Google has introduced an AI Mode shortcut directly inside the Android Search widget in mid‑2025. This change makes accessing generative AI powered by Google’s Gemini models faster and more intuitive for Indian users and Android device owners worldwide. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s new, how to use it, and why it matters.
🚀 What’s New: AI Mode Shortcut in Android Search Widget
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Starting with Google app version 16.28, users can add AI Mode as a quick‐launch icon beside the microphone and Google Lens on the search widget.
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Available across both beta and stable users, including non‑Pixel Android devices.
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Provides one‑tap access to a fullscreen Gemini‑powered interface — no need to open the app first.
🔑 Why It Matters: Benefits & Features for Indian Readers
Fast AI Search at Your Fingertips
With a single tap, your Search widget launches AI Mode: a conversational, multimodal AI experience. It understands voice, text, and image prompts, handling complex queries in natural language.
Personalisation and Context-Aware Answers
AI Mode employs query fan‑out techniques, examining multiple sources in parallel, and delivers tailored responses. It also remembers context across follow‑ups.
Deep Research & Agentic Capabilities
Features like Deep Search compile expert‑level summaries, while agentic mode can handle tasks like ticket booking, restaurant reservations, or comparing prices across platforms.
Gemini 2.5 Pro & Multimodal Magic
Powered by Gemini 2.5, the AI processes speech, text, images, and even camera input via Search Live (Project Astra), enabling you to chat with Search in real time using your camera.
⚙️ How to Enable AI Mode Shortcut
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure Google app v16.28 or later is installed. |
| 2 | Long‑press the Google Search widget on your homescreen. |
| 3 | Tap Customize → Shortcuts. |
| 4 | Select “AI Mode” (second in grid after “None”) and save |
| 5 | The shortcut appears as a circled icon next to mic and Lens icons. |
You can also set it via Google app → Settings → Search widget → Customize. Theme and transparency options are available to match your home screen aesthetic.
⭐ Real‑World Examples & Use Cases
Example 1: Planning a One‑Day Trip
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Tap the AI Mode shortcut from the widget.
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Type or speak:
“Suggest a one‑day itinerary in Jaipur including food spots under ₹300.” -
AI Mode combines web data, local knowledge, and maps to give recommendations, timings, and links in one neat summary.
Example 2: Deep Research in Minutes
Ask AI Mode:
“Compare the latest smartphones under ₹25,000 with camera comparisons, battery life, and user reviews.”
Within moments, Deep Search compiles a side‑by‑side table, ratings, and direct shopping links.
Example 3: Interactive Image Query
Capture an image of a historical monument in Delhi and ask:
“Who built this structure and what’s its significance?”
AI Mode uses Google Lens + OpenAI’s multimodal reasoning to answer—without switching apps.
📊 Statistics & Adoption in India
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100 million monthly users already using AI Mode globally, showing strong adoption across geographies including India.
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Usage of AI Overviews (built into core search) has increased query volume by over 10% in major markets like India and the U.S.
According to reports from Google’s I/O coverage, features like Gemini Live and agentic AI are expanding rapidly across Android ecosystem (Android Auto, Wear OS, Android XR), increasing engagement opportunities for mobile users in India.
✅ Summary: Key Benefits at a Glance
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Speed & Convenience: One‑tap AI access—no app launch steps.
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Smart Answers: Comparison, synthesis, multi‑modal AI insights.
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Local & Contextual: Supports camera tasks, local queries.
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Customisable: Choose themes and transparency to fit your layout.
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Universal Availability: Works on all Android devices, not limited to Pixel.
🧠 Tips for Indian Android Users
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Keep your Google app updated to v16.28 or later.
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Enrol in Search Labs if available: to access newer UI designs and Search Live features.
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Use Customize options to adjust transparency for better contrast on colourful wallpapers.
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Explore AI Mode for practical local queries like restaurant suggestions, local transport, and hyper‑local search.
🔚 Conclusion
Google’s AI Mode shortcut in the Android Search widget is a game‑changer for Indian Android users. It bridges the gap between traditional search and conversational AI, offering instant access to powerful Gemini‑powered responses and tasks — all from your home screen. With Deep Search, Search Live, and agentic capabilities, Google is redefining how users find, research, and act on information.
📣 Call to Action
Ready to experience AI search like never before?
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Open the Google Play Store, update the Google app to v16.28 or later.
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Place the Google Search widget on your home screen.
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Long‑press → Customize → Add AI Mode shortcut today!
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Try AI Mode with a query—ask it anything, from travel recommendations to image analysis.
Discover smarter search. Faster answers. More convenience. Launch AI Mode from your homescreen and let Gemini help you in real life.