Google’s AI Image Search Now Talks Back
▼ Summary
– Google’s AI Mode update enables conversational visual searches using vague descriptions instead of traditional filters.
– Users can refine search results through follow-up requests and receive shoppable options from retailers.
– The feature supports starting searches by uploading reference images or combining images with text descriptions.
– This visual search upgrade works for product shopping and general inspiration like interior design.
– The update is rolling out to US English users and leverages Gemini 2.5’s multimodal capabilities for nuanced image recognition.
Finding the perfect image or product online just became a lot more intuitive, thanks to Google’s new conversational AI Mode for visual search. This significant upgrade allows users to describe what they need using everyday language, much like they would explain it to a friend, rather than relying on rigid filters for color, brand, or size.
Google’s official announcement emphasized the natural, back-and-forth nature of this new feature. You can begin with a simple, conversational query and then receive a curated set of visual results. The real power lies in your ability to continuously refine the search in whatever way feels most natural. For instance, after seeing the initial images, you could ask for options with darker tones or bolder prints, and the AI will intelligently adjust the results on the fly.
Imagine you’re hunting for a specific style of jeans. You could start by asking for “barrel jeans that aren’t too bagy.” If the results aren’t quite right, you can follow up with additional instructions like, “I want more ankle length,” or “show me acid-washed denim.” The system is designed to understand these nuanced requests and provide a relevant, shoppable set of options, making it simple to jump directly to a retailer’s site to complete a purchase.
The functionality extends beyond just text-based queries. You can also kick off a search by uploading a reference picture you already have or by taking a new photo with your device’s camera. The AI will then fetch visually similar results. It’s also possible to combine both images and descriptive text to hone in on exactly what you’re looking for. This isn’t just for shopping; it’s a powerful tool for general visual discovery, such as gathering interior design inspiration for a living room.
This enhanced visual search within AI Mode is beginning its rollout to users in the United States in English. It may take a few days for everyone to gain access to the new capabilities. Google states that this innovation builds upon the existing foundations of Google Search with Lens, traditional Image search, and the sophisticated multimodal and language skills of the Gemini 2.5 model. This underlying technology enables the AI to recognize fine details and secondary objects within images, leading to a much deeper understanding of visual context and delivering more precise and nuanced search outcomes.
(Source: The Verge)
