Remember the days of typing a few keywords into a search bar and hoping for the best? That simple act is undergoing a massive transformation. Google is pushing the boundaries of what it means to 'search,' turning its iconic search engine into a conversational, problem-solving partner. The latest update to its experimental AI Mode is a huge leap forward, powered by an even bigger AI brain.
A Smarter Brain: Gemini 2.5 Pro Joins the Chat
Google is integrating its heavyweight AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, directly into AI Mode for subscribers. Think of this as upgrading your helpful search assistant to a genius-level expert. This isn't just about fetching links faster. Gemini 2.5 Pro is designed to reason through complex questions, explain the steps to solve a math problem, or even write and debug code right in your search results. It's a move that makes searching less about finding information and more about understanding it.
Your Personal Research Marathoner: Deep Search
Alongside the new model, Google is rolling out Deep Search. Have you ever had a complex topic you needed to research, sending you down a rabbit hole of dozens of open tabs? Deep Search aims to solve that. It can run hundreds of background searches on your behalf, piecing together information from various sources to generate a single, comprehensive report. It's like having a research assistant who does the heavy lifting for you, perfect for tackling tough questions and in-depth topics.
Let AI Make the Call
Perhaps the most futuristic update is a new calling feature built directly into Search. Imagine you're looking for a local pet groomer and want to know their availability. Instead of finding their number and making the call yourself, you can now tap a button that says, “Have Google call for you.”
Powered by the impressive Google Duplex technology, the AI will call the shop, ask your questions, and then text or email the results directly to you. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a future where your search engine doesn't just find information—it goes out and gets it for you.
What's the Catch?
As with many cutting-edge tech advancements, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most powerful features, like access to Gemini 2.5 Pro and unlimited use of the calling tool, are reserved for paying subscribers of Google AI Pro and AI Ultra in the U.S. (though free users get a few trial calls).
Furthermore, as AI gets more powerful, the risk of error increases. We all want our AI assistant to be accurate, avoiding a random Reddit thread as a primary source for a research paper. Google's biggest advantage is its massive Search database, which gives it a potential edge over competitors, but it's a reminder that we're still in the early days of this technology.
Key Takeaways
- Smarter Search: Google's AI Mode is now powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro, enabling it to reason, explain, and code.
- Deep Research, Simplified: The new Deep Search feature can conduct extensive research on a topic and deliver a comprehensive report.
- AI on the Phone: A new feature lets Google's AI call businesses on your behalf to gather information like rates and availability.
- Premium Features: The most advanced tools are primarily available to paying Google AI subscribers.
- The Future is Conversational: Google is leveraging its vast search index to build a more interactive and capable search experience.