Background

Google’s search experience already offers AI Overviews—brief, AI‑generated snapshots of key information that appear above standard results. Separately, the company introduced AI Mode, a conversational interface powered by Gemini that lets users ask follow‑up questions in a chat‑like format.

New Integrated Test

In a new test, Google is merging these two experiences. Users who see an AI Overview can now tap a button to continue the conversation in AI Mode directly from the same screen. This eliminates the previous step of navigating to a separate AI Mode tab. The test is currently available on mobile devices worldwide.

The integration means that after receiving an overview, a user can ask additional, more detailed questions and receive conversational answers without leaving the search results page. Google describes the goal as allowing people to “just ask whatever’s on your mind – no matter how long or complex – and find exactly what you need.”

Rollout Details

The feature launched to U.S. users in May and expanded to global users in August. While the test is global, it remains limited to mobile platforms for the time being.

Potential Impact

By unifying AI Overviews and AI Mode, Google hopes to streamline information seeking and boost adoption of its Gemini AI. Gemini already serves hundreds of millions of monthly users, and AI Overviews reach billions. Combining the two could enhance user engagement and keep the search experience fluid.

The move also positions Google against competitors that focus heavily on chat‑first experiences, signaling a commitment to integrating conversational AI within the traditional search workflow.

Used: News Factory APP - news discovery and automation - ChatGPT for Business