Google launched AI Mode in the UK this week, following its US and India rollouts. The new search bar combines Google’s Gemini 2.5 AI with voice, picture, and text inputs. It can compare products, plan trips, and handle complex how-to questions.
At the same time, Microsoft rolled out Copilot Mode in Bing’s search bar. Copilot reads, compiles, and reasons about web info, then serves concise answers. Both aim to shake up traditional search.
The difference? Both act like chatbots. They respond conversationally with recommendations—like e-bikes, meal plans, or job listings—and make assumptions about user preferences. For meal plans, they guessed cooking skill, exercise habits, and dietary needs without prompts. 
Copilot uniquely adapts answers based on your open browser tabs. For instance, opening job sites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor makes Copilot recommend jobs only from those sites.
Google AI Mode ignores context clues from browser tabs.
Both systems handled the controversial topic of measles vaccines by starting with scientific consensus but also including “alternative” viewpoints, often with disclaimers.
Microsoft’s Copilot said it drew on “high-quality sources” like WHO, CDC, and peer-reviewed journals. It acknowledged including skeptical views only when tabs suggested user interest and emphasized careful contextualization to avoid spreading misinformation.
Google AI Mode gave a similar disclaimer when presenting dissenting opinions:
“It’s essential to include this viewpoint because it represents a significant part of the public discourse, even if it contradicts the scientific consensus”.
Requests for info on how these models define “high-quality sources” from Google and Microsoft went unanswered.
Neither tool currently handles tasks like booking reservations or uploading documents. Google AI couldn’t complete a meal plan or add groceries to a cart. Copilot declined to book dinners or doctor appointments but promised these features in future updates.
The launch comes as searches get more conversational—but action-based task handling is still coming.
Sources: Google AI Mode, Microsoft Copilot Mode
