As AI Mode testing continues, Google is trialing a new way to launch the generative experience from the Search bar on Android.
Since launch, you’ve been able to start a new AI Mode chat from the shortcut underneath the Search bar at the top of the Google app. It lives alongside the buttons (Screenshots, Translate, and Homework filters) that launch Google Lens and Song Search.
Google is now testing a prominent AI Mode circle directly in the Search field. Replacing the voice and Lens icons at the right, a tap lets you immediately start typing. The “Ask AI Mode” field last week gained Google Lens integration with the ability to upload from your gallery or take a new picture.
This design replaces the colorful carousel with three shortcuts to start voice search, launch Google Lens, or jump directly to your gallery for a visual lookup.
Right now, we’re only seeing this design on one device. Free users in the US can now sign-up for AI Mode via Search Labs.
On iOS, you can now launch AI Mode from the customizable homescreen widget. That is presumably coming to the Android version, which recently picked up two new shortcuts for quick access to News and Saved (in light of Activity replacing it as a tab in the bottom bar).
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