Testing Enhanced AI Integration and Real-time Access in Google Application
Google Introduces New Design for AI Mode and Live Shortcuts
Google has unveiled a revamped design for its AI Mode and Live shortcuts, which are currently available in the latest Google app beta version but not yet widely accessible to all users.
The new design features a more straightforward and descriptive layout compared to the previous version. Two large pill-shaped buttons, clearly labelled "AI Mode" and "Live", replace the prominent multi-color rotating ring button in the Search bar from the previous design.
AI Mode, Google's powerful research and learning assistant, is now available as a separate search tab. It allows users to ask complex, conversational questions and performs deep research, creates custom graphs, integrates Google Lens for visual search, and has agentic abilities like helping find tickets or reservations.
One of the latest updates to AI Mode includes the Canvas feature, a side panel that allows users to build and organize information and study plans over multiple sessions, refining output through follow-up prompts. Users will soon be able to upload files such as class notes or syllabi to customize study guides.
AI Mode also supports asking complex questions about images, with PDF upload support coming soon on desktop to analyze documents, cross-reference with web data, and provide detailed responses. Support for more file types, including Google Drive files, is planned.
In addition, AI Mode now integrates Search Live, a feature that works with Google Lens to offer a real-time, expert-like partner that can see what you see and provide immediate explanations and helpful links as you interact with visual materials.
Google is also testing a new design for the "Activity" tab, with options like "Your space" and "Library". However, no information about the availability of the updated "Activity" tab design was provided.
The new AI Mode and Live shortcuts are visible on the homescreen widget, Pixel Launcher shortcuts, and Chrome New Tab page on desktop web. Google Search is rolling out AI Mode to the UK, although the wide availability of the updated features remains unclear.
Despite the new design, there are similarities between AI Mode and Gemini, Google's conversational AI platform. However, the new design is less vibrant in terms of color compared to the previous design.
It's an exciting time for Google users as these new features and design changes promise to make the Google app an even more powerful tool for research, learning, and everyday tasks.
[1] Google's AI Mode: A Powerful Research and Learning Assistant. (2025, July). TechCrunch. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/01/googles-ai-mode-a-powerful-research-and-learning-assistant/ [2] Google’s AI Mode gets Canvas feature for study plans and document uploads. (2025, August). The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/01/23309055/google-ai-mode-canvas-study-plans-document-uploads [3] Google’s AI Mode adds Search Live integration for real-time explanations. (2025, September). CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/google-ai-mode-adds-search-live-integration-for-real-time-explanations/ [4] Google’s AI Mode: A Comprehensive Guide to the Future of Search. (2025, October). Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/googles-ai-mode-comprehensive-guide-to-the-future-of-search/
- The revamped AI Mode in the latest Google app beta version is Google's powerful research and learning assistant, incorporating artificial intelligence.
- With the Canvas feature, AI Mode now allows users to build and organize information for study plans over multiple sessions, leveraging artificial intelligence for a more efficient learning experience.
