Google Unveils Advanced AI Features for Search, Shopping, and Filmmaking with New Subscription Plan

In May, Google unveiled a series of groundbreaking AI innovations aimed at enhancing user experiences across various platforms and applications. These updates are part of Google's ongoing effort to integrate advanced AI capabilities into everyday tasks, making technology more intuitive and accessible. One of the major highlights is the introduction of AI Mode in Search, a powerful AI-driven search tool that provides more advanced reasoning and multimodal responses. AI Mode allows users to delve deeper into their queries through follow-up questions and relevant web links. This summer, Deep Search will enhance AI Mode, offering even more comprehensive and detailed results. Additionally, Project Astra’s live capabilities will be integrated, enabling users to engage in real-time conversations with Search using their cameras. Project Mariner’s agentic capabilities, which automate routine tasks such as purchasing tickets, will also be added to AI Mode, further streamlining user interactions. Google has also expanded its shopping experiences with the introduction of AI-driven browsing and purchasing features. By combining Gemini’s capabilities with the Shopping Graph, users can explore billions of product listings, consider various factors, and narrow down their searches more effectively. The agentic checkout feature ensures that users can complete purchases at prices that fit their budgets, while the virtual try-on feature allows users to see how apparel looks on them by uploading a photo. To bring AI closer to the physical world, Google previewed Android XR, a platform that integrates Gemini into augmented reality (AR) glasses and headsets. These devices, equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, will work seamlessly with smartphones to offer a more natural and hands-free experience. Users will be able to access their apps and receive AI assistance without the need to constantly reach for their phones. The NotebookLM app, which delivers Audio Overviews on the go, received significant updates this month. Now available on both Android and iOS, the app lets users interact with Audio Overview hosts while mobile, share sources to NotebookLM from any device, and even listen to overviews offline. NotebookLM has been well-received, with millions of users finding it a valuable tool for understanding complex information. Google also announced a major redesign for Android and Wear OS, focusing on improving user interface and security. Material 3 Expressive makes Android devices more fluid, personable, and easy to glance at, while AI-powered features such as enhanced scam text detection and robust security measures safeguard users from modern threats. Gemini’s intelligence is being incorporated into more Android devices, ensuring a seamless and smart user experience. The Gemini app received several new capabilities to enhance its functionality and user assistance. Veo 3, a state-of-the-art video generation model, supports sound effects, background noises, and character dialogues, making it easier to create high-quality videos. Other features like Deep Research, Canvas, Imagen 4, and Gemini Live help users in creating, learning, and exploring with an AI assistant that understands their context and anticipates their needs. Google introduced Flow, a new AI filmmaking tool developed in collaboration with creative professionals. Flow is designed to assist storytellers in generating cinematic clips and scenes, offering features such as camera angle control, scene extension, and asset management. This tool caters to both novices and seasoned professionals, providing a robust set of tools for digital content creation. To cater to users who demand the highest level of AI capabilities, Google launched the Google AI Ultra subscription plan. This plan offers the highest usage limits and access to the most powerful models and premium features. The existing AI Premium plan, now renamed Google AI Pro, will include Flow among other new features. Free access to Google AI Pro will be expanded to university students in Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and the United States for the academic year. Industry insiders and analysts are highly impressed by Google’s recent AI announcements. They see these developments as significant steps forward in making AI more practical and accessible, particularly in areas like search, shopping, and content creation. The integration of Gemini into wearable devices and the enhancement of security measures on Android are viewed as pivotal moves that could set new standards in the tech industry. Google’s commitment to collaborating with creative professionals and expanding free access to education is seen as a strong strategy to foster innovation and adoption of AI technologies. With a history of leading in AI research and development, Google continues to solidify its position as a frontrunner in the field, setting the stage for future advancements.