Google says curiosity is driving major changes in the way people explore information online, with the company reporting that 15 per cent of global searches every day are completely new. Visual searches, in particular, have surged by 70 per cent over the past year, and India continues to be a major contributor to this shift, with more people using Google Lens in the country than anywhere else in the world.
In 2025, Google began positioning Search as more than a tool for retrieving information. The company says it is now focused on building an “intelligence-led” experience designed to help people understand information more clearly and take action through deeper, more adaptive responses. Many of the new capabilities, including AI Mode and Search Live, were rolled out in India early on.
This year, Google’s latest Gemini models broadened how people interact with Search, with users submitting longer questions, combining text with images, and relying on more complex reasoning. The company has highlighted seven major updates that shaped Search in 2025, including three features that were introduced this week.
New features rolling out now
AI Mode with Gemini 3
India became the first country outside the United States to receive AI Mode, Google’s enhanced, AI-driven search experience. The feature, available in eight Indian languages, has been widely used for learning, drawing comparisons, writing tasks, and step-by-step explanations. Google has now upgraded it with Gemini 3 for English users. The company describes Gemini 3 as its most capable model so far, offering stronger reasoning skills and better handling of complex questions. Subscribers to Google AI Pro and Ultra can access Gemini 3 Pro by choosing the “Thinking” option inside AI Mode.
Nano Banana Pro
Also launched this week is Nano Banana Pro, a new image creation and editing model built on Gemini 3 Pro. It blends Google’s search knowledge with AI reasoning, allowing users to create visual concepts ranging from product designs to data-based graphics. AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in India can try the feature in AI Mode by selecting Gemini 3 Pro and opening the ‘Create Images Pro’ tool.
Virtual Apparel Try-On
Online shoppers in India can now virtually try on billions of clothing items across Search, Google Shopping, and even Google Images results. Users simply upload a photo and can see how tops, dresses, jackets, and even shoes would look on them. The tool relies on an AI model trained to understand how fabrics drape and fit different body shapes. Listings that support the feature will show a “try it on” icon.
Story continues below this ad
Here are some features that were integrated through 2025
Lens in AI Mode
Google users can now upload images not just to identify objects but to analyse entire scenes, ask follow-up questions, and explore relationships between objects.
Circle to Search with AI Mode
The popular gesture-based tool has been upgraded with AI reasoning. When users circle an item on their screen, they can immediately ask deeper questions or request explanations without switching apps.
Search Live in AI Mode
Search Live allows people to talk to Google in real time. By pointing their camera at something like a damaged gadget or a homework problem, they can get spoken, step-by-step help. The feature works in English and Hindi.
Flight Deals
Story continues below this ad
Google has also introduced a more natural way to search for travel options. Instead of adjusting dates and filters, users can describe their ideal trip in everyday language, such as wanting a week-long winter vacation with nonstop flights and good food. Search then combines AI understanding with Google Flights data to surface suitable destinations and fares.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd