Google is doubling down on its vision for an AI-first future, packing powerful new features into its AI Mode for Search. The company is making it clear that it wants the AI chatbot to become the primary way you interact with its search engine.
For its paying subscribers on the Google AI Pro and AI Ultra plans, Google is rolling out two significant upgrades. These users now get access to the more advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro model and a new “Deep Search” capability right inside the chat interface. While these tools were accessible in other ways, integrating them directly into Search streamlines the experience and makes the AI Mode a central hub for Google’s best technology.
Perhaps the most impressive new tool is one that’s coming to everyone. Following up on a popular demo from its I/O conference, Google is launching a limited version of its AI phone-calling agent, known as Project Astra.
When you search for a local business or service, you may see a new button that says something like, “Have AI check prices.” If you tap it, Google’s AI will actually place a phone call to that business on your behalf. For now, the feature is limited to asking simple questions about a store’s hours, item availability, or pricing.
This AI calling feature is rolling out to all Google Search users starting today. However, those with a paid AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription will get higher limits on how often they can use it. These moves show Google is aggressively pushing to transform its classic search bar into a full-fledged, do-it-for-you AI assistant.
