AI Mode

AppWizard
January 12, 2026
Google has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which enables AI agents to manage product searches, checkout processes, and payments for users. UCP standardizes communication between AI agents and various retailers and payment platforms, including Shopify, Walmart, and Visa. The AI-driven checkout feature will be available in Google Search's AI Mode and the Gemini app, using data from Google Pay and Google Wallet. Google is also launching Business Agents and Direct Offers to enhance customer engagement within AI shopping environments. UCP allows AI agents to perform the entire shopping process with a single command, simplifying online shopping. Google has partnered with companies like Etsy, Target, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Mastercard, Stripe, and Visa to implement this protocol. Users in the U.S. will benefit from features like automatic shipping information usage and upcoming support for PayPal. The Business Agent acts as a virtual sales assistant, and Direct Offers provide exclusive coupons to shoppers. Google aims to make AI-driven shopping experiences standard, allowing seamless retailer interactions.
AppWizard
December 24, 2025
In 2025, many users have adopted Gemini, Google's tool for enhancing mobile device functionality. The Gemini overlay allows quick access but currently locks users into a session when activated, requiring a restart for each interaction. Google is developing an improved multitasking experience in the beta version of the Google Android app (16.51.52.sa.arm64), which will enable users to navigate away from the overlay without losing their session. This new functionality allows users to initiate queries through the overlay while returning to previous apps, receiving notifications when results are ready. The anticipated changes aim to enhance user experience by fostering smoother interactions between apps and Gemini, though these features are still in development and not guaranteed for final release.
AppWizard
December 19, 2025
Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.
AppWizard
November 27, 2025
Google is refining its Circle to Search feature by introducing a follow-up search bar at the bottom of the screen to enhance user interaction. This simplified interface includes a new AI Mode that allows for voice input and context-specific queries. The feature is currently in beta testing and is not yet available to all users. The design aims to make follow-up queries more seamless, allowing users to explore further information without losing sight of initial results. The feature is being tested in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 16.47), with an uncertain timeline for a wider release.
AppWizard
November 24, 2025
Gemini 3 Pro has reclaimed AI benchmarks, outperforming previous models and leading the LMArena and WebDev Arena leaderboards. It introduces a new AI mode in Google Search that enhances user interactions with multimodal responses. The model features advanced reasoning and independent coding capabilities, enabling it to tackle complex queries and manage multi-step tasks autonomously. Gemini 3 Pro achieved a score of 1,501 points on the LMArena leaderboard, surpassing Grok 4.1 Thinking, and scored 37.5% on Humanity's Last Exam without tool use. In the WebDev Arena, it has an ELO score of 1,487 and excels in various coding benchmarks. Gemini 3 is available in Google AI Studio, Vertex AI, and Gemini CLI, and serves as the foundation for Google Antigravity, an AI-powered integrated development environment. It is currently rolling out to Google’s consumer products, including Search and the Gemini app, with plans for broader availability in the U.S.
AppWizard
November 18, 2025
Gemini 3 Pro is the latest AI model from Google, marking the debut of the Gemini 3 series and enhancing Google's position in AI benchmarks. It is now available through the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search for paid subscribers. Gemini 3 Pro is recognized for its advanced multimodal understanding and coding capabilities, aiming towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). It has achieved a score of 1,501 points on the LMArena leaderboard, surpassing Grok 4.1 Thinking, and scored 37.5% on Humanity's Last Exam without tool usage. The model is designed to provide smart, concise, and direct responses, improving user interactions. It has an ELO score of 1,487 on the WebDev Arena leaderboard and can perform tasks such as building 3D video games and websites. Gemini 3 Deep Think, an enhancement of Gemini 3, is expected to improve results on Humanity's Last Exam to 41%. Gemini 3 is also accessible for developers through platforms like Google AI Studio and Antigravity, which features advanced AI agents capable of independent coding tasks. Subscribers to Google AI Pro and Ultra will soon have access to an automatic model selector in Search for complex queries.
AppWizard
November 13, 2025
Google has launched Gemini tools to enhance holiday shopping with AI assistance, enabling real-time inventory checks and agentic checkout. Users can engage with AI to receive tailored product results, including images, pricing, reviews, and inventory status. The AI can locate products in stock at nearby stores and contact retailers on behalf of users. Additionally, the agentic checkout feature allows users to track specific items and receive notifications for price drops, facilitating purchases directly through Google Pay. These features are currently available in the U.S. as of November 13, with plans for future expansion.
AppWizard
October 29, 2025
In the latest beta version of the Google app (16.43.60.sa.arm64), several new features are being tested to improve user interaction with AI functionalities. 1. A new “Interrupt Live responses” toggle is being considered for Search Live settings, allowing users to control whether their interjections pause the AI's responses. 2. Live captions can be displayed at the bottom of the screen while Search Live is active, enhancing accessibility. 3. AI Mode may become a separate option in the main search bar, with a plus button (+) allowing users to attach images and activate AI Mode before searching. 4. Gemini’s image markup tools are being refined, including a new tooltip to guide users on how to sketch on images for AI transformation, and a new Text option in the markup toolbar that is still under development.
Search