Google has rolled out a significant upgrade to its AI Mode inside Google Chrome, introducing a side-by-side browsing experience that blends conversational search with live web pages.
Instead of opening links in new tabs, users can now view websites alongside AI Mode in the same window. The feature keeps the chatbot-style search tool visible while users explore content, allowing them to ask follow-up questions without breaking their flow.
According to Google, this is meant to reduce what it calls “tab hopping,” a common frustration when switching between multiple pages during research.
A more seamless browsing experience
With the update, clicking a link inside AI Mode opens the webpage next to the AI panel rather than replacing it or launching a new tab. This means users can read content, compare sources, and ask questions about what they’re seeing in real time.
The company added that users found the layout helpful for staying focused while exploring different sources. This update also changes how search sessions behave. Previously, clicking a link would effectively end the AI interaction in that tab. Now, AI Mode remains active throughout the browsing experience, serving as a persistent assistant.
Another key addition is the ability to search across open tabs. Users can tap a new “plus” menu in the Chrome search box or in AI Mode to include recent tabs, images, or files, such as PDFs, in a query.
The feature supports mixing different inputs from tabs to documents, giving AI Mode more context to generate tailored responses.
The upgrade is part of Google’s wider effort to make AI Mode feel like a built-in layer of Chrome rather than a separate tool. Over time, the company has added capabilities like image generation, planning tools, and more visible source links to the experience.
At the same time, the update raises ongoing questions about how AI-driven search impacts the broader web ecosystem. Some publishers have expressed concerns about declining traffic as users rely more on AI summaries instead of visiting websites directly.
Availability
These upgrades are now rolling out to users in the US across both desktop and mobile versions of Chrome. While Google has not confirmed an exact timeline for a global release, broader availability is expected in the coming months as the company continues to refine the experience based on early user feedback.
For now, the US rollout serves as a testing ground for user interactions with the side-by-side interface and persistent AI Mode. Google is likely to use this phase to fine-tune performance, usability, and the feature’s integration into everyday browsing habits before expanding it to additional regions.
Users who already have access should see the changes automatically, with no additional setup required, as part of Chrome’s ongoing updates.
For more on Google’s latest AI voice advancements, check out our coverage of Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS, which supports 70+ languages and customizable accents.