Coming to Australia soon. Google just dropped some major updates to Search in the USA that represent the biggest leap forward in search technology since the original PageRank algorithm.
Coming to Australia Soon
Google overnight just dropped some major updates to Search in the USA that represent the biggest leap forward in search technology since the original PageRank algorithm. With the rollout of enhanced AI Mode, Deep Search capabilities, and AI-powered local business integration, we’re witnessing a fundamental shift from traditional search to intelligent research assistance.
The Big Picture: From Search to AI Research Assistant
Google Search is evolving from a simple query-and-results tool into a sophisticated AI research assistant powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro. This isn’t just about faster results—it’s about fundamentally changing how we interact with information online.
Game-Changer #1: AI Mode Gets a Major Upgrade with Gemini 2.5 Pro
What’s New
AI Mode in Google Search now offers access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google’s most advanced AI model. Users can select between two distinct modes:
- Fast all-around help (default): Quick responses for everyday queries
- Reasoning, math & code (2.5 Pro): Advanced problem-solving for complex questions
Why This Matters
This dual-model approach recognises that different queries need different levels of AI sophistication. Need a quick recipe? The default model handles it instantly. Working on complex mathematical proofs or debugging code? Gemini 2.5 Pro provides the advanced reasoning capabilities you need. Key Benefits:
- Advanced reasoning capabilities for complex queries
- Enhanced math and coding assistance
- Seamless integration with traditional search results
- Links to authoritative sources for deeper learning
Who Gets Access
Currently rolling out to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are opted into the AI Mode experiment in Google Labs.
Game-Changer #2: Deep Search – Your Personal Research Team
The Revolutionary Feature
Deep Search represents perhaps the most significant advancement in search technology in years. This feature essentially gives you a team of AI researchers working on your behalf, conducting hundreds of searches and synthesizing comprehensive reports in minutes.
How Deep Search Works
- Massive Scale Research: Conducts hundreds of individual searches automatically
- Cross-Reference Analysis: Reasons across disparate pieces of information
- Comprehensive Reporting: Crafts detailed, fully-cited reports
- Time Savings: Completes hours of research in minutes
Real-World Applications
Deep Search excels in scenarios that traditionally required extensive manual research:
- Professional Research: Market analysis, competitive intelligence, industry trends
- Academic Work: Literature reviews, thesis research, complex topics
- Life Decisions: Home buying research, financial planning, major purchases
- Hobby Deep-Dives: Historical research, technical specifications, comparative analysis
The Business Impact
For professionals and researchers, Deep Search could fundamentally change workflow efficiency. Instead of spending hours manually researching a topic, you can get a comprehensive, cited report that serves as a strong foundation for decision-making.
Game-Changer #3: AI-Powered Local Business Integration
The Innovation
Google is now introducing agentic AI capabilities that can actually call local businesses on your behalf to gather pricing and availability information. This bridges the gap between online search and real-world business interaction.
How It Works
- Search for local services (e.g., “pet groomers near me”)
- Select “Have AI check pricing” option
- Submit your specific request
- AI calls multiple businesses automatically
- Receive consolidated information about appointments and services
Revolutionary Aspects
- Automated Outreach: No more calling multiple businesses yourself
- Consolidated Information: Compare options from multiple providers instantly
- Real-Time Data: Get current pricing and availability, not outdated website information
- Business-Friendly: Creates new booking opportunities for local businesses
Availability and Limits
- Rolling out to all U.S. Search users
- Higher usage limits for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers
- Businesses maintain control through their Business Profile settings
The Bigger Strategic Picture
These three updates represent Google’s vision of search as an intelligent agent rather than a passive tool. The company is clearly positioning premium AI features as value-added services for subscribers while maintaining basic search functionality for all users.
Subscription Strategy
Google is implementing a tiered approach:
- Free Users: Access to basic AI features and local business calling
- AI Pro/Ultra Subscribers: Early access to cutting-edge capabilities, higher usage limits, and advanced models
Business Model Evolution
This shift suggests Google is moving toward a hybrid model where advanced AI capabilities become premium features, similar to how cloud services and professional software operate.
For Businesses
- New opportunities for customer acquisition through AI-powered calls
- Better visibility in local search results
- Streamlined booking processes
Critical Takeaways: What This Means for Your Business Strategy in Australia
Get AI Ready—Now
The shift to AI-powered search isn’t coming—it’s here. Businesses that don’t adapt their digital presence for AI consumption risk becoming invisible in this new landscape. AI models are now reading and interpreting your content to answer user queries, which means your optimisation strategy needs to evolve beyond traditional SEO.
Your Website is Now a Library, Not a Brochure
Think of your website as a modern library where AI librarians (Google’s systems) help visitors find exactly what they need. Your job is to make information as accessible and discoverable as possible—not just for human visitors, but for AI systems that are parsing your content to provide instant answers. The One-Click Rule: Every piece of important information should be findable within one click from your homepage or through clear, AI-readable pathways. When Deep Search conducts hundreds of searches on your topic, you want your content to be the most comprehensive, well-structured source it encounters.
Getting Started
The search revolution is here—and it’s powered by AI that doesn’t just find information, but thinks about it, synthesizes it, and acts on it. If you want to book a free AI Search Strategy Consultation visit https://roi.com.au/
Author Ewan Watt Founder & CEO – ROI Growth Agency 1300 650 274 Bachelor of Business in Marketing 25 years digital marketing experience