Google Search might soon become a more interactive tool, thanks to a new feature called AI Mode, which could transform the way users engage with the search engine. According to a report, this mode, found in unreleased code, could combine the power of Google’s Gemini Live chat with the popular Search and Google Lens image analysis features.

AI Mode, which appears as AIM in the code, would allow users to interact with Google Search in a more human-like manner. Instead of simply showing a list of search results, users could ask follow-up questions, interrupt responses, and engage in a back-and-forth conversation, similar to the experience with Gemini Live. The feature would make Google Search feel more like a personal assistant.

The AI Mode could appear as a new tab in the bottom navigation bar of the Google app. It would allow users to perform voice searches and upload photos, enabling Google to interpret images and respond with relevant information. Additionally, users could ask questions based on the images they upload. An interesting aspect of the code includes a winking emoticon as a placeholder for this feature.

While AI Mode shares similarities with Gemini Live, it stands apart by offering a multimodal experience. AI Mode would integrate text, voice, and images, offering a more immersive experience. However, it raises questions about when to use Google Search with AI Mode and when to use Gemini Live, given their overlapping features.

This shift in Google Search could represent a move toward a more integrated and advanced service. By combining the strengths of Google Lens and voice interactions, AI Mode could change the way users interact with the search engine, providing not only results but direct, thoughtful answers.