**Google Expands Search's AI Mode with New Booking and Planning Features**
Google has announced a significant update to its Search platform, introducing new “agentic” capabilities to the experimental AI Mode feature. These enhancements allow users to go beyond simple information retrieval, enabling complex interactions such as booking event tickets and scheduling beauty or wellness appointments—all directly within Google Search.
**What’s New in AI Mode?**
AI Mode, which is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to make its search engine smarter and more interactive, now allows users to accomplish tasks that previously required visiting multiple websites or apps. For instance, users can instruct Google to find and help book tickets for specific events or make appointments at salons and spas, streamlining the entire process.
For example, a user can type, “Find me 2 cheap tickets for the Shaboozey concert coming up. Prefer standing floor tickets.” Google’s AI Mode will then search across different ticketing websites in real time, interpreting the user’s requirements—such as the number of tickets, price range, and seating preference. The AI will compile a curated list of ticket options and prices, and present them in an easy-to-read format. Users can then click through to the appropriate booking page to finalize their purchase.
Similarly, the feature extends to beauty and wellness services. Users might ask for available hair appointments at a certain salon or seek spa sessions within a specific timeframe. AI Mode will comb through various booking platforms, present a selection of available slots that match the user’s preferences, and facilitate the booking process.
**Availability and Access**
These new capabilities are initially available to users in the United States who have joined Search Labs, Google’s experimental program for testing new search features. While all Search Labs participants can try AI Mode, those subscribed to Google AI Pro and Ultra tiers receive higher usage limits, allowing them to make more requests and explore the tool’s potential more extensively.
**Building on Previous Agentic Features**
The concept of agentic capabilities—where AI acts as an agent on the user’s behalf, performing tasks autonomously—was first introduced to AI Mode in August. At that time, Google enabled users to book restaurant reservations via Search. The feature could handle complex queries, such as, “Find me a dinner reservation for 3 people this Friday after 6pm around Logan Square. Craving ramen or bibimbap.” Google’s AI would then check across multiple reservation platforms for real-time availability, filter the results according to the specified preferences, and present the best options to the user.
This agentic approach is designed to save users time and effort, eliminating the need to manually check each restaurant’s website or booking app. With the latest update, Google is expanding this helpfulness to a wider range of services, moving closer to making Search a true digital assistant capable of handling a variety of real-world tasks.
**Quality, Safety, and Limitations**
Google emphasizes that its top priority remains connecting users with high-quality, trustworthy information. The company notes