TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google has launched a new AI-driven mode for its services in India, aiming to enhance user experiences with personalized and efficient interactions. Announced on June 23, 2025, the initiative targets India’s vast digital population, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve search, accessibility, and local language support. The AI mode, integrated into Google Search, Google Assistant, and other core products, offers advanced features like context-aware responses, real-time translations, and tailored content recommendations. For instance, users can now ask complex questions in regional languages such as Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali, and receive accurate, conversational replies. This builds on Google’s ongoing efforts to make its platforms more inclusive for India’s diverse linguistic landscape. At a virtual event, Google India’s managing director, Sanjay Gupta, emphasized the role of AI in bridging digital gaps. “India’s unique challenges and opportunities inspire us to innovate. This AI mode is designed to make technology more intuitive and accessible for every Indian,” he said. The company highlighted partnerships with local developers and startups to fine-tune AI models for cultural and regional nuances. The rollout includes enhancements to Google Lens, which now supports visual searches in multiple Indian languages, and Google Maps, where AI improves navigation with real-time traffic predictions and location-based suggestions. Additionally, Google Assistant’s voice capabilities have been upgraded to handle colloquial phrases and mixed-language queries, a common practice among Indian users. Google also announced plans to expand AI literacy programs in India, collaborating with educational institutions to train students and professionals on AI tools. This aligns with the company’s broader goal of fostering a tech-savvy workforce in the country. The AI mode is available immediately to users in India via app updates and will gradually roll out to more devices. While the features are free, some premium functionalities may tie into Google’s subscription services. The company faces competition from local and global players like Microsoft and Reliance Jio, which are also investing heavily in AI for the Indian market. With India’s internet user base projected to surpass 900 million by 2026, Google’s AI push underscores its commitment to capturing this growing market. The move is expected to set a benchmark for how global tech giants tailor AI solutions for emerging economies.