Google has significantly broadened the reach and capabilities of its AI Mode in Search, expanding its availability to over 180 countries worldwide. Previously limited to the US, India, and the UK, this expansion marks a significant step towards making AI-powered search more globally accessible. While currently only supporting English, Google has confirmed plans to add multilingual support shortly. This global rollout underscores Google’s commitment to integrating AI into its core services on an international scale.
A key addition to AI Mode is the integration of restaurant reservation capabilities. Users can now employ natural language to request reservations, specifying details such as group size, date, location, and preferred cuisine. The AI leverages data from Google’s web search, Knowledge Graph, and Google Maps, along with partnerships with OpenTable, Resy, and Tock, to provide a comprehensive list of available reservation slots with direct links to booking pages. This streamlines the process significantly, offering a convenient alternative to traditional search methods.
Furthermore, Google has introduced a collaboration feature, allowing users to share ongoing AI-powered conversations with others. By tapping a “Share” button, users can invite contacts to join the conversation and contribute their questions or insights. Google envisions this feature being particularly useful for collaborative tasks such as planning trips or parties. The original sender retains control, with the ability to delete shared links at any time.
This enhanced AI Mode functionality is currently exclusive to users subscribed to the Google AI Ultra plan in the US, accessible through the Google Labs platform. However, the wider international rollout suggests Google intends to democratize access to these features eventually. The ability to remember past conversations and searches further personalizes the user experience, tailoring results to individual preferences. Future expansions are planned to incorporate local service appointments and event ticketing, with partnerships already established with companies such as Ticketmaster and StubHub.
