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Google Expands Global AI Mode With Enhanced Agentic Capabilities

Global Rollout Fuels AI-Driven Search Innovation

Google has announced a worldwide expansion of its AI Mode, an experimental feature designed to help users ask complex, multi-part questions and follow-up inquiries directly within its Search platform. Initially available only in the United States, United Kingdom, and India, the feature now extends to 180 additional countries in English. Future plans aim to include support for more languages and regions, marking a significant milestone in Google’s ambition to transform search through advanced artificial intelligence.

Agentic Functionality: Beyond Simple Queries

One of the standout enhancements in this expansion is the introduction of agentic capabilities. Users can now leverage AI Mode to secure restaurant reservations with precision. For instance, by specifying details such as party size, date, time, location, and preferred cuisine, AI Mode scours multiple reservation platforms and surfaces real-time availability. This functionality is currently being piloted for U.S. Google AI Ultra subscribers through Google Labs’ “Agentic Capabilities in AI Mode” experiment, with plans to expand similar services to include local service appointments and event ticket bookings in the near future.

Personalized Search: Tailoring Results to Individual Preferences

In addition to its reservation capabilities, AI Mode now offers personalized search experiences. Drawing from a user’s previous interactions in Search and Maps, the feature dynamically adjusts results to reflect individual tastes and preferences. For example, a query such as “I only have an hour, need a quick lunch spot, any suggestions?” prompts AI Mode to consider previous searches and clicks, tailoring responses to highlight relevant options like Italian restaurants with outdoor seating if that aligns with the user’s preference. Users also retain control over their personalization settings via their Google Account.

Collaborative Features Enhance User Engagement

Recognizing the growing need for collaborative tools in planning and decision-making, Google has introduced a new “Share” button within AI Mode. This feature allows users to forward AI Mode responses to peers, enabling real-time collaboration on activities such as planning a trip or organizing a birthday celebration. This enhancement underscores Google’s commitment to making digital assistance not just a solitary tool but a resource for collective planning and tailored recommendations.

Future Outlook

Google’s global expansion of AI Mode, coupled with its novel agentic and personalized features, represents a critical step in the evolution of search technology. By blending advanced AI with user-driven personalization and collaborative tools, the tech giant is paving the way for a more intuitive and connected digital experience. As the platform continues to evolve, users can expect to see increasingly sophisticated functionalities designed to streamline everyday tasks and decision-making processes.

Zendesk Acquires Forethought To Strengthen AI Customer Support Tools

Zendesk, a company known for customer support software, has announced the acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Forethought. The deal is expected to close by the end of March and represents another step in the growing use of AI to automate customer service operations.

Strategic Innovation In Customer Service

Forethought has been developing AI tools for customer support automation for several years. The company first gained industry recognition after winning the TechCrunch Battlefield competition in 2018, well before the widespread adoption of generative AI tools.

Since then, Forethought has expanded its customer base to include companies such as Grammarly, Airtable, Upwork and Datadog. By 2025, the platform was processing more than one billion customer interactions each month, highlighting the growing role of automation in support operations.

Pioneering Leadership And Industry Recognition

Deon Nicholas, Forethought’s co-founder and chairman, hailed the acquisition as a milestone in a recent LinkedIn post. According to Nicholas, advances in AI over the past several years have accelerated adoption across multiple industries, particularly in areas that rely heavily on customer communication and service management.

Enhancing Zendesk’s Product Portfolio

The integration of Forethought’s technology is expected to expand Zendesk’s AI capabilities across its product suite. Company executives said the acquisition could accelerate development of several planned features by more than a year. These capabilities include specialized AI agents, systems that improve automatically through usage data and more advanced voice-based customer support tools. Zendesk has previously expanded its platform through acquisitions, including companies such as Zopim and BIME Analytics, which added messaging and analytics functionality to its products.

Implications For The Future

The acquisition reflects a broader shift in the software industry toward AI-driven automation of customer service tasks. Companies are increasingly using AI systems to handle routine inquiries while human agents focus on more complex cases. Zendesk’s move highlights how enterprise software providers are investing in AI technologies to improve efficiency and scale customer support operations as demand for digital service channels continues to grow.

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