Previously, the search bar already included an AI Mode button on the right side. Now, a small plus icon has appeared on the left. Selecting it allows users to upload an image or document, which is then added directly into the search field. After uploading, users can ask questions related to the file, and Google responds through its conversational AI Mode interface.
That said, the connection between the new plus icon and AI Mode isn’t immediately obvious. The button simply offers options to upload an image or file, without referencing AI at all. Meanwhile, the traditional Google Lens icon for image searches remains on the right side of the bar, which may add to the confusion.
It’s also unclear how many users rely on Google.com itself rather than the Chrome address bar for searches on desktop. Chrome currently dominates the browser market, holding roughly 71% share worldwide. Still, Google has signaled stronger integration of its AI tools as competition from services like ChatGPT increases. For instance, Gemini has already been embedded into the Chrome app on iPhones and iPads.
Beyond search, Google continues to expand AI across other products. The company is testing AI-driven personalization in Google Discover through a Labs feature called “Tailor your feed,” which allows users to define the type of content they want to see. However, not all experiments have been smooth - recent tests using AI to rewrite news headlines have reportedly introduced inaccuracies, especially with breaking news.
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