Google Expands AI Mode With Multimodal Lens Features for Labs Users
Google is taking a major step forward in the evolution of search by adding multimodal capabilities to its AI Mode, which is now being rolled out to millions of users in the U.S. through Google Labs.
This update means users can now combine images and text in their search queries—making searches smarter, faster, and more interactive. It's a move aimed at turning Google Search into a more intelligent assistant rather than just a tool that lists links.
Multimodal Lens Comes to AI Mode
The new feature builds on the existing technology in Google Lens, which lets users search visually using photos or screenshots. With the multimodal update in AI Mode, users can now pair those images with descriptive text. For example, you could snap a picture of a product and add a question like, “Is this available in eco-friendly materials?” to get a smarter, more relevant result.
This functionality is especially useful for tasks like shopping, identifying plants or animals, researching artwork, or solving real-world problems through visual context.
AI Mode Is Now Reaching More Users
Until now, AI Mode was limited to Google One AI Premium subscribers, but the company is now expanding access to millions more users in the U.S. via its Google Labs experimental platform. Labs allows users to test early-stage Google features before they roll out globally.
By introducing these advanced tools more widely, Google is collecting feedback and refining its AI search experience.
Users Are Asking More Complex Questions
Google also shared some interesting stats: search queries in AI Mode are twice as long compared to typical searches. This means users are treating the AI like a conversation partner—asking more detailed, layered questions instead of simple keywords.
It’s a sign that people are beginning to expect deeper understanding and context in their online searches, something AI Mode is designed to deliver.
Why This Matters
This rollout is part of Google’s bigger push to reinvent its search experience by making it more interactive, visual, and personalized. In a world where competitors like Microsoft’s Copilot and ChatGPT are offering AI-powered answers, Google is making sure its tools stay ahead by blending visuals, language, and deep learning.
For users, it means a more powerful search engine that can understand what you mean—not just what you type.