Techub News message: Google is testing an AI Mode hotel concierge booking feature in the U.S. on a limited basis. The company is partnering with Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott, and IHG. Users can directly compare hotel options, set preferences, and complete bookings within the AI chat interface—without leaving the conversation or jumping to an external website. The feature builds on the evolution of the Canvas functionality introduced in November 2025. A Gemini model performs multi-step planning tasks. Google will also expand the conversational Flight Deals feature to more than 200 countries worldwide, and combine it with Ask Maps to enhance hotel search and price tracking, building an end-to-end travel planning layer. Currently, Google does not act as the merchant that records transactions; payments and booking confirmations are handled by partner platforms. (cryptobriefing.com)