tabs, making it easy for users to switch between classic and AI-powered search styles. The move is Google’s answer to rising competitors like Perplexity and ChatGPT’s web search features, which are known for providing more real-time and web-connected responses.
Alongside the public test, Google is removing the waitlist for Labs users in the U.S., allowing anyone to opt in and try AI Mode early.
The feature itself is getting smarter too:
- A new left-hand panel will save past searches, making it easier to revisit topics or continue a conversation.
- Clickable visual cards are now included for products and businesses, offering info like hours, reviews, inventory, and real-time pricing.
This public rollout signals a major step in Google’s push to redefine how we interact with search—shifting from keyword-based queries to more intelligent, context-aware conversations.
