Google continues to test new functionality in its Android app, adding the ability to launch generative AI directly from the search bar. Since its launch, users have been able to start a new chat in “AI Mode” via a shortcut below the search bar at the top of the Google app. This shortcut is located next to the buttons for launching Google Lens and song search.
Currently, Google is testing a new design where a prominent “AI Mode” circle appears in the search bar, replacing the voice search and Google Lens icons. Users can immediately start typing by tapping this circle. Last week, the “Ask AI Mode” field received integration with Google Lens, allowing users to upload images from the gallery or take new photos for analysis.
This new design replaces the colorful carousel with three shortcuts for launching voice search, Google Lens, or accessing the gallery for visual search. At the moment, it is available on only one device, but users in the US can already sign up to use “AI Mode” through Search Labs.
On iOS, users can already launch “AI Mode” from a configured widget on the home screen. This feature is expected to appear on Android as well, where two new shortcuts for quick access to news and saved items were recently added.
