Google AI Mode Launches Agentic Booking in Labs

Google has begun rolling out a new feature in its AI Mode, known as agentic booking, which is currently available to eligible U.S. users through Search Labs. This new capability is part of an ongoing experiment and allows users to search for and make bookings for restaurants, event tickets, and wellness appointments across various websites.

The feature is being introduced gradually and is not available to everyone just yet. Google has stated that it is rolling out the feature to a select group of users and invites feedback to refine the service. Users who do have access will experience a more streamlined process for making reservations and purchases, with AI Mode doing much of the heavy lifting in terms of comparing options across multiple platforms.

To access the agentic booking feature, users must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a personal Google account, being based in the U.S., and using English as the language preference. Additionally, users must have Web & App Activity enabled on their Google account, and they must be aged 18 or older. These conditions are listed clearly on the experiment page within Search Labs.

Once eligible users access the feature, they can take advantage of AI Mode’s ability to conduct multi-site searches for available bookings. This includes finding real-time options for restaurant reservations, event tickets, and wellness appointments. The AI will then generate a curated list of available times, ticket prices, and other details to help users make their decisions quickly and easily.

For restaurant bookings, users can ask for specific details, such as the party size, the time of day, the location, or even the type of cuisine. For example, a user might say, “Find me a dinner reservation for three people this Friday after 6pm around Logan Square, craving ramen or bibimbap.” The AI Mode will then show the available time slots along with links to directly book the reservation.

Similarly, when searching for event tickets, users can specify their preferences, including the number of tickets, the price range, and the seating options they prefer. For example, a user might query, “Find me two cheap tickets for the Shaboozey concert coming up. Prefer standing floor tickets.” AI Mode will then provide relevant options and a link to complete the purchase.

Wellness appointment bookings are also supported for those with Pro and Ultra subscriptions. This feature allows users to search for appointments with local service providers in real time, linking directly to the booking platform where the user can confirm the appointment.

AI Mode’s ability to gather and compare options across multiple websites helps users save time by simplifying the process of searching for availability. Instead of having to visit several different websites to check for available slots or prices, users can complete the comparison with a single query.

Although users still need to complete the transaction on the service provider’s website, AI Mode does the work of finding the options and comparing them. This reduces the number of steps it takes to make a booking, ultimately making the whole process more efficient.

Google’s Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, explained that this update is a part of an ongoing effort to make Google Search even more user-friendly and intuitive. By adding the ability to compare prices and availability across multiple websites in real time, AI Mode aims to enhance the user experience by simplifying the discovery process.

For now, the feature is being rolled out gradually, and its availability will expand over the coming days. Google has made it clear that this is still an experiment and that the service may not be perfect yet. The company is inviting feedback from users to help improve the accuracy and functionality of AI Mode for booking purposes.

As part of this phased rollout, users can expect some variation in terms of the services they can book through AI Mode, with certain services being available only to subscribers. For instance, AI Pro and Ultra subscribers are given access to additional features, such as event ticket and wellness appointment bookings.

Google’s AI Mode is expected to continue evolving, with the company looking to expand the types of services available through the feature in the future. As more users begin to interact with the service, Google will likely refine its algorithms and improve the overall user experience, making the process of booking services even more seamless.

Looking ahead, AI Mode’s integration of real-time multi-site searches could fundamentally change how people interact with Google Search. By offering a more dynamic and interactive search experience, Google is moving away from traditional keyword-based searches and embracing a future where AI can anticipate and fulfil a user’s needs more effectively.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new feature, Google has acknowledged that there may still be some hiccups as the feature is refined. The company has encouraged users to provide feedback on their experiences to help identify any issues and improve the service.

The rollout of agentic booking in AI Mode marks a significant step forward in how Google Search can assist users with making complex decisions, such as booking multiple services across different platforms. It also highlights the increasing importance of AI in the search experience, as Google continues to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

While this is just the beginning for AI Mode’s agentic booking capabilities, the future of search and online booking looks poised for even more innovation. As AI becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, Google’s move to introduce such a feature may set the stage for a new era of digital convenience.