Introduction to Google’s AI Mode
Google is adding new features to its AI Mode in Search, allowing users to make reservations and bookings directly within the search engine. This new feature is currently available to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are enrolled in the Labs experiment.
What’s New in AI Mode
Booking Reservations
The new AI Mode can interpret detailed requests, check real-time availability across reservation sites, and link users to the booking page to complete the task. This means that users can now find and book restaurant reservations, local service appointments, and event tickets all within Google’s surfaces. According to Robby Stein, Google is starting to roll out this feature with restaurant reservations and will soon expand to other areas.
Planning Features
Google is also introducing planning features that make results easier to share and tailor queries. Users in the U.S. can share an AI Mode response with others, allowing them to ask follow-up questions and continue research on their own. Users can also revoke the link at any time, giving them control over who can access the information. Additionally, U.S. users who opt-in to the Labs experiment can receive personalized dining suggestions based on their prior conversations and interactions in Search and Maps.
How AI Mode Works
Under the hood, Google’s AI Mode uses live web browsing via Project Mariner, partner integrations, and signals from the Knowledge Graph and Maps to provide users with accurate and up-to-date information. Google has partnered with several companies, including OpenTable, Resy, Tock, Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, and Booksy, to provide users with a wide range of booking options.
Availability of AI Mode
The availability of AI Mode is currently limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are enrolled in the Labs experiment. However, Google plans to expand access to AI Mode to more than 180 countries and territories in English, with additional languages planned. Personalization features are also available in the U.S. and require users to opt-in.
Looking Ahead
As AI Mode continues to evolve, it’s moving from simply generating answers to completing tasks. This means that businesses will need to verify their inventory accuracy, hours, and policies to ensure that users have a seamless experience. It’s also important for businesses to ensure that their structured data and Business Profile attributes are clean and up-to-date. By tracking how bookings and referrals appear in analytics, businesses can stay ahead of the curve as Google widens its coverage to more tasks and regions.
Conclusion
Google’s new AI Mode features are a significant step forward in the development of search engines. By allowing users to make reservations and bookings directly within the search engine, Google is making it easier for users to find and book the things they need. As AI Mode continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative features that change the way we interact with search engines. For now, businesses and users alike will need to adapt to these changes and learn how to use AI Mode to its full potential.