Google has officially launched AI Mode in Singapore on 25 August, marking a major shift in how users interact with search.
Instead of relying only on blue links and snippets, AI Mode introduces a Gemini-powered interface that delivers synthesized answers, follow-up questions, and even image or voice queries.
With AI Mode search, users can ask complex, multi-step questions—like “Compare the best hybrid cars under $100k, and show me reviews from Singapore drivers”—and receive structured summaries alongside relevant sources.
It’s essentially Google transforming into an “answer engine.”
From Search Engine to Answer Engine
The launch of the AI mode was first tested via Search labs in June 2025 in the US and subsequently, India, UK and Singapore.
While the initial pilot phase targeted Google One AIPremium users, Google gradually began to refine its AI logic, interface and reliability. As of date, AI Overviews now serve 2 billion monthly users, while AI Mode itself has reached over 100 million monthly active users across the U.S., India, and other early-access regions.
What can I use AI Mode For?
Other than asking questions that are also possible through ChatGPT/Copilot/DeepAI or Claude, the AI mode also offers some additional functions that address specified needs.
Some other uses for AI Mode:
1. AI Shopping Partner
One of the most exciting additions to Google’s AI Mode is its new shopping experience.
Instead of just showing links, AI Mode pulls together products from across the web, compares them, and presents a browsable panel of images and listings tailored to your needs.
You can refine your search naturally—for example, narrowing from “cute travel bags” to options suitable for rainy weather or long trips—and the system dynamically updates with relevant, personalized product suggestions.
Each result includes direct links to the checkout or product page, making the transition from browsing to buying seamless.
Source:https://blog.google/products/shopping/virtual-try-on-google-generative-ai/
And Google isn’t stopping there. A teaser feature currently in testing is an AI-powered “virtual try-on”, where you’ll be able to see how clothing or accessories might look on different body models before making a purchase—a glimpse of the future of online shopping.
2. Coding and Advanced Reasoning
Under the “advanced mode” of Gemini 2.5 Pro in AI Mode, Google is able to assist in advanced reasoning, math, and coding questions, helping you with your complex learning needs with links to learn more.
Do note however, that this is currently a paid feature, and you can access these advanced capabilities in AI Mode through Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra.
3. AI Mode and AI Overview
With most searches on Google now (especially for query based searches), you would have noticed an overview at the top of the page. This helps to save time scrolling through the webpages and is called “zero-click searches”.
This is the function of the AI Overview, which can serve as the “gateway” into AI search.
Not seeing the AI Overview?
The AI overview is an optional function that can be activated, click on the link to Search labs here to enable the function!
The lab is also the pilot and beta test bed for the functions that might be added onto the AI Mode (including the “virtual test-on”) mentioned above, as of August 26, you can play around as Viola the bird playing an instrument!
AI Search labs: Viola the bird
Search, Discover, Do: AI Mode
In summary, the launch of Google AI Mode in Singapore brings a new era of search, combining deep research, query fan-out, AI Overviews, multimodal input, interactive follow-ups, shopping features, and agentic capabilities into one seamless experience. For users, it means faster, smarter, and more personalized results; for businesses and content creators, it signals a shift in how search is conducted and measured — making it essential to adapt to this AI-driven landscape.
