AI Mode Archives

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Google exec shares an AI Mode change for sources that makes it even easier to fact-check

Google has introduced an update to its Search platform that enhances AI Mode and AI Overviews. The update includes "groups of links" accessible through a floating sub-menu when users hover over the link icon, which has been redesigned for better visibility. This feature is currently available only for desktop users, while mobile users will continue to tap links as usual. AI Mode can assist with appointment bookings by requiring users to fill out a brief form, after which it summarizes the information gathered. Earlier this year, Google integrated its AI model, Gemini 3, into AI Overviews, allowing users to ask follow-up questions more quickly while retaining context.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 brings two small but useful Pixel Launcher UI changes

Android 17 beta 1 was released on February 13, 2026, introducing several UI changes to the Pixel Launcher. The home screen search bar has a slimmer, customizable design, allowing users to replace the AI Mode shortcut with tools like Gemini Live or Translate. Users can now remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen. Additional minor enhancements include a refreshed brightness icon in Quick Settings and improved access to volume panel settings.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

ChatGPT goes further with focused ‘Deep Research’ sources, more apps for users

OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT platform, enhancing the Deep Research feature for better accuracy and relevance in reports. Users can now instruct the AI to source information from specific references. The side menu has been redesigned for improved navigation, and a wider range of connected applications has been introduced. The GPT-2.5 model's responses have been refined for better interaction. Last month, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Go, its most affordable subscription tier, utilizing the GPT-5.2 model, offering rapid response times, ten times the messaging capacity, file upload options, and additional features compared to the Free tier. The Deep Research feature, designed to emulate a human analyst, compiles comprehensive reports from online sources, with completion times ranging from five to thirty minutes based on topic complexity. OpenAI's updates come amid competition with Google and its AI tools. Users are advised to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

AI Mode gets Personal Intelligence for Gmail, Photos for queries that are all about you

Google has launched a new feature called Personal Intelligence for AI Mode in Search, which allows users to opt in for AI access to their Gmail and Photos to enhance their search experience. This feature helps users plan trips and shop by analyzing previous purchases in Gmail or Photos to provide relevant content. Currently, it is being rolled out in Labs for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States, with plans for broader availability. Additionally, Google's Gemini AI received a similar update, integrating with YouTube, Photos, and Gmail for a more personalized user experience. The AI Mode aims to deliver tailored search responses by leveraging personal context, such as suggesting sneaker styles based on recent purchase history.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Google App’s Voice Search Finally Receives a Major Redesign on Android

Google is rolling out a significant redesign of its Voice Search feature within the Google app on Android, available in version 17.1 for stable users and 17.2 for beta testers. The new interface includes a prominent Google “G” logo at the top center, a new settings menu on the right edge, and an enlarged “Search a song” button. The redesign replaces the previous sphere animation with text options: “Play, Sing, Hum,” and includes a shortcut to Song Search history. Users are encouraged to update to the latest version of the app to access these features.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Voice search in the Google app is leaning hard into the Gemini aesthetic

The Google app is receiving a visual update to its voice search interface, featuring a new microphone icon and the text "Ask anything," replacing the previous cartoon face and "Listening..." prompt. This update introduces a design with softly glowing colors and an elegant horizon-shaped animation, replacing the traditional four-dot animation. The song search feature has also been enhanced, with a streamlined prompt now reading "Play/Sing/Hum." Users can access the updated interface through microphone icons in the app and home screen widgets. The update is being rolled out to users on version 17.1 and beta version 17.2 of the Google app.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google App Revamps Voice Search Feature on Android

Google has redesigned its voice search feature for Android devices to improve accessibility and user experience. Key features include a modernized design with a centered gradient ‘G’, a back button with a three-dot overflow menu for voice settings, options for language and voice selection, and an updated dark theme. The new interface replaces the previous four-dot waveform design with a prompt stating “Listening…” and a friendly face illustration, along with a vibrant four-color arc beneath the transcribed query. Enhancements include a larger “Search a song” button that leads to a dedicated song search interface, encouraging users to “Play, Sing, Hum,” and a shortcut to Song Search history. The update is being gradually rolled out with version 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android devices, but is not yet widely accessible. There is anticipation for a potential upgrade to the text search interface to align with the new voice search features.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google app finally redesigns voice search on Android

Google is redesigning its voice search feature on Android to improve user experience. The update can be accessed via the homescreen widget or any Google Search bar within the app. When a query is initiated, users see a standard results page while receiving an audible response. The new design includes a centered ‘G’ gradient, a back button, and a three-dot overflow menu for Voice settings. Users can customize language options, toggle spoken results, and select from various voices: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, or Cassini. The dark theme has been updated for better visual appeal. The interface shows a “Listening…” prompt with a face illustration and displays the transcribed query above a four-color arc. A larger “Search a song” button leads to a dedicated song search interface, inviting users to “Play, Sing, Hum.” A shortcut to Song Search history is also available. The rollout is ongoing with versions 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android, but it is not yet widely available.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Google’s latest move brings AI shopping a lot closer to reality

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

Gemini will let you keep working in other apps as it processes your request

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.