3 min read
Google LLC is taking another major leap in its artificial intelligence strategy, turning Search from a passive information retrieval engine into an active, task-completing assistant.
In its latest AI Mode update, users enrolled in the Search Labs testing program in the U.S. can now ask Google to check availability and book restaurants, event tickets, or wellness appointments, instead of just surfacing a list of web links.
What’s Changing with Google Search
The new functionality represents Google’s first big move into what it calls “agentic AI,” where Search becomes proactive rather than reactive. Users can now enter conversational prompts such as:
“Find me a dinner reservation for 3 people this Friday after 6 pm around Logan Square, craving ramen or bibimbap.”
“Find me 2 cheap tickets for the Shaboozey concert coming up, prefer standing floor.”
Instead of simply returning websites, Google’s AI Mode will search across multiple booking platforms in real time, scan for availability, and present direct booking links within the Search interface. The process mimics the assistance of a digital concierge, only now, it lives inside Search itself.
Google has reportedly integrated APIs from OpenTable, Ticketmaster, and Mindbody for restaurant, entertainment, and wellness scheduling, respectively, while maintaining user privacy controls. The AI can compare prices, check real-time seat maps, and even filter results based on dietary or accessibility preferences.
According to early testers, AI Mode is capable of handling multi-step tasks such as “Find a massage near me tomorrow and book a slot after 5 pm,” demonstrating its ability to understand context, time, and user intent.
Who Gets Access
The rollout is currently limited to U.S.-based users aged 18 and above who have opted into the Search Labs beta and use English as their primary language. Early adopters of Google’s AI Pro and Ultra subscription tiers receive higher usage quotas and priority access, reflecting Google’s tiered approach to premium AI capabilities.
The company has been clear that this feature is still experimental, the AI might make booking mistakes, miss availability windows, or misread user preferences. Google is collecting anonymized feedback to improve reliability before a broader rollout.
Here’s Why It Can Change Search Forever
Google Search is changing the core into a do-it-for-me engine rather than a find-it-for-me tool. The shift represents a strategic pivot from traditional search indexing toward task automation, a space increasingly competitive with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot ecosystem.
By embedding transactional capabilities directly into Search, Google is reducing friction between search intent and action. For consumers, it means fewer steps and less time jumping between apps; for Google, it increases user stickiness and monetization opportunities.
