&w=3840&q=100)
Google adds 'AI Mode' option upfront on Android Search widget: Details here
New Delhi
Google is reportedly rolling out a new AI Mode shortcut to the Google Search homescreen widget on Android that gives users quicker access to generative AI features directly from their home screen. According to a report by 9to5Google, this shortcut is now widely available across both beta and stable versions of the Google app (v16.28). This update follows Google's ongoing push to integrate generative AI more deeply into its mobile apps.
AI Mode shortcut
Previously, it was exclusive to Pixel Launcher, but is now rolling out widely on Android platform. Once available, it will allow users to directly type prompts into the full-screen AI Mode interface, similar to performing a standard Google search but with AI-powered enhancements.
In the redesigned Search widget, the AI Mode button appears as a standalone circular icon, positioned to the right of the voice search microphone and Google Lens icons. To enable it, users can long-press the Search widget on their homescreen, then navigate to Customise, where options for Theme, Transparency, and Shortcuts are available. Within Shortcuts, 'AI Mode' appears as the second option in the grid.
For non-Pixel users who are not part of the 'AI Mode' Search Labs experience, this new widget shortcut provides the fastest way to launch AI Mode. On devices not yet enrolled in Search Labs, the AI Mode shortcut appears as a pill-shaped button within the colourful carousel below the Search bar, rather than being embedded directly in it.
What is AI Mode
AI Mode is powered by Google's Gemini 2.5 multimodal AI model and lets users use Search more naturally and visually. You can speak a question, upload an image, or take a photo with Google Lens and then ask questions about what you see. AI Mode also uses real-time local info, shopping results, and data from Google's Knowledge Graph to give more helpful and relevant answers. The feature is available in the Google app on both Android and iOS.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
25 minutes ago
- India Today
Tech jobs at risk? TCS lays off 12,000 and Trump wants tech hiring stopped in India, full story in 5 points
Are tech jobs, particularly in India and for Indians, at risk? Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is laying off 12,000 employees as part of a major restructuring push to become more agile and future ready. At the other end, US President Donald Trump has instructed Big Tech – companies like Google, Microsoft, and others – to stop outsourcing jobs to India in order to boost domestic employment. advertisementNow, both these developments are not directly connected, but for Indian techies hoping to get a new job, or even hold on to their existing employment, all signs point to a future of great uncertainty. What is happening at TCS, which is one of India's top IT companies, or in the US where many young graduates aspire to go to and work, is concerning. There could be a myriad of reasons but one can't help but feel a bit shaken with the recent turn of those seeking answers and understand what's going on, here's a quick 5-point rundown of all the news and why it is unsettling to say the least: Point 1: TCS to cut 2 per cent of its workforceTCS, which employs over 6.13 lakh people worldwide as of June 2025, will reportedly reduce its headcount by about 2 per cent over FY 2026. This means more than 12,000 TCS employees will lose their jobs. These job cuts will primarily impact the TCS employees in the middle and senior management levels. TCS CEO K. Krithivasan told Moneycontrol that the cuts are part of a broader effort to align skills with changing industry demands rather than a simple cost-cutting exercise. 'This is not because of AI but to address skills for the future,' Krithivasan 2: TCS is automating tasks with AIAlthough TCS has denied that the growing use of artificial intelligence is directly responsible for the layoffs, industry analysts believe AI and automation are key factors influencing staffing needs. TCS has been increasingly automating roles in areas like manual testing, leaving many senior employees struggling to adapt to these emerging technologies. While TCS has been deploying AI at scale and retraining its employees, Krithivasan admitted that the ongoing redeployment 'hasn't been effective' in all cases, making layoffs 3: Severance packages by TCSThe job cuts at TCS will be carried out in the coming days, and the company has assured it will offer affected staff members severance packages, salary for the notice period, extended health insurance, and outplacement assistance. The company has also revealed that it is updating its bench policy to focus on keeping employees engaged with client projects. Krithivasan said this change is designed to 'put positive pressure' on staff so they can remain active instead of being unassigned for too 4: Trump asking tech companies to hire AmericansEarlier this month, US President Donald Trump called on major technology companies such as Google and Microsoft to halt hiring from overseas, including in India. Speaking at the AI Summit in Washington, Trump criticised what he described as the 'globalist mindset' of tech firms and said they should be 'all in for America.' He added, 'Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India and stashing profits in Ireland Under President Trump, those days are over.'Point 5: Trump to make it harder for Indians to get jobs in the USadvertisementOn 23 July 2025, President Trump also signed three executive orders as part of a broader 'AI Action Plan'. With this plan Trump aims to strengthen US leadership in artificial intelligence. The plan also orders to fast-track the construction of AI infrastructure in the US, including data centres and energy sources, mandate 'politically neutral' or 'non-woke' AI models for all federal AI procurement, and encourage building the entire 'AI tech stack' within the orders ask tech companies getting federal money not to outsource AI work abroad and also mentions that US states with stricter AI rules could see their government funding reduced. The immediate impact of these orders on Indian IT service exports may be limited, since the rules are largely aimed at the federal contracts and infrastructure projects. It does signal at the tighter regulations and growing barriers for Indian firms and techies looking to work in or with the US.- Ends
India Today
33 minutes ago
- India Today
AI will enhance, not replace humans and smartphones will evolve into intelligent collaborators with empathy: Oppo
At MWC 2025, Oppo announced its 'enhanced' AI strategy with an aim of bringing generative AI capabilities to an astounding 100 million users globally by the end of 2025. India will be 'central' to realising and achieving this goal, a top-level executive at the company said on the sidelines of the recent Reno 14 series launch in the exclusively to India Today Tech, Peter Dohyung Lee, Head of Product Strategy, at Oppo said, 'India is central to our goal of bringing GenAI to 100 million global users by 2025.' Calling it 'one of the most exciting markets for GenAI,' Lee highlighted that India's tech-savvy population is 'moving fast on AI, not just in awareness, but in real-world adoption' and Oppo is obliging by building 'useful, intuitive tools and making them accessible.'advertisementTo do that, it is 'actively' collaborating with Google, Microsoft, MediaTek and Qualcomm, to explore 'broader possibilities for AI phones' while ensuring user data is handled responsibly through compliance and privacy safeguards. Regarding AI replacing humans, Lee offered a profound anecdote: 'The future is not about humans vs AI, but it's about humans and AI, a partnership where technology enhances what we already do, not replaces it.' Edited excerpts.-- What is AI at Oppo? Is the Oppo team using AI tools internally? If yes, to what end and what is the end goal?At Oppo, AI isn't just a buzzword - it's a fundamental shift in how we approach innovation. We see it as a powerful way to make technology more personal, useful, and intuitive. Smartphones are the most direct path to bringing AI into people's everyday lives, and we have been embedding AI into our products long before it became a trend. From imaging and power efficiency to overall user experience, AI is deeply integrated across our portfolio. You see it in features like the HyperTone Image Engine, which delivers more natural, detailed portraits, and SuperVOOC fast charging, where AI smartly manages power and extends battery life. Peter Dohyung Lee, Head of Product Strategy, Oppo Internally, we are also applying AI and intelligent automation across R&D and testing, helping teams move faster, work smarter, and focus on what truly matters, i.e., delivering meaningful innovation. Our goal is simple - AI for all. That means bringing powerful, user-friendly AI features to everyone, not just flagship users.-- How smartphones play a role in democratising AI? What are some of the biggest challenges for brands like Oppo to get the implementation right in terms of both consumer-facing features and privacy?Smartphones are the most accessible entry point for AI, especially in a mobile-first country like India. At Oppo, we believe AI should benefit everyone, not just premium users. That's why we focus on integrating AI across all segments, not layering it on top, but building it deeply into the product challenge lies in striking the right balance, delivering powerful and helpful features while ensuring accessibility, performance, and privacy. We have already introduced over 100 AI-powered features on our devices - from advanced imaging to on-device GenAI and smart productivity tools. Beyond our innovations, we collaborate closely with partners such as Google, Microsoft, MediaTek and Qualcomm to optimise AI is just as important. AI means more data, but it also means more responsibility. As a global brand, Oppo fully complies with local regulations and has invested heavily in data protection including encryption, firewalls, and secure on-device processing. The goal is simple: deliver better AI experiences, built on a foundation of privacy and responsibility.-- How is Oppo placed to make GenAI features accessible to users? What are the types of investments Oppo is making in the field?advertisementAt Oppo, we see AI not as a high-end feature but as a daily companion, something that should be accessible to everyone. The recently launched Reno 14 series is a clear expression of that belief. It's more than just a product launch; it's a step toward our larger ambition of bringing generative AI to over 100 million users globally by 2025. Packing the most AI features in its segment, it brings tools like AI Eraser 2.0, AI Best Face, and more to everyday this push is the Oppo AI Centre, which brings together our global expertise across imaging, productivity, and creativity. We have already filed over 5,800 AI-related patents spanning everything from image processing and natural language understanding to machine learning and are committed to rolling out new updates in a timely Reno has been around for some time. Can you take us through some of its key milestones?Reno made its debut in 2019, and since then, it has grown into a go-to choice for users who value creativity and design. Globally, it is trusted by over 130 million people, and a big part of that is how we have consistently brought flagship-level camera and AI features in each India, the response has been fantastic. Reno has seen steady double-digit growth since 2021 and built a strong identity in the mid-premium space. People here don't just use their phones; they use them to create, tell stories, and express themselves, and Reno has become a part of that lifestyle.-- Talk about Oppo's strategic global partnerships with Google and Microsoft to enhance the product AI ecosystem?Our partnerships with Google and Microsoft are central to scaling meaningful AI experiences across our devices. With the Reno 14 series, we have deepened our collaboration with Google, where Gemini pulls information and helps you take actions across multiple apps and services, including Oppo Notes, Calendar, and Clock. This integration enables users to effortlessly perform complex actions across multiple apps using simple natural language queries, significantly enhancing AI convenience. With Microsoft, we are enhancing voice and text interactions to make them faster, more accurate, and natural. Using Azure AI's Fast Transcription, we have improved how audio recordings are converted into text. Our collaboration with Microsoft will also bridge desktop and mobile experiences where Oppo users will soon be able to use Microsoft Copilot on their PC to draft content, translate messages, or find addresses directly on their connected smartphone. Together, these partnerships support Oppo's hybrid AI strategy combining on-device and cloud intelligence to deliver fast, secure, and user-centric AI Is Oppo open to building and using its own LLM?We have been investing in our language models since 2020 in large vision and multimodal technology. What's exciting is that Oppo is the first smartphone company to successfully deploy an LLM with 7 billion parametres directly on the device. It is a big step forward in making powerful AI more personal, secure, and accessible right from your phone. By advancing AI technologies, we have rolled out over 100 generative AI features across our phones in 2024. Alongside our in-house models, we also integrate Google Gemini family LLMs into our flagship Talk about India's acceptance appetite for AI? What are Oppo's expectations from the Indian market?India is moving fast on AI, not just in awareness, but in real-world adoption. With over 690 million users and a young, tech-savvy population, it is one of the most exciting markets for are already seeing strong demand across tiers, with users expecting flagship-grade AI in mid-range phones. That makes India central to our goal of bringing GenAI to 100 million users by isn't about just pushing tech; it's about building useful, intuitive tools and making them accessible. That's why we are bringing features like AI Eraser, AI Recording Summary, and AI-powered imaging into mid and affordable segments, turning 'AI for All' into reality.-- How much AI is too much AI? What are some of the biggest customer pain-points Oppo is trying to solve with AI?It's not about adding more AI, it's about making it work meaningfully in people's lives. At Oppo, we focus on solving real user needs across imaging, productivity and performance parametres. With the Reno 14 series, users get practical tools like AI Eraser, AI Voice Scribe, and AI Translate, built to simplify tasks and save time based on user pain points. Our collaboration with MediaTek and Qualcomm help fine-tune performance at the chip level, enabling faster on-device AI, smoother multitasking, and smarter battery use. In the end, it's the right balance of hardware, software, and AI that delivers a truly better experience, not just more AI for the sake of it.-- What does the future look like for smartphones in the age of AI?Smartphones in the age of AI will become far more than smart devices, they will evolve into intelligent collaborators. We are moving toward phones that understand context, anticipate needs, and support users in real time, whether it's boosting creativity, improving communication, or simplifying daily tasks. The future is not about humans vs AI, but it's about humans and AI, a partnership where technology enhances what we already do, not replaces it. The smartphone will be the most personal gateway to this AI-powered future, with empathy, privacy, and user control at its core.- Ends
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
WhatsApp to Soon Let Users Import Profile Photos from Facebook and Instagram
In a move aimed at making user experience more seamless across its platforms, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that will allow Android users to import their profile pictures directly from Facebook or Instagram. This eliminates the need to download images manually from other platforms to use as a display picture on WhatsApp. According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, this upcoming functionality is currently being tested through the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.21.23. As per reports, users who have access to this version can already spot new options under the profile settings. In addition to the existing sources for setting a display photo — like camera, gallery, avatar, and Meta AI — two new options, Facebook and Instagram, have been added to the list. Until now, users who wanted to use a photo from their Facebook or Instagram profiles on WhatsApp had to go through a tedious process. This involved saving the image to their phone's gallery first and then uploading it manually to WhatsApp. The new feature aims to simplify this process and create a unified identity across Meta-owned platforms. The update is part of Meta's ongoing efforts to integrate its apps more closely. The feature works through Meta's Accounts Centre, a unified system that allows users to manage their profiles, logins, and content across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Users who wish to import their profile photos from other platforms will first need to link their WhatsApp account with their Meta account via this centre. The functionality will be accessible directly from the profile section under WhatsApp settings. Users simply need to tap on their current profile picture and choose either Facebook or Instagram to import a new one. However, it's worth noting that the feature will not be enabled by default. Users will have to manually opt in by linking their accounts through the Accounts Centre. This approach ensures that users have control over their cross-platform presence. Even with tighter integration, WhatsApp will maintain its end-to-end encryption and other existing privacy measures. The platform has reassured users that their privacy will not be compromised and the import feature will only apply to profile photos, not chats or contact data. While this functionality is still under development, only a limited group of users enrolled in the Google Play Beta Programme currently have access to it. Meta has yet to announce a public rollout date, but the feature is expected to be part of a future update for Android users. By allowing easier profile syncing across apps, WhatsApp is inching closer toward a more interconnected and user-friendly experience within the Meta ecosystem — a move that many frequent users of all three platforms will likely welcome.
