Google is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) search experience, “AI Mode,” to Android tablets with the latest update to the Google app, marking a significant step in the company’s AI integration efforts.
The AI Mode has been spotted on Google Search within Android tablets running Google app version 16.30 (beta). While not yet universally available, Gadgets 360 staff members have reportedly observed the feature on the Pixel Tablet, which debuted in select markets in 2023. Screenshots shared indicate that beta testers can now see AI Mode prominently in the Discover feed on the home screen.
Consistent with its smartphone implementation, the AI Mode icon is positioned beneath the search bar, alongside Google Lens gallery and translation features. A convenient shortcut to AI Mode is also reportedly accessible via the Pixel Launcher or a home screen widget, which can be configured through the Google app settings.
The layout of AI Mode on tablets mirrors that of Android smartphones. However, an aspect of concern highlighted is the landscape orientation, where the prompt bar appears stretched and unoptimized. Despite this, responses reportedly maintain the same format as other interfaces, utilizing AI Mode’s desktop web layout. Tapping the shortcut leads to the identical prompt bar with capabilities for image uploads and Google Lens, albeit in a stretched format when in landscape mode. It’s noted that while not perfectly optimized, this solution is more convenient than accessing AI Mode through google.com/aimode in Chrome.
Currently, the latest Google app on iPad does not offer AI Mode. This expansion to Android tablets follows Google’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its search capabilities, with the company previously claiming that AI features provide “More Quality Clicks” even as overall traffic declines. Recent updates to AI Mode have also included support for “Search Live” with video and PDF content, and the AI Mode shortcut in Google for Android is said to be reaching more users.
