Google's AI-enhanced service, known as Google AI Mode, is being utilized by approximately 100 million monthly users, with the introduction of Deep Search, a new feature.
Google's AI-powered offerings are expanding, with two key components standing out: Google AI Mode and the Gemini app. While these services are closely linked, they serve distinct roles with specific features and use cases.
Google AI Mode is an advanced AI-powered conversational search interface that moves beyond traditional link-based results. It delivers direct, in-depth answers, contextual follow-ups, and task assistance such as booking or summarizing emails. Powered by the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, this service offers sophisticated reasoning capabilities like detailed math explanations, coding support, and complex report generation via a feature called Deep Search. Integrating with Google services like Gmail, Calendar, and Drive, AI Mode provides personalized, productivity-enhancing outputs. Its main use cases include deep research queries, multi-part question answering, local business visual cards, and productivity tasks.
On the other hand, the Gemini app is the underlying AI model and framework powering many of Google's AI offerings, including AI Mode. Delivered as a standalone app ecosystem, it expands beyond search by integrating AI into broader productivity tools and platforms. The Gemini app offers regular updates, known as "Gemini drops," adding capabilities directly accessible by users. New Planner Gems summarize and manage user schedules by integrating deeply with Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. Additionally, Gemini functionalities like Power Calling enable real-world task automation by calling local businesses to check pricing or availability on behalf of users. The Gemini app's reach extends to other platforms like Wear OS, bringing AI capabilities to smartwatches for on-the-go assistance.
Here's a comparison of the two services:
| Aspect | Google AI Mode | Gemini App | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Core Function | Conversational AI-driven search assistant | AI framework & app offering multiple productivity tools | | AI Model | Powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro | Gemini AI models (including 2.5 Pro and customized Gems) | | Key Features | Deep Search (multi-query reports), coding help, stepwise reasoning, task assistance in Search and email | Planner Gems (summarizing schedules), Power Calling, Wear OS integration | | Use Cases | Complex queries, follow-ups, report writing, booking and summarization tasks | Productivity management, task automation, smart device AI interactions | | Accessibility | Integrated within Google Search and apps | Standalone app features, Wear OS, and Google product integrations | | Current Availability | Rolling out mostly in the US, available to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers | Available as updated "Gemini drops" with some free and some subscriber-limited tools |
In summary, Google AI Mode uses the Gemini AI technology to enhance search and task-based conversational interactions, focusing on sophisticated, reasoning-rich answers and productivity within the search experience. Meanwhile, the Gemini app ecosystem offers a broader AI tool suite extending across various Google platforms and devices, empowering users with AI-driven productivity and automation features beyond search.
Following last week's announcement, Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. can now switch from the "Default" model to Gemini 2.5 Pro on desktop and mobile web. The end-to-end AI Search experience entered testing in March and saw a US launch at the end of May, with India following earlier this month. Until future updates, users can visit google.com/aimode on a mobile browser to access "Deep Search."
While Pichai expressed satisfaction with having both AI Mode and the Gemini app to innovate in different areas, no new information was provided about the availability of switching models or "Deep Search" in Android and iOS apps for AI Mode, or about the number of monthly active users for either service. However, Pichai did comment that AI Mode "shines" with "information-focused" queries. On mobile web, the "Deep Search" chip can be accessed via a dropdown menu in the top-left corner.
In conclusion, Google's AI-powered offerings, Google AI Mode and the Gemini app, offer a powerful combination of search and productivity tools, each with its own unique features and use cases. As these services continue to evolve, users can look forward to even more innovative ways to harness the power of AI in their daily lives.
Technology advances as Google's AI-powered offerings, specifically Google AI Mode and the Gemini app, improve and expand their capabilities. Google AI Mode, an advanced AI-driven conversational search interface, leverages the power of the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model for deep search functionalities, complex report generation, and task assistance. On the other hand, the Gemini app, acting as an AI framework and standalone ecosystem, powers many of Google's AI services and extends AI capabilities to various productivity tools and platforms beyond search.
