Google tests merging AI Overviews with AI Mode to streamline conversational search experience

Google tests merging AI Overviews with AI Mode | TechCrunch

As OpenAI goes into "Code Red" over competitive pressures, Google announced it has begun testing a new feature that merges its AI Overviews with AI Mode in Search. That means that users who are provided with the now common, AI-generated snapshot of key information on a topic or question above their search results can choose to go deeper by asking follow-up questions in a conversational interface. Google calls this conversational feature AI Mode. It launched to U.S users this May, and to global users this August, allowing for back-and-forth chats with Google's Gemini AI, in an experience similar to ChatGPT. However, accessing the experience so far has required you to think ahead about what type of question you were preparing to search for. If it were a more traditional search query, or one where you could expect to get a quick answer, you'd likely stick with typing into the search box as usual. But if you expected to ask more questions or explore a topic in more detail, you'd have to click over to the AI Mode tab to start chatting with the AI instead. Google now wants to test whether or not it makes sense to differentiate the two experiences. After all, the process of information seeking can often lead to a desire to learn more. You may have thought you were starting a simple query, only to find yourself delving deeper into the topic. With the new test, announced on Monday, Google says users will be able to "seamlessly go deeper" in AI Mode directly from the Search results page. While the test is rolling out to users globally, it's only available on mobile devices for the time being. The rollout comes alongside a push inside Google's AI rival, OpenAI, which is now delaying other products to focus on improving the chatbox experience. Thanks in part to the release of Gemini's Nano Banana image model and other Gemini improvements, Gemini has grown to over 650 million monthly users as of November. Merging the conversational mode with AI Overviews, which has 2 billion monthly users, could give Gemini an edge in consumer adoption. Notes VP of Product for Google Search, Robby Stein, in a post on X, "You shouldn't have to think about where or how to ask your question." Instead, he explained, users will continue to get an AI Overview as a helpful starting point, but will then be able to ask conversational follow-up questions in AI Mode from the same screen. "This brings us closer to our vision for Search: just ask whatever's on your mind - no matter how long or complex - and find exactly what you need," Stein wrote.

Google to merge AI Overviews with AI Mode

Google is testing a feature combining its AI Overviews with AI Mode in Search, allowing users to ask follow-up questions directly from AI-generated search snapshots. AI Mode, a conversational interface similar to ChatGPT using Google's Gemini AI, launched for U.S. users in May and globally in August. Previously, users had to proactively select AI Mode for detailed inquiries, necessitating a distinct choice between traditional search and conversational AI for more complex topics. The new test aims to integrate these experiences. This development occurs as OpenAI prioritizes its chatbox experience. Google's Gemini platform, benefiting from Gemini's Nano Banana image model and other improvements, reported over 650 million monthly users as of November. AI Overviews currently serve 2 billion monthly users. Merging the conversational mode with AI Overviews could enhance Gemini's consumer adoption. Stein explained that users will receive an AI Overview as an initial output and can then pose conversational follow-up questions within AI Mode from the same screen. He remarked, "You shouldn't have to think about where or how to ask your question." He added, "This brings us closer to our vision for Search: just ask whatever's on your mind - no matter how long or complex - and find exactly what you need."

Google enhances Search with follow-up questions; tests AI Mode, AI Overview merger

In a video on X demonstrating the feature, which will be rolled out first on mobile devices, Robby Stein, Google's vice president of products, shared a travel-planning scenario involving his children, aged four and six. He asked Search for advice on what to prioritise when packing to ensure a smooth trip. Tech giant Google has begun testing the integration of AI Mode with AI Overview, the company's vice president of products, Robby Stein, confirmed on X. The feature will allow Google Search to ask follow-up questions and deliver more precise, conversational answers through its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In a video demonstrating the feature, Stein shared a travel-planning scenario involving his children, aged four and six. He asked Search for advice on what to prioritise when packing to ensure a smooth trip. Google's AI Overview responded with suggestions, after which Stein was able to ask additional follow-up questions, including ways to keep his kids entertained during the flight. This conversational flow, enabled by the integration of AI Mode, is what Google aims to refine. Stein has termed this the "one seamless experience." According to reports, the feature will be rolled out first on mobile devices. Google introduced its AI-powered search feature in India in June this year, expanding its availability after initial testing with a limited group. The new mode, initially announced by CEO Sundar Pichai in May, aims to provide more in-depth reasoning, multimodality, and follow-up question capabilities. The AI mode utilises a custom version of Gemini 2.5, enabling users to ask more complex questions. In September, Google unveiled its new AI feature, Search Live, in India, which enables users to have interactive conversations with Google Search through both voice and video. Competition in the browsing space Google Search competes with the likes of Perplexity's Comet browser, launched in July this year, and OpenAI's Atlas in October. Atlas has also attempted to merge ChatGPT capabilities with the web browser, allowing users to summarise articles, analyse content, or get real-time help. With the "cursor chat" tool, users can highlight text in emails or documents and ask ChatGPT to improve or edit it directly. Comet is a chatbot-style browser that acts like an AI-powered search engine similar to what Google is now testing. It can summarise emails, browse the web, and carry out tasks such as sending calendar invites. Google still holds dominance in the search space, where it has a market share of over 90%.

Google Tests New Search Design that Merges AI Overviews With AI Mode

Google has started testing a new design in Google Search that connects AI Overviews with AI Mode in one simple flow. The goal is to make search feel easy by keeping short answers and deeper chats on the same screen. The new test adds a "Dive deeper in AI Mode" button under the AI Overview on mobile results. Earlier, users had to decide if a question needed normal search or . The new setup keeps everything in one place. A short AI snapshot appears first. A deeper chat with Gemini AI opens only if someone wants to continue the topic. Robby Stein, who leads product for Google Search, said this update is meant to make search feel natural. His message explained that people should not worry about choosing tabs or tools. A question should flow from a quick answer into a longer conversation without extra steps. The test is live across the world but only on mobile. Google has not shared plans for desktops yet. The company wants to study how people interact with this setup before making wider changes.