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Google is launching an "AI mode" for its search engine and Chrome browser, offering a conversational Q&A experience similar to ChatGPT. This "total reimagining of search" aims to compete with rivals like OpenAI, leveraging Google's vast user data and improved Gemini 2.5 language model. While initially free, a paid "AI Pro" subscription ($25/month) and a premium "ultra" package ($250/month) offer advanced features, including an AI agent, Project Mariner. Concerns about user privacy remain due to the model's access to historical data. Google also showcased Project Astra, a multimodal agent integrating with search and other devices.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.