Google’s AI Mode adds 5 new languages including Hindi, Japanese, and Korean

Google is significantly expanding its AI-powered Search, AI Mode, to five new languages—Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese—following its recent rollout to 180 new English markets. This global push, leveraging Gemini 2.5, aims to solidify Google's competitive stance against rivals like Perplexity and ChatGPT Search and potentially make AI-led search the default, despite ongoing industry concerns about its impact on website traffic. The move underscores Google's accelerated integration of AI into its core search product.

Analysis

Google is executing a significant and accelerated global expansion of its AI-powered search experience, "AI Mode," by adding support for five major languages after previously launching in 180 English-speaking markets. This move, powered by a custom version of its Gemini 2.5 model, is a direct strategic counter to the competitive threat posed by AI-native search platforms like Perplexity and OpenAI's ChatGPT Search. The company is simultaneously testing a clear monetization path with advanced "agentic features" for its premium AI Ultra subscription tier, priced at $249.99 per month, which aims to handle tasks like booking reservations. While a Google product manager indicated this AI-led experience could become the default search interface "soon," the strategy is not without friction. The article notes ongoing industry criticism that Google's AI features negatively impact website traffic, a claim the company has denied, highlighting a key tension between evolving its core product and maintaining the health of the web ecosystem it relies upon.

Key Decisions for Investors

• The aggressive global rollout of AI Mode should be viewed as a critical defensive and offensive maneuver by Google to protect its core search business, and its success will be a key determinant of the company's long-term competitive positioning in the AI landscape.
• Investors should monitor the adoption rates and user feedback for the premium AI Ultra tier, as its $249.99/month price point for agentic capabilities represents a key test for Google's ability to establish high-value, non-advertising revenue streams from its AI investments.
• Remain vigilant for any independent data or regulatory commentary regarding the impact of AI search on publisher traffic, as significant negative effects could create future headwinds for Google's relationship with content creators and potentially attract regulatory scrutiny.