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3w ago

Google Expands AI Mode to Five Languages and Eases Access as Product Lead Signals Default ‘Soon’

The default debate raises questions about publisher referrals, ad models and the future of open‑web access.

Google AI Mode
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Overview

  • Google added Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and Brazilian Portuguese to AI Mode after months of English‑only availability.
  • Access now routes through the shorter google.com/ai URL, and Google has repositioned the AI Mode icon in its apps to surface the feature more readily.
  • Logan Kilpatrick said making AI Mode the default is coming “soon,” while Google Search VP Robby Stein emphasized only making it easier to choose and indicated users could set it as their preferred tab.
  • AI Mode runs on a customized Gemini 2.5 with features such as Deep Search and agentic abilities like placing calls and finding reservations, with some booking tools limited to $249.99‑per‑month Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
  • Publishers report sizable referral declines linked to AI summaries, Google is testing ads within AI Mode and AI Overviews, and a recent court filing from Google’s lawyers described the open web as already in rapid decline.