The AI Mode button appears directly in the Search bar for faster text input and AI interaction.
Google has integrated Lens into AI Mode, supporting visual-based queries from the gallery or camera.
The updated layout is in testing with select users, while iOS users already have widget access to AI Mode.
Google is currently testing a new approach to making its generative AI experience more accessible on Android devices. Google is now allowing some Android users to access a dedicated AI mode button directly from the Search bar within the Google app, providing a faster and more seamless entry point into Google’s AI chat experience.
SurveyPreviously, users had to access the AI Mode through a shortcut located just beneath the Search bar, alongside tools such as Translate, and Homework filters. However, the most recent update alters the layout by placing a prominent AI Mode circle directly inside the Search bar, replacing the traditional voice search and Lens icons.
Soon after tapping the new AI Mode icon, a text input box appears, allowing users to enter their queries directly. The tech behemoth has already integrated Lens into AI mode, allowing users to upload images from their gallery or capture new ones for visual-based queries, further improving the multimodal functionality of the AI experience.
The colourful quick tool carousel has also been removed from the updated layout. Instead, it simplifies the layout by placing three new shortcuts for voice search, Google Lens, and direct gallery access beneath the search bar.
However, Google has not made the new layout available to the public and is reportedly testing it with a small group of users. Users in the United States can sign up for AI Mode access through Search Labs to explore the features.
On the other hand, iOS users can access the AI mode through a customisable home screen widget. It may be available for Android users soon. Previously, the Android version gained quick shortcuts to News and Saved, with the Activity tab replacing Saved in the bottom navigation bar.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
