Google Expands AI Search to 180 Countries and Introduces Sharing Feature

Google is expanding its AI search engine, AI Mode, to 180 countries and territories, starting with English. Users can now share AI-generated responses as links, collaborate on tasks, and delete shared links anytime. AI Mode will also have more agency, helping with tasks such as restaurant reservations and event tickets. This move shows Google's focus on defending its search engine crown jewel amidst increasing competition. Shares eased 0.5% in premarket trading.

Google has announced a significant expansion of its AI Mode, an experimental feature within Search, to 180 countries and territories, starting with English. This global rollout marks a major step in Google's efforts to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its core search product [1]. The expansion follows the feature's initial availability in the United States, United Kingdom, and India.

One of the key additions to AI Mode is the introduction of agentic capabilities, starting with a restaurant reservation feature. This new functionality, available to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the United States, allows users to input multiple preferences such as party size, date, time, location, and cuisine. The AI then searches across various reservation platforms to find real-time availability and presents a curated list of options [1]. This feature is powered by Project Mariner's live web browsing capabilities, Google's Knowledge Graph, and direct integrations with partners like OpenTable, Resy, and Tock [1].

AI Mode is also introducing personalized recommendations based on users' individual preferences and interests. The feature will use past conversations, search history, and Maps activity to offer more relevant suggestions, initially focusing on dining-related topics [1]. For instance, if a user has shown a preference for Italian cuisine and outdoor seating, AI Mode will prioritize these options in its recommendations.

To enhance user experience, Google has added a new "Share" button to AI Mode responses. This feature allows users to send AI Mode conversations to others, enabling collaborative planning for activities such as trips or events. The shared links have a format of share.google/aimode/abcxyz and can be deleted at any time [1].

Google emphasizes that users have control over the context they share and can adjust their personalization settings in their Google Account at any time. This approach aims to balance the benefits of personalization with user privacy concerns [1].

The global expansion and new features of AI Mode represent a significant step in Google's broader AI strategy. By integrating these advanced capabilities into Search, Google is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven search experiences. The introduction of agentic features, in particular, showcases Google's ambition to transform Search from a tool for finding information into a platform for completing complex tasks [1]. However, the exclusive availability of certain features to AI Ultra subscribers, priced at $249.99 per month, raises questions about the accessibility of these advanced AI capabilities to the broader public [1].

In a separate development, Google has entered an agreement with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority to help power its data centers with zero-emissions energy. The agreement involves the Tennessee Valley Authority becoming the first U.S. utility to buy power from an advanced fourth-generation nuclear reactor. This deal is part of Google's broader initiative to decarbonize its data centers and support the growth of clean energy sources [2].

References:
[1] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/google-expands-ai-mode-globally-introduces-agentic-features-and-personalization-19369/
[2] https://www.esgdive.com/news/google-kairos-power-deal-aims-for-tennessee-nuclear-reactor-by-2030-tva-ai-data-center-demands/758303/