Google AI Mode rolls out to more testers with new image search feature

Engadget - Apr 7th, 2025
Open on Engadget

Google is expanding the availability of its AI Mode feature to millions more users in the United States, as announced on Monday. AI Mode, launched last month, is a new search tool designed to provide more nuanced responses to complex questions by leveraging a custom version of Gemini 2.0. This expansion is part of Google's Labs beta program, which allows users early access to new features. In addition to wider availability, Google is enhancing AI Mode with multimodal capabilities, enabling users to upload images and receive detailed AI-generated analysis. This integration combines AI Mode with Google's Lens technology, offering a comprehensive understanding of scenes and objects in images.

The introduction of AI Mode with multimodal capabilities marks a significant advancement in Google's search functionality, positioning it as a competitor to ChatGPT Search. By incorporating image analysis, Google enhances the depth and breadth of information accessible through searches, providing users with richer, context-aware insights. This development not only broadens the potential uses of AI in everyday search tasks but also strengthens Google's prominence in the AI-driven search market. The feature is accessible via the Google app on both Android and iOS, reflecting Google's strategic push to integrate advanced AI technologies into its core services and maintain its leadership in digital search innovation.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Google's expansion of AI Mode, highlighting its new features and functionalities. It scores well in terms of accuracy and clarity, offering a concise explanation of the developments. However, it lacks depth in sourcing and transparency, with no explicit citations or acknowledgment of potential biases. The focus on technical aspects results in a limited exploration of broader societal implications, reducing its potential impact and engagement. To enhance its quality, the article could incorporate a wider range of perspectives, address potential controversies, and improve source attribution. Overall, the story effectively informs readers about a significant technological advancement but could benefit from a more comprehensive approach to increase its relevance and engagement.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its presentation of facts, with specific details aligning with Google's recent announcements. The claim that Google is expanding AI Mode to more users in the US is supported by similar reports from multiple sources. The description of AI Mode as a dedicated tab within Search and its functionality as a response to ChatGPT Search is also consistent with available information. However, the article could benefit from more precise details, such as the exact number of new users gaining access and the specific technical enhancements of the Gemini 2.0 model. These gaps slightly affect the overall accuracy, but the core factual elements are well-supported.

7
Balance

The article presents a single perspective, focusing primarily on Google's advancements in AI technology. While it effectively covers the technical aspects and user benefits of AI Mode, it lacks alternative viewpoints or potential criticisms, such as privacy concerns or the implications of increased AI integration in search functionalities. This focus on the positive aspects may lead to an imbalance in the presentation, as it does not address the broader context or potential downsides of such technological advancements.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the main points about Google's AI Mode. The logical flow from the introduction of the feature to its functionalities and integration with Google Lens facilitates easy comprehension. The tone remains neutral and informative, making the content accessible to a general audience. However, a more detailed explanation of technical terms, such as 'Gemini 2.0' and 'multimodal capabilities,' would enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with AI jargon.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which makes it difficult to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. While the details align with known announcements from Google, the lack of direct attribution to authoritative sources or official statements reduces the transparency of the reporting. The reliance on general knowledge about Google's AI developments suggests a moderate level of source quality, but explicit citations would enhance the article's credibility.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of Google's new AI Mode, but it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. There is no disclosure of how the information was obtained, nor are there any acknowledgments of potential conflicts of interest. The absence of these elements makes it challenging for readers to fully understand the basis of the claims and assess the impartiality of the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/07/googles-ai-mode-now-lets-users-ask-complex-questions-about-images/
  2. https://www.republicworld.com/tech/google-ai-mode-now-widely-available-adds-image-search
  3. https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-mode-lets-you-ask-questions-with-images-454017
  4. https://www.engadget.com/ai/ai-mode-adds-a-dedicated-search-chatbot-to-google-170016310.html
  5. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-adds-image-search-to-ai-mode/543802/