Google Chrome Adds Side-by-Side AI Mode for Web Research

Google has introduced a new way to interact with the web through AI Mode, its conversational search experience. On Chrome desktop, users can now view web pages side-by-side with AI Mode, allowing them to browse, compare details, and ask follow-up questions without losing their search context.

Streamlined Web Exploration

The update is designed to keep users focused on their tasks by eliminating the need to constantly switch between tabs. By opening links directly alongside the AI interface, users can perform deeper research on specific items. For instance, if a user searches for a coffee maker, they can select a retailer’s website and immediately ask the AI follow-up questions, such as "how easy is this to clean?" The AI then provides answers based on both the content of the open webpage and information from across the web.
According to Google, early testers reported that this side-by-side functionality helped them maintain focus while reviewing comprehensive articles or long videos.

Contextual Searching Across Tabs

In addition to the side-by-side view, Google is introducing a way to incorporate existing browser tabs into the AI Mode experience. Users on Chrome desktop or mobile can tap a new "plus" menu located in the search box on the "New Tab" page or within AI Mode. This allows them to select recent tabs to include in their search.
This feature enables users to mix and match multiple tabs, images, or files to provide the AI with specific context. For example, a user researching hiking trails can add multiple open tabs to their search to request similar options in a different location. Similarly, students can pull context from lecture slides, class notes, and other open tabs to ask the AI for illustrative examples of complex concepts.

Availability

These updates to AI Mode are currently available to users in the U.S. Google has stated that it plans to expand the features to additional regions in the future.