AI Mode (Google AI Mode)

AI Mode is a way of searching Google in which, instead of scanning a list of results, you ask a question and the AI runs many searches in the background and assembles an answer with links to its sources. You switch to it from the "AI Mode" tab near the search box, and it works in many languages, including Japanese and Thai.

How it differs from AI Overviews

AI Overviews add a summary on top of the usual results; AI Mode replaces the results page with a conversation. Google describes the technique as "query fan-out": the question is split into sub-searches that run at the same time, and the findings are combined into one answer.

Questions it handles well

The more conditions a question has, the bigger the difference. Ask "Compare the cost and timeline of setting up a company in Thailand with and without BOI promotion" and you get a comparison table with sources, which you can narrow with "What about Japanese manufacturers?"

For navigational searches, or for data you should read at the primary source, regular search is still faster.

Pricing

AI Mode is free. Signing in keeps your history, and paid Google AI plans (Google AI Pro / Ultra) add more capable models and higher limits.

What it means for companies that publish content

In AI Mode, many people get what they need without clicking through. For a business website, being cited as a source in the AI answer now matters as much as ranking. This is where generative engine optimization (GEO) comes in: state definitions and figures clearly near the top of the page, and publish first-hand information.

Cautions

• Answers are summaries and can contain errors or outdated information (hallucination). Check figures, dates and regulations against the sources.
• Do not put confidential business information into your questions. If you need answers grounded in internal documents, use an internal RAG system.

We help companies plan content for AI search and introduce AI internally through our AI & DX services.