Google has announced that it has expanded the reach of its AI-powered “AI Mode” feature to Google Lens, unlocking multimodal search capabilities for a broader user base. Initially launched in March 2025 for Google One AI Premium subscribers via Search Labs, the feature is now rolling out to free users in the U.S. on both Android and iOS, offering a significant leap in how people interact with visual content online.
With this update, users can click or upload an image and pose complex questions about it—such as identifying products, places, or even books in a photo. The AI, powered by a tailored version of Google’s Gemini 1.5 model, responds with contextual insights, relevant links, and suggestions, making the search experience more intuitive and comprehensive.
For example, pointing your camera at a bookshelf and asking, “Which of these books are good for learning about startups?” triggers Gemini to identify each book and offer personalized recommendations based on content and relevance.
The underlying AI employs a “fan-out prompting” technique, which breaks down a user’s query into sub-questions to deliver more accurate and layered responses. This approach enhances Gemini’s ability to understand nuanced inquiries and deliver results beyond simple keyword matching.
Google has emphasized that this is part of its broader push to evolve search from a keyword-based model into a more conversational, AI-driven experience. Although currently available only in the U.S., the company may expand access globally in the near future.
This rollout marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Google Search, showcasing the company’s ambition to blend visual understanding with generative AI to redefine how users find and engage with information.
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