According to Digital Trends, Google’s AI Mode is now capable of handling real-world tasks like booking tickets, scheduling beauty and wellness appointments, and making restaurant reservations through its experimental Search Labs program. These new agentic capabilities are powered by Project Mariner, Google’s experimental AI agent built on the Gemini 2.0 model. The update is currently available to AI Mode users in the United States who have opted into Search Labs, with higher usage limits for paid subscribers. The AI can autonomously navigate the web, compare options across multiple platforms, and provide curated results with direct booking links. Additionally, users can now talk to Search using their microphone or search by picture with Search Live integration in AI Mode.
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The era of AI agents is here
This is huge. We’re not just talking about better search results anymore – we’re talking about AI that actually does stuff for you. Think about how much time you spend bouncing between websites when you’re trying to book movie tickets or make dinner reservations. Now Google‘s basically saying “just tell me what you want, I’ll handle the rest.”
Here’s the thing though – this changes everything for businesses too. If you’re a restaurant or movie theater, you better make sure your booking information is properly represented across all the platforms Google’s AI will consult. Because if it can’t find you easily, you’re basically invisible to this new wave of AI-powered customers.
Voice search just got serious
Remember when voice search was basically just a party trick? “Hey Google, what’s the weather?” Now we’re looking at actual conversations where you can say “Find me a table for four at a nice Italian restaurant downtown around 7 PM this Saturday” and the AI will actually make it happen. That’s a massive leap from where we were just a couple years ago.
And the Search Live integration with pictures? That’s another game-changer. See a concert poster on the street? Snap a photo and the AI can probably book tickets for you. We’re moving toward a world where the barrier between seeing something you want and actually getting it is disappearing completely.
Where does this go from here?
Right now it’s US-only and limited to Search Labs users, but you know this is just the beginning. Google’s clearly testing the waters before rolling this out globally. The paid subscriber angle is interesting too – are we looking at the future of Google Search becoming a subscription service for power users?
Basically, we’re watching search engines transform from answer machines into personal assistants. The next logical step? These AI agents will probably start anticipating what you need before you even ask. Running low on groceries? Your AI might notice and offer to place an order. Car maintenance due? It could schedule the appointment for you.
The question is, are we ready to hand over this much control to AI? There’s definitely convenience, but there’s also a loss of that human touch in decision-making. Still, for busy people who just want things done, this could be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
