Google Just Improved Searching (And You Can Try It Now)
Could Google’s new AI Mode be the end of traditional keyword search as we know it?
Google Just Replaced Keyword Search (And You Can Try It Now)
Google's AI Mode search launched in Search Labs in March 2025, rolled out fully in the U.S. in May 2025, then expanded globally to 180+ countries including Canada in August 2025. Instead of keywords, you can ask complex questions and get comprehensive answers.
Updated: January 2025 · Reading time: ~8 minutes
The old vs the new
Old Google: "coffee brewing methods"
AI Mode: "I'm looking to understand different coffee brewing methods. Make a table comparing the differences in taste, ease of use and equipment needed."
Result: You get a detailed comparison table, not just links.
Early users ask questions 2-3x longer than normal searches, because they can finally type what they want instead of a few words and hope they get what they're looking for. That's not just more words - it's a different way to think about search.
See the difference: Google AI Mode demo
The Global Expansion
Google just expanded AI Mode to over 180 new countries and territories in English, including Canada. This moves beyond the original U.S., India, and UK rollout to make conversational search available worldwide.
How It Works
Behind the scenes: Google uses something called "Query fan-out technique" - to break questions into subtopics and runs multiple searches simultaneously.
The tech: Custom Gemini 2.5 model + Google's Knowledge Graph.
What you see: One comprehensive answer with supporting links that brings you answers with a better quality and accuracy that most people would've been able to get on their own.
Try It today
🗣️ Voice Search
Tap the microphone and ask naturally - no keyword optimization needed
📸 Visual Search
Take photos and ask questions about what you see
🔄 Follow-Up Questions
Build on previous answers conversationally
How to Enable AI Mode Globally
Desktop/Laptop (Any Country)
Sign into Google → google.com (not in incognito mode)
Enjoy → as easy as that
You'll see the AI Mode icon and option next time you use your google search
Mobile (Android/iOS Worldwide)
Sign into your account → Make sure you're logged in
Open Labs → Tap beaker icon in app
Enable AI Mode → Toggle the experiment ON
Try it → Look for AI Mode tab in search results
Ways to access
Direct link: google.com/aimode
Browser: google.com → Click on AI mode Icon
After the search: Type what you're looking for, If you aren't satisfied, tap the "AI Mode" tab on the far left
Don't see Labs icon? Check AI Mode availability by country - rolling out to 180+ countries gradually, yours coming soon.
Troubleshooting: Official Google setup guide
What Changes
For Research
No more breaking complex questions into keyword searches. Ask what you actually want to know.
For Learning
Get structured, educational responses instead of hunting across multiple sites.
For Decisions
Comprehensive comparisons presented clearly, not scattered across different websites.
Tutorial: How to enable AI Mode step-by-step
The Reality Check
Google is upfront about limitations:
"We won't always get it right, but we are committed to continuous improvement."
When AI Mode isn't confident, you'll see regular search results instead of AI-generated responses, keep in mind that you can't guarantee that every search you ever make (even traditional search) is always 100% accurate, the results are only as good as the source they come from and even the best source will get things wrong from time to time, no source is perfect.
What This Means in Practice
🌍 For Everyday Users
You can safely ask questions the way you'd ask a friend, without crafting keywords.
📚 For Professionals & Students
It speeds up comparisons, learning, and decision-making without hunting across multiple sites.
🇨🇦 For Canada
The rollout is still English-only for now, which will limit mainstream adoption in Quebec until French is added.
📈 For Websites & Publishers
The big question: If AI Mode answers questions directly, will users still click through to websites? This is causing major concern among publishers who depend on search traffic. Google says AI Mode provides "prominent links" to sources, but the impact on click-through rates is still being debated.
How It Compares to Competitors
ChatGPT Search
| Google’s edge: Google is better for up-to-date information and maps, since it uses fresh data.
| ChatGPT’s edge: ChatGPT is better at holding a smooth conversation and understanding follow up questions.
Bing Copilot
| Google’s edge: Google’s strength is that it works almost everywhere and people already know how to use it.
| Bing’s edge: Bing’s advantage is that it connects well with Microsoft Office and Windows which great for Ms Office usersPerplexity
| Google’s edge: Google has a much bigger search index, so it can pull answers from more of the web.
| Perplexity’s edge: Perplexity focuses on transparency, showing clear citations for every answer, a more scientific approach.
Bottom line
No matter how it compares to other tools, Google’s AI Mode has one big advantage: it’s free for everyone to try. Even in its early rollout, it already gives strong, high-quality answers right out of the box, and Google says it will keep improving over time.
Privacy Reality Check
AI Mode processes longer, more personal queries which means Google potentially learns more about your interests and needs. Check your Google privacy settings and search personalization controls to manage what data gets used.
Get started: Enable AI Mode in Google Labs | Official Google support guide
✨ Based on Google's official Canada launch, January 2025. Rolling out gradually.
