Google has now made its AI Mode widely available to all U.S. residents. To get access, you need to be over 18 and signed in to Labs, the companies’ experimental arm. On Google’s announcement at a TechCrunch Mobility Lab event in Berkeley, California, on June 5. This action reinforces their professed commitment to improving search quality and increasing competition in the marketplace.
The recent updates to AI Mode introduce features that allow users to highlight nearby stores and access real-time information about their busyness. This added functionality makes it easier for users to make a call to or receive directions to nearby retailers, making overall user experience better. By simplifying the process of finding specific products, such as “best foldable camping chair that would fit in a backpack for under $100,” AI Mode positions itself as a valuable tool for consumers.
AI Mode is more than just product lookups. It provides community members and visitors with essential details on local businesses, including stars, reviews, and business hours for every restaurant, salon, and shop. This powerful access to information empowers consumers to make smart decisions about where to shop or eat.
Aisha Malik, consumer news reporter, TechCrunch Aisha covered the changes to AI Mode at length. Malik has an honors bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto. A master’s degree in journalism from Western University contributes to her deep understanding of, and experience with, the stories she covers. Prior to joining TechCrunch in 2021, she earned her stripes as a telecom reporter up at MobileSyrup. There, she taught courses on a wide array of technology-related subjects.
Google’s expansion of AI Mode reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance search capabilities and provide users with more comprehensive information. This new experimental feature is a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation and user engagement. It wants to improve its long-term strategic position in the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.