Google Upgrades Image Search with Conversational AI

Google is enhancing its AI Mode with a significant update that makes searching for images a more conversational and intuitive experience. According to a recent announcement from Google, this change is designed to provide a more natural way to shop and explore visually online, allowing users to move beyond simple keyword filters.

A More Natural Way to Shop and Search

The core of the update allows users to search for items using vague or descriptive language, much like you would when talking to a friend. Instead of relying on specific filters for color, size, or brand, you can now use natural phrases to find what you're looking for. Google's announcement states, “You’ll see rich visuals that match the vibe you’re looking for, and can follow up in whatever way is most natural for you, like asking for more options with dark tones and bold prints.”

For instance, someone shopping for clothes could start by searching for “barrel jeans that aren’t too baggy.” From there, they can refine the results with follow-up requests such as “I want more ankle length” or “show me acid-washed denim.” AI Mode then intelligently presents a curated set of shoppable products, making it easy to click through to retailer websites for purchase.

Advanced Tech and Multimodal Capabilities

The search isn't limited to just text. Users can begin their search by uploading a photo or taking a new one to find visually similar items. It's also possible to combine images and text to further narrow down the search, making it a powerful tool for finding specific items or inspiration for things like interior design.

The technology powering this upgrade combines Google Search with Lens and Image search with the advanced multimodal and language capabilities of Gemini 2.5. This allows the AI to recognize subtle details, secondary objects, and the overall context within an image to deliver more accurate and nuanced results. The AI Mode visual search update is currently rolling out to users in the US in English and should become available over the coming days.