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Google Activates AI Mode Search in Germany and Dozens of European Countries

Powered by a search‑tuned Gemini 2.5 using Query‑Fan‑Out, the chat‑style experience surfaces synthesized answers with limited source links.

Overview

  • Availability expands to 36 new languages and more than 40 additional countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with a phased rollout via a new tab on web and mobile.
  • Selecting AI Mode replaces traditional long link lists with a comprehensive AI response, with citations shown as footnote links and a small panel of top references.
  • The system accepts text, voice and images, supports conversational follow‑ups, and offers an Agentic Mode that can perform tasks such as placing online orders.
  • Google says no ads will appear in AI Mode at launch in the EU, while advertising tests continue in the United States.
  • Publishers and site operators report double‑digit traffic declines tied to AI answers, which Google disputes as based on incomplete datasets.