Testing Enhanced AI Mode and Live Access for Google App
Google Streamlines Access to AI Mode and Introduces New Design
Google has made it easier for users to access its AI Mode features with the introduction of a new AI Mode shortcut in the Google Search homescreen widget on Android [1][2][3]. This shortcut, appearing as a standalone circular icon, is now widely available on Android devices, providing quicker access to generative AI features directly from the home screen.
Previously, the AI Mode shortcut was exclusive to Pixel devices and could only be accessed via the Pixel Launcher or Search Labs experiment. Now, users can enable the shortcut by long-pressing the widget, then navigating to Customize > Shortcuts, where "AI Mode" is the second option [1][2][3].
For users outside Search Labs or on unsupported devices, the shortcut may still appear as a pill-shaped button below the search bar carousel rather than embedded in the widget [1][3]. On non-Pixel devices, this shortcut is currently the fastest way to launch AI Mode, opening a fullscreen interface where users can enter prompts similarly to a standard Google search but enhanced with AI capabilities powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 multimodal model.
Comparing the latest design with the previous one, the new layout is more straightforward and descriptive, with two large pill-shaped buttons labeled "AI Mode" and "Live" below the search bar, aiming for clearer, more descriptive access points [5]. This new design is part of the latest Google app beta.
Meanwhile, Google is also testing a new design for the "Activity" tab in the Google app, with new icons and names such as "Your space" and "Library" [4]. The Google app version 16.30 update, however, is not mentioned as being a part of the latest Google app beta in this paragraph.
In addition, Google Search is rolling out AI Mode to the UK, and the removal of the Assistant "Routines" homescreen widget is not related to the "Activity" tab changes.
| Feature/Aspect | Previous Design | Latest Design | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Widget shortcut position | Initially exclusive to Pixel Launcher | Widely available on Android, circular AI Mode icon to the right of mic and Lens in Search widget[1][2] | | Shortcut visualization | Pill-shaped AI Mode button in a carousel below the search bar on some devices | Circular icon within widget or pill-shaped buttons below search bar in beta test[5] | | Access method | Only via Pixel Launcher or Search Labs experiment | Available broadly on Android devices via widget customization and long-press settings[1][2][3] | | Desktop access | No dedicated shortcut | New AI Mode shortcut included on Chrome New Tab Page[4] | | Search bar integration | Prominent colorful rotating AI Mode button with no text | Beta test of simplified "old Search bar" with two large pill-shaped buttons for “AI Mode” and “Live” with text labels, more straightforward but less colorful[5]|
[1] 9to5Google, Google is rolling out AI Mode to the Search homescreen widget on Android [2] Android Police, Google AI Mode is now available as a Search homescreen widget [3] XDA Developers, Google AI Mode Search Widget Now Available to All Android Users [4] 9to5Google, Google is adding an AI Mode shortcut to Chrome’s New Tab Page [5] 9to5Google, Google is testing a new design for AI Mode and Live shortcuts on mobile
Technology advancements have enabled Google to provide quicker access to generative AI features directly from the home screen, introducing an AI Mode shortcut in the Google Search homescreen widget on Android [1][2][3]. This new development, powered by Google’s Artificial Intelligence, aims to revolutionize the user experience by streamlining access to AI capabilities with the Gemini 2.5 multimodal model.
